SMILE soft X-ray Imager flight model CCD370 pre-flight device characterisation

Throughout the SMILE mission the satellite will be bombarded by radiation which gradually damages the focal plane devices and degrades their performance.In order to understand the changes of the CCD370s within the soft X-ray Imager,an initial characterisation of the devices has been carried out to give a baseline performance level.Three CCDs have been characterised,the two flight devices and the flight spa re.This has been carried out at the Open University in a bespo ke cleanroom measure ment facility.The results show that there is a cluster of bright pixels in the flight spa re which increases in size with tempe rature.However at the nominal ope rating tempe rature(-120℃) it is within the procure ment specifications.Overall,the devices meet the specifications when ope rating at -120℃ in 6 × 6 binned frame transfer science mode.The se rial charge transfer inefficiency degrades with temperature in full frame mode.However any charge losses are recovered when binning/frame transfer is implemented.

Contribution to the Characterization of Laterites Developed on Granitic Rock in Mbanga (Littoral-Cameroon): Significance in the Sustainable Pavements Design

The materials studied were lateritic soils from Souza-Mbanga-Cameroon, with a view to their better use in road geotechnics. In order to achieve the set objective, the work was carried out in two phases, firstly in the field, to provide a morpho-structural description of the soil profiles, followed by a laboratory phase to analyse the samples collected in the field. The results of the physical characterisation of the soil samples show that, for average values, the water content is 9.87%, the percentage of fines 48%, the plasticity index 21.6%, the liquidity limit 50.91%, and the consistency index 1.97. These soils are classified as silty sands in the LCPC classification and as fine soils in the GTR classification. The average value of the maximum dry density is 1.81 g/cm3 and that of the water content at the modified Proctor optimum is 16.24%. The CBR index is between 1.8% and 17.8%, showing that these soils belong to classes S1, S2, S3, S4 and S5. Souza-Mbanga lateritic soils can be used in their natural state as subgrades.

A review of laser scanning for geological and geotechnical applications in underground mining

Laser scanning can provide timely assessments of mine sites despite adverse challenges in the operational environment.Although there are several published articles on laser scanning,there is a need to review them in the context of underground mining applications.To this end,a holistic review of laser scanning is presented including progress in 3D scanning systems,data capture/processing techniques and primary applications in underground mines.Laser scanning technology has advanced significantly in terms of mobility and mapping,but there are constraints in coherent and consistent data collection at certain mines due to feature deficiency,dynamics,and environmental influences such as dust and water.Studies suggest that laser scanning has matured over the years for change detection,clearance measurements and structure mapping applications.However,there is scope for improvements in lithology identification,surface parameter measurements,logistic tracking and autonomous navigation.Laser scanning has the potential to provide real-time solutions but the lack of infrastructure in underground mines for data transfer,geodetic networking and processing capacity remain limiting factors.Nevertheless,laser scanners are becoming an integral part of mine automation thanks to their affordability,accuracy and mobility,which should support their widespread usage in years to come.

Characterisation of Meteorological Drought in Northern Nigeria Using Comparative Rainfall-Based Drought Metrics

Meteorological droughts occur when there is deficiency in rainfall;i.e. rainfall availability is below some acclaimed normal values. Hence, the greater challenge is to be able to obtain suitable methods for assessing drought occurrence, its onset or initiation and termination. Thus, an attempt was made in this paper to evaluate the performance of Standardised Precipitation Index (SPI) and Standardised Precipitation Anomaly Index (SPAI) to characterise drought in Northern Nigeria for purposes of comparison and eventual adoption of probable candidate index for the development of an Early Warning System. The findings indicated that despite the fact that the annual timescale may be long, it can be employed to obtain information on the temporal evolution of drought especially, regional behaviour. However, monthly timescale can be more appropriate if emphasis is on evaluating the effects of drought in situations relating to water supply, agriculture and groundwater abstractions. The SPAI can be employed for periodic rainfall time series though;it accentuates drought signatures and may not necessarily dampen high fluctuations due to implications of high climatic variability considering the stochastic nature and state transition of drought phenomena. On the other hand, the temporal evolution of SPI and SPAI were not coherent at different temporal accumulations with differences in fluctuations. However, despite the differences between the SPI and SPAI, generally at some timescales, for instance, 6-month accumulation, both spatial and temporal distributions of drought characteristics were seemingly consistent. In view of the observed shortcomings of both indices, especially the SPI, the Standardised Nonstationary Precipitation Index (SnsPI) should be looked into and too, other indexes that take into consideration the implications of global warming by incorporating potential evapotranspiration may be deemed more suitable for drought studies in Northern Nigeria.

Rheological and physicochemical characteristics of asphalt mastics incorporating lime kiln dust and dolomite powder as sustainable fillers

The filler-bitumen interaction mechanism is one of the most essential phases for comprehending the asphalt mixture's performance.However,despite numerous studies,in-depth knowledge of filler-bitumen reciprocity at a microscale level is yet to be ascertained.The goal of this research is to gain a better understanding of the fillerbitumen microscale interaction in terms of the synergy and coaction between the physicochemical and rheological performance of mastics due to filler inclusions.The rheological properties of two sustainable mastics,dolomite powder(DP)and lime kiln dust(LKD),together with a neat PEN 60/70 binder,were analysed based on a temperature sweep at elevated temperature conditions.Meanwhile,frequency sweep and multiple stress creep recovery(MSCR)tests were also conducted at pavement serviceability temperature using the dynamic shear rheometer(DSR).Physicochemical tests using a scanning electron microscope(SEM)and energy dispersive X-rays(EDX)were conducted to analyse the impact of parameters such as particle shape,grain size,texture,and chemical compositions.The DSR test results showcased how the incorporation of fillers in asphalt binder considerably improved the performance of the binder in terms of rutting and fatigue.Likewise,its strain and nonrecoverable compliance parameters were substantially reduced at higher filler and binder concentrations.Physical filler attributes of low rigden voids(R.V),high fineness modulus(FM),and high specific surface area(SSA)led to greater interfacial stiffness and elasticity in LKD mastics compared to DP mastics at different loading frequencies and temperature levels.The SEM/EDX results also indicated that the elemental calcium and carbon composition of each filler component,together with its grain morphology,strongly influenced its rheological performance.

Overhanging rock slope by design:An integrated approach using rock mass strength characterisation,large-scale numerical modelling and limit equilibrium methods

Overhanging rock slopes(steeper than 90°) are typically avoided in rock engineering design, particularly where the scale of the slope exceeds the scale of fracturing present in the rock mass. This paper highlights an integrated approach of designing overhanging rock slopes where the relative dimensions of the slope exceed the scale of fracturing and the rock mass failure needs to be considered rather than kinematic release of individual blocks. The key to the method is a simplified limit equilibrium(LE) tool that was used for the support design and analysis of a multi-faceted overhanging rock slope. The overhanging slopes required complex geometries with constantly changing orientations. The overhanging rock varied in height from 30 m to 66 m. Geomechanical modelling combined with discrete fracture network(DFN)representation of the rock mass was used to validate the rock mass strength assumptions and the failure mechanism assumed in the LE model. The advantage of the simplified LE method is that buttress and support design iterations(along with sensitivity analysis of design parameters) can be completed for various cross-sections along the proposed overhanging rock sections in an efficient manner, compared to the more time-intensive, sophisticated methods that were used for the initial validation. The method described presents the development of this design tool and assumptions made for a specific overhanging rock slope design. Other locations will have different geological conditions that can control the potential behaviour of rock slopes, however, the approach presented can be applied as a general guiding design principle for overhanging rock cut slope.

Characterisation of Lyzls in mice and antibacteria properties of human LYZL6

C-type lysozyme genes （Lyzls） belong to the class of lysozymes and are highly expressed in the testis and epididymis. The members Lyzl4 and Spaca3 have been reported to play a role in sperm-egg binding and fertilisation in mice. However, the function of the remaining two mouse c-type lysozyme genes, Lyzll and Lyzl6, is still not clear. In the present study, we analysed the tissue expression and androgen-dependent expression of mouse c-type lysozyme genes and the possible contribution of human recombinant LYZL6 （rLYZL6） to immunity. The expression of Lyzlswas detected by RT-PCR, Western blots, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. The bacteriolytic activity of rLYZL6 was analysed by a colony-forming assay. In mice, the expression of Lyzlgenes was mainly in the testis and epididymis in a developmentally regulated manner and androgen- or testicular factor-regulated manner. Immunodetection revealed the presence of LYZL6 protein in primary spermatocytes and round spermatids of the testis and on the post-acrosomal area and midpiece of mature epididymal spermatozoa. The rLYZL6 protein exhibited antibacterial activity. From the results, Lyzls may play a role in mitochondrial function of spermatozoa and LYZL6 may contribute to the innate immunity of the male genital tract.

Sustainable Activated Carbons from Agricultural Residues Dedicated to Antibiotic Removal by Adsorption

The. objectives.of this study are to convert at laboratory s.cale agric.ultural residues into activated carbons （AC） with specific properties, to characterize them and to test them in adsorption reactor for tetracycline removal, a common antibiotic. Two new ACs were produced by direct activation with steam from beet pulp （BP-H2O） and peanut hu_lls （PH-H2O） in environmental friendly conditions BP-H2O and PH-H2Opresentcarbon content rangedcarbons with different intrinsic properties.

Recent advances in non-thermal plasma(NTP)catalysis towards C1 chemistry

C1 chemistrymainly involves the catalytic transformation of C1molecules(i.e.,CO,CO2,CH4 and CH3OH),which usually encounters thermodynamic and/or kinetic limitations.To address these limitations,non-thermal plasma(NTP)activated heterogeneous catalysis offers a number of advantages,such as relatively mild reaction conditions and energy efficiency,in comparison to the conventional thermal catalysis.This review presents the state-of-the-art for the application of NTP-catalysis towards C1 chemistry,including the CO2 hydrogenation,reforming of CH4 and CH3OH,and water-gas shift(WGS)reaction.In the hybrid NTP-catalyst system,the plasma-catalyst interactions aremultifaceted.Accordingly,this reviewalso includes a brief discussion on the fundamental research into themechanisms of NTP activated catalytic C1 chemistry,such as the advanced characterisation methods(e.g.,in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy,DRIFTS),temperatureprogrammed plasma surface reaction(TPPSR),kinetic studies.Finally,prospects for the future research on the development of tailor-made catalysts for NTP-catalysis systems(which will enable the further understanding of its mechanism)and the translation of the hybrid technique to practical applications of catalytic C1 chemistry are discussed.

Removal of Cu(II), Pb(II) and Zn(II) Ions from Aqueous Solutions Using Selected Agricultural Wastes: Adsorption and Characterisation Studies

The feasibility of durian tree sawdust (DTS), coconut coir (CC) and oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) as low-cost biosorbents for the removal of Cu(II), Pb(II) and Zn(II) ions from aqueous solutions was investigated. The effects of solution pH and initial metal concentration on adsorption capacity were examined in batch experiments. The affinity and the adsorption capacity of DTS, CC and EFB were evaluated. The adsorption behaviour of Cu(II), Pb(II) and Zn(II) ions onto DTS, CC and EFB was described using Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models. The separation factor (RL) analysis suggests that the removal of metal ions onto three agricultural wastes studied was favourable. The maximum adsorption capacities (Q) estimated from the Langmuir isotherm model for Cu(II), Pb(II) and Zn(II) were 18.42, 20.37 and 22.78 mg/g for DTS, 18.38, 37.04 and 24.39 mg/g for CC, and 26.95, 37.59 and 21.19 mg/g for EFB, respectively. The characterisation studies were carried out using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometer (EDX) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR). The surface morphology of the biosorbents changed significantly following interaction with metal ions. The primary adsorption mechanism was complexation between metal ions and binding sites of biosorbents. Both hydroxyl and amine groups are the main binding sites in DTS, CC and EFB.

Derivatives of 3（5）,4-Dinitropyrazole as Potential Energetic Plasticisers

The development of a pseudo-one pot synthesis of 3（5）,4-dinitropyrazole enabled us to use it as a starting material for energetic plasticisers. Its acidic proton allowed simple derivatisation on one of the ring nitrogens. The thermal characteristics of two derivatives were evaluated. For instance, the N-allyl compound was a liquid with very low glass transition temperature, whereas the N-propargyl compound was a sticky solid at ambient temperature. The two compounds were both thermally stable according to STANAG 4582.

Hemolymph proteins in marine crustaceans

This study is done with the aim to bring together the various antimicrobial peptides that are present in the crustacean hemolymph and their sources along with its characteristics.Invertebrates lack immune systems that involve antigen-antibody reactions and do not have an immune memory, therefore most invertebrate species show no evidence of acquired immunity.Crustaceans possess an open circulatory system, where nutrients, oxygen, hormones, and cells are distributed in the hemolymph. They lack adaptive immune system and rely exclusively on their innate immune mechanisms that include both cellular and humoral responses. Antimicrobial peptides and proteins form an important means of host defense in eukaryotes. In addition to their role as endogenous antibiotics, antimicrobial peptides have functions in inflammation,wound repair and regulation of the adaptive immune system. Over the past several years, many antimicrobial peptides have been found and characterized in crabs.

Biosorption of Cu(II), Pb(II) and Zn(II) Ions from Aqueous Solutions Using Selected Waste Materials: Adsorption and Characterisation Studies

The efficacy of coconut tree sawdust (CTS), eggshell (ES) and sugarcane bagasse (SB) as alternative low-cost biosorbents for the removal of Cu(II), Pb(II) and Zn(II) ions from aqueous solutions was investigated. Batch adsorption studies were carried out to evaluate the effects of solution pH and initial metal concentration on adsorption capacity. The optimum biosorption condition was found at pH 6.0, 0.1 g biomass dosage and at 90 min equilibrium time. The adsorption data were fitted to the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models. The adsorption capacity and affinity of CTS, ES and SB were evaluated. The Freundlich constant (n) and separation factor (RL) values suggest that the metal ions were favourably adsorbed onto biosorbents. The maximum adsorption capacities (Q) estimated from the Langmuir isotherm model for Cu(II), Pb(II) and Zn(II) were 3.89, 25.00 and 23.81 mg/g for CTS, 34.48, 90.90 and 35.71 mg/g for ES, and 3.65, 21.28 and 40.00 mg/g for SB, respectively. The characterisation studies were performed using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometer (EDX) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR). Interaction with metal ions led to the formation of discrete aggregates on the biosorbents surface. The metal ions bound to the active sites of the biosorbents through either electrostatic attraction or complexation mechanism.

On mechanical properties of nanocomposite hydrogels:Searching for superior properties

Nanocomposite hydrogels are the combination of known components that are a hydrogel and nanometre-sized fillers,typically leading to improved mechanical properties or new functionalities.With simplicity of design and ease of synthesis,recent advances have highlighted that this family of hydrogels holds the significant promise of application in diverse biomedical and engineering fields.The elaborate design and investigation as well as suitable application of nanocomposite hydrogels require the synergy of mechanics,materials science,engineering,and biology.Despite similarities in design and fabrication,the data of mechanical properties for nanocomposite hydrogels scatter in a large space.It is worthwhile comparing various nanocomposite hydrogels for similarities and differences in mechanical properties to aid in designing novel hydrogels with extreme properties,and guide practical applications.This review aims to fill,in the literature,the missing gap of addressing mechanical measurement methods and comparison of mechanical properties in this ever-evolving broad area of research.Finally,the challenges and future research opportunities are highlighted.

Mixed Wastes Vitrification by Transferred Plasma

Thermal plasma technology provides a stable and long term treatment of mixed wastes through vitrification processes. In this work, a transferred plasma system was realized to vitrify mixed wastes, taking advantage of its high power density, enthalpy and chemical reactivity as well as its rapid quenching and high operation temperatures. To characterize the plasma discharge, a temperature diagnostic is realized by means of optical emission spectroscopy （OES）. To typify the morphological structure of the wastes samples~ scan- ning electron microscopy （SEM）, and X-ray diffraction （XRD） techniques were applied before and after the plasma treatment.

Characteristic Analysis of the Village and Town Structure——A Case of Jinhu County in Jiangsu Province,China

This thesis gives overview of the connotation of rural spatial structure,indicating 4 kinds of elements,namely nodus,passage,region and flow.Their spatial arrangement and interaction lead to the corresponding rural spatial structure.This thesis also offers panorama of the related theoretical progress of intra-county and rural areas,indicating that the research theories of regional spatial structure at present,mainly focus on macroscopic region or urban space,but there is shortage of researches on county spatial structure,especially microscopic rural spatial structure.On such basis,4 kinds of theoretical models and characteristics of regional spatial structure have been introduced.We build analysis index system of rural structural elements on the basis of 4 elements,and conduct rural spatial structural analysis,taking Jinhu County as an example.The result shows that rural spatial structure in Jinhu County is still at stage of nucleus-cluster development and rural system is not so sound.In addition,the passage network system of infrastructure has not taken shape,and county economy presents diseconomy of scale.The spatial interaction and association among towns in Jinhu County are weak.The characteristic analysis model of spatial structure in this research can objectively reflect regional characteristic of spatial structure.

Core-log integration and application of machine learning technique for better reservoir characterisation of Eocene carbonates,Indian offshore

Rock types,pore structures and permeability are essential petrophysical outputs,and they contribute considerably to the highest degree of uncertainty in reservoir characterisation.These factors have a strong influence on exploration and field development decisions.Core analysis is the best approach for estimating permeability,assigning rock types and characterising pore networks.Wireline logs are the most often employed method for estimating the parameters at each data point of reservoirs since there are more un-cored wells than cored wells.Artificial intelligence,on the other hand,is gaining popularity in the geosciences due to the ever-increasing complexity and volume of available subsurface data.This is also obvious in the demand for faster and more accurate interpretations in order to identify reservoir characteristics in increasingly difficult and complicated petroliferous basins.Artificial Neural Networks and Self-Organizing Maps are examples of machine learning approaches that can be used in both supervised and unsupervised modes for modelling and prediction.Eocene carbonates of Mukta oilfield are the major pay rocks of strong geological heterogeneity in terms of their porosity and permeability relationship with pore structures.This paper outlines a novel method of rock fabric classification,pore structure characterization,flow unit classification and robust reservoir permeability modelling based on an integrated approach that incorporates core measurements,log data and machine learning techniques.The pore structure has been characterised by the combination of conventional core,capillary pressure and nuclear magnetic resonance data.Artificial neural network has added an adequate benefit in accurate permeability modelling by utilizing the concepts of rock classifications and hydraulic flow units.

Plasmid vector based generation of transgenic mesenchymal stem cells with stable expression of reporter gene in caprine

The production of cells capable of expressing gene(s) of interest is important for a variety of applications in biomedicine and biotechnology, including gene therapy and a novel method of stem cell therapy in the various diseases. Achieving high levels of transgene expression for the longer period of time, without adversely affecting cell viability and differentiation capacity of the cells, is crucial. In the present study, we investigated the efficiency of plasmid vector for the production of transgenic cMSCs and examined any functional change of cells after transfection. To do so first we have collected bone marrows from the adult goats and cultured them for isolation of mesenchymal stem cells (cBM-MSCs). These cells were characterized using MSC specific markers including differentiation into osteocytes and adipocytes. Transfection with plasmid vector did not adversely affect cBM-MSCs morphology, viability or differentiation potential, and transgene expression levels were unaffected beyond passage 12th. The results indicated that we have been able to generate transgenic caprine MSC (tcBM-MSC) and transfection of cBM-MSCs using plasmid vector resulted in very high and stable transfection efficiency. This finding may have considerable significance in improving the efficacy of MSC-based therapies and their tracking in animal model.

THE HYDROSILYLATION REACTION OF LADDERLIKE POLYVINYLSILSESQUIOXANE WITH 1, 1, 3, 3-TETRAMETHYLDISILOXANE

The hydrosilylation reaction of ladderlike polyvinylsilsesquioxane (Vi-T) with 1, 1, 3, 3-tetramethyldisiloxane (H-MM) catalyzed by dicyclopentadienyl-dichloroplatinium (Cp2PtCl2) was carried out well in tetrahydrofuran (THF) to produce a soluble white solid. This product was characterized by IR, H-1-NMR, C-13-NMR, Si-29-NMR, DSC, X-ray diffraction method, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), vapour pressure osmometry (VPO), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and molecular simulation. These results prove that the product contains nanoscale tubular structure.

An experimental and numerical approach-characterisation of power cartridge for water-jet application

Power Cartridges are pyrotechnic devices where hot combustion gases utilized to do mechanical work for disruption of suspected Improvised Explosive Devices(IEDs). It plays a vital role either in destroying the suspicious object or making them non-functional by generating the gas pressure on burning of propellant against the water column inside the barrel, Present work is focused on characterisation,numerical solution such as deformation; strain; stress using FEM(Finite Element Method), design qualification, performance and evaluation of power cartridge for disruptor application. Experimental trials for pressure-time(P-t) measurement in closed vessel(CV), various electrical parameters like all fire current(AFC), no fire current(NFC) and ignition delay have been measured. Further, mechanical properties for brass material have been determined. An attempt has been made to characterise the power cartridge by FEM and carrying out the experiments for water-jet application.