Multilayer stag beetle elytra perform better under external loading via non-symmetric bending properties

FEM images showing the von-Mises stress distribution (unit of measure GPa) in the wing and the beetle body under a concentrated load of 0.5 N .A) real structure with void, B) elytra with no void

Alternative low-cost adsorbent for water and wastewater decontamination derived from eggshellwaste: an overview

As the current global trend towards more stringent environmental standards, technical applicability and cost-effectiveness became key factors in the selection of adsorbents for water and wastewater treatment. Recently, various low-cost adsorbents derived from agricultural waste, industrial by-products or natural materials, have been intensively investigated. In this respect, the eggshells from egg-breaking operations constitute significant waste disposal problems for the food industry, so the development of value-added by-products from this waste is to be welcomed. The egg processing industry is very competitive, with low profit margins due to global competition and cheap imports. Additionally, the costs associated with the egg shell disposal (mainly on landfill sites) are significant, and expected to continue increasing as landfill taxes increase. The aim of the present review is to provide an overview on the development of low-cost adsorbents derived from eggshell by-products

Analysis of symmetries in models of multi-strain infections

In mathematical studies of the dynamics of multi-strain diseases caused by antigenically diverse pathogens, there is a substantial interest in analytical insights. Using the example of a generic model of multi-strain diseases with cross-immunity between strains, we show that a significant understanding of the stability of steady states and possible dynamical behaviours can be achieved when the symmetry of interactions between strains is taken into account. Techniques of equivariant bifurcation theory allow one to identify the type of possible symmetry-breaking Hopf bifurcation, as well as to classify different periodic solutions in terms of their spatial and temporal symmetries. The approach is also illustrated on other models of multi-strain diseases, where the same methodology provides a systematic understanding of bifurcation scenarios and periodic behaviours. The results of the analysis are quite generic, and have wider implications for understanding the dynamics of a large class of models of multi-strain diseases

Parameter optimization in milling of glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) using DOE-Taguchi method

Introduction: Optimization of machining parameters is essential for improving expected outcome of any machining operation. Case Description: The aim of this work is to find out optimum values of machining parameters to achieve minimal surface roughness during milling operation of GFRP. Discussion and Evaluation: In this machining operation speed, depth of cut and feed rate are considered as parameters affecting surface roughness and Design of Experiment (DOE)-Taguchi method tool is used to plan experiments and analyse results. Conclusion: Analysis of experimental results presents optimum values of these three parameters to achieve minimal surface roughness with speed as a major contributing factor. Speed—200 rpm, depth of cut—1.2 mm and feed—40 mm/min are an optimal combination of machining parameter to produce minimal surface roughness during milling of GFRP

Biofilter aquaponic system for nutrients removal from fresh market wastewater

Aquaponics is a significant wastewater treatment system which refers to the combination of conventional aquaculture (raising aquatic organism) with hydroponics (cultivating plants in water) in a symbiotic environment. This system has a high ability in removing nutrients compared to conventional methods because it is a natural and environmentally friendly system (aquaponics). The current chapter aimed to review the possible application of aquaponics system to treat fresh market wastewater with the intention to highlight the mechanism of phytoremediation occurs in aquaponic system. The literature revealed that aquaponic system was able to remove nutrients in terms of nitrogen and phosphorus

Vascular anomaly in bilateral ectopic kidney: a case report

Ectopic kidney occurs as a result of a halt in migration of kidneys to their normal locations during embryonal period. While kidneys ascend through pelvis, they receive new branches from vessels (iliac and aorta) close to them. When they reach the highest point, they receive new branches from aorta and the former branches degenerate. Renal vessels do not degenerate in the ectopic caudal kidney, more than one accessory and polar arteries may arise. In various studies, a possibility of association between presence of multiple renal arteries and hypertension, has been reported. We aimed to present a case with bilateral ectopic kidney and vascular anomaly associated with hypertension and renal dysfunction

Canalization of the evolutionary trajectory of the human influenza virus

Since its emergence in 1968, influenza A (H3N2) has evolved extensively in genotype and antigenic phenotype. Antigenic evolution occurs in the context of a two-dimensional 'antigenic map', while genetic evolution shows a characteristic ladder-like genealogical tree. Here, we use a large-scale individual-based model to show that evolution in a Euclidean antigenic space provides a remarkable correspondence between model behavior and the epidemiological, antigenic, genealogical and geographic patterns observed in influenza virus. We find that evolution away from existing human immunity results in rapid population turnover in the influenza virus and that this population turnover occurs primarily along a single antigenic axis. Thus, selective dynamics induce a canalized evolutionary trajectory, in which the evolutionary fate of the influenza population is surprisingly repeatable and hence, in theory, predictable.Comment: 29 pages, 5 figures, 10 supporting figure

QCD with dynamical Wilson fermions

Results for the spectrum and the F and D parameters are obtained with precision similar to that in the quenched approximation. Present data for m{sub q} {ge} m{sub s} show measurable effects due to vacuum polarization only in the pion-Nucleon {Sigma} term suggesting that {Sigma}{sup sea} {approximately} {Sigma}{sup val}. The lattice update is being done on the Connection Machine which is very well suited to simulate QCD with 2 flavors of Wilson fermions (with mass close to the strange quark) using HMCA on 16{sup 3} {times} 32 lattices. 7 refs., 3 figs., 5 tabs