Combined optical fiber interferometric sensors for the detection of acoustic emission

A type of combined optical fiber interferometric acoustic emission sensor is proposed. The sensor can be independent on the laser source and make light interference by matching the lengths of two arms,so it can be used to monitor the health of large structure. Theoretical analyses indicate that the system can be equivalent to the Michelson interferometer with two optical fiber loop reflectors,and its sensitivity has been remarkably increased because of the decrease of the losses of light energy. PZT is powered by DC regulator to control the operating point of the system,so the system can accurately detect feeble vibration which is generated by ultrasonic waves propagating on the surface of solid. The amplitude and the frequency of feeble vibration signal are obtained by detecting the output light intensity of interferometer and using Fourier transform technique. The results indicate that the system can be used to detect the acoustic emission signals by the frequency characteristics.

Effects of Fiber Weight Ratio, Structure and Fiber Modification onto Flexural Properties of Luffa-Polyester Composites

The effect of chemical modification, reinforcement structure and fiber weight ratio on the flexural proprieties of Luffa-polyester composites was studied. A unsaturated polyester matrix reinforced with a mat of Luffa external wall fibers (ComLEMat), a short Luffa external wall fibers(ComLEBC) and a short Luffa core fi-bers (ComLCBC) was fabricated under various conditions of fibers treatments (combined process, acetylat-ing and cyanoethylating) and fiber weight ratio. It resorts that acetylating and cyanoethylating enhance the flexural strength and the flexural modulus. The fiber weight ratio influenced the flexural properties of com-posites. Indeed, a maximum value of strength and strain is observed over a 10% fiber weight ratio. The uses of various reinforcement structures were investigated. The enhancement of elongation at break and the strain values of the composite reinforced by natural mat was proved.

Effect of Fiber Weight Ratio and Fiber Modification on Flexural Properties of Posidonia-Polyester Composites

The main objective of this research is to study the effect of fiber weight ratio and chemical fiber modification on flexural properties of composites reinforced with Posidonia fiber. An unsaturated polyester matrix reinforced with untreated and treated Posidonia fibers was fabricated under various fiber weight ratios. Results showed that the combined chemical treatment provided better mechanical properties of composites in comparison with untreated fiber. The fiber weight ratio influenced the flexural properties of composites. Indeed, a maximum value of flexural modulus was observed for 10% fiber weight ratio for composites reinforced with treated fibers. SEM photographs revealed a different fracture surface between Posidonia fibers reinforced polyester composites.

Enhancing m^(6)A modification in the motor cortex facilitates corticospinal tract remodeling after spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury typically causes corticospinal tract disruption. Although the disrupted corticospinal tract can self-regenerate to a certain degree, the underlying mechanism of this process is still unclear. N6-methyladenosine(m^(6)A) modifications are the most common form of epigenetic regulation at the RNA level and play an essential role in biological processes. However, whether m^(6)A modifications participate in corticospinal tract regeneration after spinal cord injury remains unknown. We found that expression of methyltransferase 14 protein(METTL14) in the locomotor cortex was high after spinal cord injury and accompanied by elevated m^(6)A levels. Knockdown of Mettl14 in the locomotor cortex was not favorable for corticospinal tract regeneration and neurological recovery after spinal cord injury. Through bioinformatics analysis and methylated RNA immunoprecipitation-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, we found that METTL14 regulated Trib2 expression in an m^(6)A-regulated manner, thereby activating the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway and promoting corticospinal tract regeneration. Finally, we administered syringin, a stabilizer of METTL14, using molecular docking. Results confirmed that syringin can promote corticospinal tract regeneration and facilitate neurological recovery by stabilizing METTL14. Findings from this study reveal that m^(6)A modification is involved in the regulation of corticospinal tract regeneration after spinal cord injury.

Carbon fiber confined mixed Ni-based crystal phases with interfacial charge redistribution induced by high bond polarity for electrochemical urea-assisted hydrogen generation

Interfacial electronic structure modulation of nickel-based electrocata-lysts is significant in boosting energy-conversion-relevant urea oxidation reaction(UOR).Herein,porous carbon nanofibers confined mixed Ni-based crystal phases of Ni_(2)P and NiF_(2) are developed via fluorination and phosphorization of Ni coated carbon nanofiber(Ni_(2)P/NiF_(2)/PCNF),which possess sufficient mesoporous and optimized Gibbs adsorption free energy by mixed phase-induced charge redistribution.This novel system further reduces the reaction energy barrier and improves the reaction activity by addressing the challenges of low intrinsic activity,difficulty in active site formation,and insufficient synergism.A considerably high current density of 254.29 mA cm^(-2) is reached at 1.54 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode on a glass carbon electrode,and the cell voltage requires 1.39 V to get 10 mA cm^(-2) in hydrogen generation,with very good stability,about 190 mV less than that of the traditional water electrolysis.The facile active phase formation and high charge transfer ability induced by asymmetric charge redistribution are found in the interface,where the urea molecules tend to bond with Ni atoms on the surface of heterojunction,and the rate-determining step is changed from CO_(2) desorption to the fourth H-atom deprotonation.The work reveals a novel catalyst system by interfacial charge redistribution induced by high bond polarity for energy-relevant catalysis reactions.

Dysregulation of RNA modification systems in clinical populations with neurocognitive disorders

The study of modified RNA known as epitranscriptomics has become increasingly relevant in our understanding of disease-modifying mechanisms.Methylation of N6 adenosine(m^(6)A)and C5 cytosine(m^(5)C)bases occur on mRNAs,tRNA,mt-tRNA,and rRNA species as well as non-coding RNAs.With emerging knowledge of RNA binding proteins that act as writer,reader,and eraser effector proteins,comes a new understanding of physiological processes controlled by these systems.Such processes when spatiotemporally disrupted within cellular nanodomains in highly specialized tissues such as the brain,give rise to different forms of disease.In this review,we discuss accumulating evidence that changes in the m^(6)A and m^(5)C methylation systems contribute to neurocognitive disorders.Early studies first identified mutations within FMR1 to cause intellectual disability Fragile X syndromes several years before FMR1 was identified as an m^(6)A RNA reader protein.Subsequently,familial mutations within the m^(6)A writer gene METTL5,m^(5)C writer genes NSUN2,NSUN3,NSUN5,and NSUN6,as well as THOC2 and THOC6 that form a protein complex with the m^(5)C reader protein ALYREF,were recognized to cause intellectual development disorders.Similarly,differences in expression of the m^(5)C writer and reader effector proteins,NSUN6,NSUN7,and ALYREF in brain tissue are indicated in individuals with Alzheimer's disease,individuals with a high neuropathological load or have suffered traumatic brain injury.Likewise,an abundance of m^(6)A reader and anti-reader proteins are reported to change across brain regions in Lewy bodies diseases,Alzheimer's disease,and individuals with high cognitive reserve.m^(6)A-modified RNAs are also reported significantly more abundant in dementia with Lewy bodies brain tissue but significantly reduced in Parkinson's disease tissue,whilst modified RNAs are misplaced within diseased cells,particularly where synapses are located.In parahippocampal brain tissue,m^(6)A modification is enriched in transcripts associated with psychiatric disorders including conditions with clear cognitive deficits.These findings indicate a diverse set of molecular mechanisms are influenced by RNA methylation systems that can cause neuronal and synaptic dysfunction underlying neurocognitive disorders.Targeting these RNA modification systems brings new prospects for neural regenerative therapies.

Simulation Tools for a Fiber-Optic Based Structural Health Monitoring System

Probability of detection(POD)graphics allow for a change from qualitative to quantitative assessment for every damage detection system,and as such it is a main request for conventional non-destructive testing(NDT)techniques.Its availability can greatly help towards the industrialization of the corresponding Structural health monitoring(SHM)system.But having in mind that for SHM systems the sensors are at fixed positions,and the location of a potential damage would change its detectability.Consequently robust simulation tools are required to obtain the model assisted probability of detection(MAPOD)which is needed to validate the SHM system.This tool may also help for the optimization of the sensor distribution,and finally will allow a probabilistic risk management.INDEUS,simulation of ultrasonic waves SHM system,was a main milestone in this direction.This article deals with the simulation tools for a strain based SHM system,using fiber optic sensors(FOS).FOS are essentially strain/temperature sensors,either with multi-point or with distributed sensing.The simulation tool includes the finite element model(FEM)for the original and damaged structure,and algorithms to compare the strain data at the pre-established sensors locations,and from this comparison to extract information about damage occurrence and location.The study has been applied to the structure of an all-composite unmanned aircraft vehicle(UAV)now under construction,designed at Universidad Politecnica de Madrid for the inspection of electrical utilities networks.Distributed sensing optical fibers were internally bonded at the fuselage and wing.Routine inspection is planned to be done with the aircraft at the test bench by imposing known loads.From the acquired strain data,damage occurrence may be calculated as slight deviations from the baselines.This is a fast inspection procedure without requiring trained specialists,and it would allow for detection of hidden damages.Simulation indicates that stringer partial debondings are detected before they become critical,while small delaminations as those produced by barely visible impact damages would require a prohibited number of sensing lines.These simulation tools may easily be applied to any other complex structure,just by changing the FEM models.From these results it is shown how a fiber optic based SHM system may be used as a reliable damage detection procedure.

Effect of aluminum silicate fiber modification on crack-resistance of a ceramic mould

To improve the crack-resistance of the mould for silica sol bonded quartz based ceramic mould casting,aluminum silicate fibers with the diameter ranging from 5 μm to 25 μm and the length about 1 mm were dispersed in the ceramic mould.The effect of the aluminum silicate fibers on the tensile strength,shrinkage rate and the cracking trend of the ceramic mould were investigated.In the ceramic slurry,quartz sand was applied as ceramic aggregate,silica sol containing 30% silicon dioxide as bonder,and the weight ratio of quartz sand to silica sol was 2.69;the dispersed fibers changed from 0 to 0.24vol.%.The mould samples were formed after the slurry was poured and gelled at room temperature,and then sintered at different temperatures ranging from 100 to 800 ℃ to measure the tensile strength and shrinkage rate.The results show that,with the aluminum silicate fiber addition increasing from 0 to 0.24vol.%,the tensile strength increases linearly from 0.175 MPa to 0.236 MPa,and the shrinkage rate decreases linearly from 1.75% to 1.68% for the ceramic mould sintered at 400 ℃,from 1.37% to 1.31% for the ceramic mould at room temperature.As the sintering temperature was raised from 100 ℃ to 800 ℃,the tensile strength increases,and the shrinkage rate decreases at all temperatures,compared with those without fiber dispersion,but their variation patterns remain the same.Furthermore,the cracking trend of the mould and its decreasing proportion were defined and analyzed quantitatively considering both effects of the fiber dispersion on the strength and shrinkage.The cracking trend appears to decrease linearly with increasing fiber content and to reach the maximum reduction of 28.8% when 0.24vol.% fiber was dispersed.Therefore,the investigation proposes a new method to improve the crack-resistance of the ceramic mould,i.e.,inorganic fiber dispersion into the ceramic mould.

Damping Properties of Piezoelectric and Electrical Conductive of BaTiO_3/VGCF/CPE Composites: Effect of Carbon Fiber

A new damping composite of CPE/BaTiO3/VGCF has been developed on the basis of the piezo- effect and conductivity mechanism. The conductivity of composites varied with the VGCF content are tested and analyzed.The results indicate that the conductivity of composites grows up slowly as the VGCF content is in the range of 10%-20%. It is very useful for industrial application to control the conductivity of composites by adjusting the VGCF content. In addition, at the range of - 50 - 120°C,the dependence of loss factor on the VGCF content varied with the temperature are tested and analyzed by dynamic mechanical and dielectric behavior measurement of the composites, and expected results are obtained.

Performance evaluation of laterite soil embankment stabilized with bottom ash,coir fiber,and lime

In tropical regions,heavy rainfall induces erosion and shallow landslides on road embankments.Cement-based stabilization methods,common in these regions,contribute to climate change due to their high carbon footprint.This study explored the potential application of coir fiber-reinforced laterite soil-bottom ash mixtures as embankment materials in the tropics.The objective is to enhance engineered embankment slopes'erosion resistance and stability while offering reuse options for industrial byproducts.This study examined various mix designs for unconfined compressive strength(UCS)and permeability,utilizing 30%bottom ash(BA)and 1%coir fiber(CF)with varying sizes ranging from 10 to 40 mm,6%lime,and laterite soil(LS),followed by microstructural analyses.The results demonstrate that the compressive strength increases as the CF length increases to 25 mm.In contrast,permeability increases continuously with increasing CF length.Lime-treated mixtures exhibit superior short-and long-term strength and reduce permeability owing to the formation of cementitious materials,as confirmed by microstructural analyses.A lab-scale slope box was constructed to evaluate the surface erosion of the stabilized laterite soil embankment.Based on the rainfall simulation results,the LS-BA-CF mixtures show better resistance to erosion and deformation compared to untreated LS,especially when lime is added to the top layer.This study provides insights into a sustainable and cost-effective approach for slope stabilization using BA and CF,offering a promising solution for tropical regions susceptible to surface erosion and landslides.

Thermo-Physical Potential of Recycled Banana Fibers for Improving the Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Biosourced Gypsum-Based Materials

The development of bio-sourced materials is essential to ensuring sustainable construction;it is considered a locomotive of the green economy.Furthermore,it is an abundant material in our country,to which very little attention is being given.This work aims to valorize the waste of the trunks of banana trees to be used in construction.Firstly,the physicochemical properties of the fiber,such as the percentage of crystallization and its morphology,have been determined by X-ray diffraction tests and scanning electron microscopy to confirm the potential and the impact of the mode of drying on the quality of the banana fibers,with the purpose to promote the use of this material in construction.Secondly,the results obtained with the gypsum matrix allowed us to note a preponderant improvement in the composite’s thermal properties thanks to the variation of the banana fiber additive.Thirdly,the impact of the nature of the banana fiber distribution(either fiber mixed in matrix or fiber series model)on the flexural and compressive strengths of the composites was studied.The results obtained indicate that the insulation gain reaches up to 40%.It depends on the volume fraction and type of distribution of the banana fibers.However,the thermal inertia of the composites developed,represented by thermal diffusivity and thermal effusivity,was studied.Results indicate a gain of 40%and 25%,respectively,in terms of thermal diffusivity and thermal effusivity of the developed composites compared to plaster alone.Concerning the mechanical properties,the flexural strength depends on the percentage of the volume fraction of banana fibers used,and it can reach 20%more than the flexural strength of plaster;nevertheless,there is a significant loss in terms of the compressive strength of the studied composites.The results obtained are confirmed by the microstructure of the fiber banana.In fact,the morphology of the banana fibers was improved by the drying process.It reduces the amorphous area and improves the cellulosic crystalline surfaces,which assures good adhesion between the fiber and the matrix plaster.Finally,the dimensionless coefficient analysis was done to judge the optimal proportion of the banana fiber additive and to recommend its use even on false ceilings or walls.

Variations of Atmospheric ELF/VLF Radio Noise Due to Seismogenic Modifications in Tropospheric Conductivity

We suggest a possible explanation of the influence of pre-seismic activity on the registration rate of natural ELF(extremely low frequency)/VLF(very low frequency) pulses and the changes of their characteristics. The main idea is as follows. The distribution of the electric field around a thundercloud depends on the conductivity profile of the atmosphere. Quasi-static electric fields of a thundercloud decrease in those tropospheric regions where an increase of air conductivity is generated by pre-seismic activities due to emanation of radioactive gas and water into the lower atmosphere. The electric field becomes reduced in the lower troposphere, and the probability decreases of the cloud-to-ground (CG) strokes in such “contaminated” areas. Simultaneously, the electric field grows inside and above the thunderclouds, and hence, we anticipate a growth in the number of horizontal and tilted inter-cloud (or intra-cloud) (both termed as IC discharges) strokes. Spatial orientation of lightning strokes reduces vertical projection of their individual amplitudes, while the rate (median number strokes per a unit time) of discharges grows. We demonstrate that channel tilt of strokes modifies the spectral content of ELF/VLF radio noise and changes the rate of detected pulses during the earthquake preparation phase.

Electrochemical Sensors Based on Modification of Carbon Fiber Microelectrode by Nickel Phthalocyanine Polymer for 3-Methyl-4-Nitrophenol Analysis in Water

3-methyl-4-nitrophenol (MNP) is the main by-product of the organophosphate insecticide fenitrothion (FT), used in locust control. MNP is highly toxic because it is an endocrine disruptor and then may cause adverse in the biological systems. Then, it is necessary to develop analytical methods for determination of this pollutant in the environment. In this sense, we reported herein the development of an electrochemical sensor for the detection of 3-methyl-4-nitrophenol (MNP), one of the metabolites of fenitrothion (FT), by using naked and modified carbon fiber microelectrode (CFME) by nickel tetrasulfonated phthalocyanine polymer (CFME/p-NiTSPc). The voltammogram showed that MNP presents one irreversible anodic peak corresponding to the oxidation of the phenol group at 0.9 V vs Ag/AgCl. The effect of pH of the buffer on the peak current and SWV parameters such as frequency, scan increment and pulse amplitude were investigated in order to optimize the electrochemical response of the sensor. The obtained results lead to the following optimum value: pH = 6;frequency = 25 Hz, pulse amplitude = 50 mV, scan increment = 10 mV. With these optimum values, the calibration curves show that the peak current varied linearly upon MNP concentration leading to a limit of detection (LoD) for naked CFME close to 3 μg/L whereas for CFME modified by p-NiTSPc, it reaches 0.75 μg/L. This results prove that the presence of p-NiTSPc increasing the sensitivity of the sensor could be used to monitor 3-methyl-4-nitrophenol residue in real matrix.

Real Time Prosody Modification

Real time prosody modification involves changing the prosody parameters such as pitch, duration and intensity of speech in real time without affecting the intelligibility and naturalness. In this paper prosody modification is performed using instants of significant excitation (ISE) of the vocal tract system during production of speech. In the conventional prosody modification system the ISE are computed using group delay function, and it is computationally intensive task. In this paper, we propose computationally efficient methods to determine the ISE suitable for prosody modification in interactive (real time) applications. The overall computational time for the prosody modification by using the proposed method is compared with the conventional prosody modification method which uses the group delay function for computing the ISE.

Effect of Silane Coupling Agent Concentration on Interfacial Properties of Basalt Fiber Reinforced Composites

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of the concentration of silane coupling solution on the tensile strength of basalt fiber and the interfacial properties of basalt fiber reinforced polymer composites.The surface treatment of basalt fibers was carried out using an aqueous alcohol solution method.Basalt fibers were subjected to surface treatment with 3-Methacryloxypropyl trimethoxy silane at 0.5 wt.%,1 wt.%,2 wt.%,4 wt.%and 10 wt.%.The basalt monofilament tensile tests were carried out to investigate the variation in strength with the concentration of the silane coupling agent.The microdroplet test was performed to examine the effect of the concentration of the silane coupling agent on interfacial strength of basalt reinforced polymer composites.The film was formed on the surface of the basalt fiber treated silane coupling agent solution.The tensile strength of basalt fiber increased because the damaged fiber surface was repaired by the firm of silane coupling agent.The firm was effective in not only the surface protection of basalt fiber but also the improvement on the interfacial strength of fiber-matrix interface.However,the surface treatment using the high concentration silane coupling agent solution has an adverse effect on the mechanical properties of the composite materials,because of causing the degradation of the interfacial strength of the composite materials.

Exogenous application of bio-stimulants and growth retardants improve nutrient absorption and fiber quality in upland cotton

Background Natural and synthetic plant growth regulators are essential for plant health,likewise these regulators also play a role in increasing organic production productivity and improving quality and yield stability.In the present study,we have evaluated the effects of foliar applied plant growth regulators,i.e.,moringa leaf extract(MLE)and mepiquat chloride(MC)alone and in combination MC and MLE on the conventional cotton cultivar(CIM 573)and transgenic one(CIM 598).The growth regulators were applied at the start of bloom,45 and 90 days after blooming.Results The application of MC and MLE at 90 days after blooming significantly improved the relative growth rate,net assimilation rate,the number of bolls per plant,and seed cotton yield.Likewise,the combined application of MLE and MC at 90 days after blooming significantly boosted the nitrogen uptake in locules,as well as the phosphorus and potassium uptake in the leaves of both cotton cultivars.The application of MLE alone has considerably improved the nitrogen uptake in leaves,and phosphorus and potassium contents in locules of Bt and conventional cotton cultivars.Similarly,Bt cotton treated with MLE at 90 days after blooming produced significantly higher ginning out turn and oil contents.Treatment in combination(MLE+MC)at 90 days after blooming produced considerably higher micronaire value,fiber strength,and staple length in conventional cultivar.Conclusion The natural growth enhancer,MLE is a rich source of minerals and zeatin,improving the nutrient absorption and quality of cotton fiber in both conventional and Bt cotton cultivars.

From Industry 4.0 to Research 4.0. Development of High Performance Fibers in the Light of Digitization

We associate a variety of innovations with the term ＂Industry 4.0＂. The pioneer of many 4.0 modifications forms the basisfor the trend towards the integrated digitization of many areas of life. The field of research requires from the pilot plants to developnew pioneering fibers high flexibility of its experimental facilities to allow new insights in the laboratory and prototype facilities at areasonable cost. Added to this is the desire to closely track all process data and prepare it in a timely manner. Mobile devices nowallow the researcher to vary parameters close to the process during observation. In the following lecture the question will bediscussed which of the many definitions and varieties of ＂Industry 4.0＂ can be meaningfully transferred to the field of research. Indoing so, we are guided by the findings that have been gained with modularized spinning systems in recent years. The respectivespinning processes require different analysis focuses and different conversion options. The digital world must follow the realdemands of the analog world. In addition to the elegance functions, it must be ensured that the control functions of the process meetthe requirements of machine safety. Digitization allows intelligent analyzes to be developed independently of the various spinningprocesses and can be flexibly adapted to the respective process conditions. The variability of spin systems depends on the intelligentmodularization of individual functions and the physics that require the spinning conditions. Finally, some examples of modularprototype systems are presented, and the limits of variability are discussed.

Micro Model of Carbon Fiber/Cyanate Ester Composites and Analysis of Machining Damage Mechanism

Machining damage occurs on the surface of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites during processing. In the current simulation model of CFRP, the initial defects on the carbon fiber and the periodic random distribution of the reinforcement phase in the matrix are not considered in detail, which makes the characteristics of the cutting model significantly different from the actual processing conditions. In this paper, a novel three-phase model of carbon fiber/cyanate ester composites is proposed to simulate the machining damage of the composites. The periodic random distribution of the carbon fiber reinforced phase in the matrix was realized using a double perturbation algorithm. To achieve the stochastic distribution of the strength of a single carbon fiber, a novel method that combines the Weibull intensity distribution theory with the Monte Carlo method is presented. The mechanical properties of the cyanate matrix were characterized by fitting the stress-strain curves, and the cohesive zone model was employed to simulate the interface. Based on the model, the machining damage mechanism of the composites was revealed using finite element simulations and by conducting a theoretical analysis. Furthermore, the milling surfaces of the composites were observed using a scanning electron microscope, to verify the accuracy of the simulation results. In this study, the simulations and theoretical analysis of the carbon fiber/cyanate ester composite processing were carried out based on a novel three-phase model, which revealed the material failure and machining damage mechanism more accurately.

Monitoring shear deformation of sliding zone via fiber Bragg grating and particle image velocimetry

Monitoring shear deformation of sliding zones is of great significance for understanding the landslide evolution mechanism,in which fiber optic strain sensing has shown great potential.However,the cor-relation between strain measurements of quasi-distributed fiber Bragg grating(FBG)sensing arrays and shear displacements of surrounding soil remains elusive.In this study,a direct shear model test was conducted to simulate the shear deformation of sliding zones,in which the soil internal deformation was captured using FBG strain sensors and the soil surface deformation was measured by particle image velocimetry(PIV).The test results show that there were two main slip surfaces and two secondary ones,developing a spindle-shaped shear band in the soil.The formation of the shear band was successfully captured by FBG sensors.A sinusoidal model was proposed to describe the fiber optic cable deformation behavior.On this basis,the shear displacements and shear band widths were calculated by using strain measurements.This work provides important insight into the deduction of soil shear deformation using soil-embedded FBG strain sensors.

Polarization Characteristics of the Deformed Low-Mode Fiber Waveguides with Polarization Conservation

In this work the results of polarization researches of low-optical fiber waveguides with conservation of polarization are presented. Obtained results quite convincingly testify regarding a high sensitivity low-mode regime of work of an optical fiber to anisotropic external influences, in comparison with one-mode regime of work of the same fibre. This result, can represent a big practical value at the realization of high-sensitivity fiber-optical devices of different physical values.