Optimization of the Superconducting Linear Magnetic Bearing of a Maglev Vehicle

Considering the need for cost/performance prediction and optimization of superconducting maglev vehicles, we develop and validate here a 3D finite element model to simulate superconducting linear magnetic bearings. Then we reduce the 3D model to a 2D model in order to decrease the computing time. This allows us to perform in a reasonable time a stochastic optimization considering the superconductor properties and the vehicle operation. We look for the permanent magnet guideway geometry that minimizes the cost and maximizes the lateral force during a displacement sequence, with a constraint on the minimum levitation force. The displacement sequence reproduces a regular maglev vehicle operation with both vertical and lateral movements. For the sake of comparison, our reference is the SupraTrans prototype bearing. The results of the optimization suggest that the bearing cost could be substantially reduced, while keeping the same performances as the initial design. Alternatively, the performances could be significantly improved for the same original cost

Absorbing-state phase transitions with extremal dynamics

Extremal dynamics represents a path to self-organized criticality in which the order parameter is tuned to a value of zero. The order parameter is associated with a phase transition to an absorbing state. Given a process that exhibits a phase transition to an absorbing state, we define an ``extremal absorbing" process, providing the link to the associated extremal (nonabsorbing) process. Stationary properties of the latter correspond to those at the absorbing-state phase transition in the former. Studying the absorbing version of an extremal dynamics model allows to determine certain critical exponents that are not otherwise accessible. In the case of the Bak-Sneppen (BS) model, the absorbing version is closely related to the "$f$-avalanche" introduced by Paczuski, Maslov and Bak [Phys. Rev. E {\bf 53}, 414 (1996)], or, in spreading simulations to the "BS branching process" also studied by these authors. The corresponding nonextremal process belongs to the directed percolation universality class. We revisit the absorbing BS model, obtaining refined estimates for the threshold and critical exponents in one dimension. We also study an extremal version of the usual contact process, using mean-field theory and simulation. The extremal condition slows the spread of activity and modifies the critical behavior radically, defining an ``extremal directed percolation" universality class of absorbing-state phase transitions. Asymmetric updating is a relevant perturbation for this class, even though it is irrelevant for the corresponding nonextremal class.Comment: 24 pages, 11 figure

Regio- and stereoselective synthesis of (Z)-2-Arylsulfanyl allylic alcohols using anhydrous CeCl3 as catalyst under solvent free conditions

AbstractAnhydrous CeCl3 was successfully employed as catalyst for the synthesis of (Z)-2-Arylsulfanyl allylic alcohols from propargylic alcohols and thiols under solvent free conditions. The products were obtained in good to excellent yields

Organic acids and biosolid trace elements phytoavailability.

Trace metals phytoavailability is a major concern related to land application of biosolids. Formation of soluble complexes between metals and organic acids exudates in the rhizosphere b plants or produced by microbial activity seems to play an important role on trace metals phytoavailability (Mench & Martin, 1991; Marschner, 1995). The present study was carried out; i)to determine organic acids present at the rhizosphere of different plant species cultivated in the presence or absence of biosolids; and ii) to assess the correlation between production of organic acids and the shoot content of trace elements

Reinforced dowel type connections: mechanical behaviour under cyclic tests

Dowel type joints are widely used in timber structures given their ease of construction and ability to dissipate energy when subjected to cyclic loading. The behaviour of these connections under cyclic loading depends on good detailing at the design phase, which is developed to guarantee ductile failure modes and avoid wood splitting through careful consideration of the dowel-to-edge and dowel-to-end distances. This conference paper presents the cyclic response of a dowel type connection that is reinforced with self-tapping screws (STS). The experimental campaign included unreinforced joints, with inadequate and adequate end distances as defined per Eurocode 5, and joints with self-tapping screws fastened perpendicular to the dowels to avoid premature splitting. To reduce the number of variables of the experimental design, dowel slenderness and position of the reinforcements were kept throughout the testing programme. Moreover, the laboratory tests only considered specimens loaded in the parallel-to-grain direction. The influence of timber species was evaluated by using specimens from Pinus pinaster and Pinus sylvestris. Laboratory testing results highlight the ability of dowel-type joints to withstand large displacement reversals without rupture. The reinforcement scheme proposed in this work achieved ductility values consistent with the Eurocode's Ductility Class High structures.This work was financed by FEDER funds through the Competitivity and Internationalization Operational Programme COMPETE, Portugal 2020, and by national funds through FCT – Foundation for Science and Technology within the scope of the Timquake project POCI-01-0145-FEDER-032031. Gratitude is extended towards Rothoblass, Portilame, and AOF for materials supplied

DNA and chromosomal damage in Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) as side effects of ozone-based water treatment - contribution to optimization of fish-farming practices

The progressive growth of aquaculture implicates a dependence on large water amounts, which are submitted to disinfection processes, namely ozonation. Considering the importance of genomic integrity, it is critical to improve the knowledge on ozone-related genotoxic hazard to organisms reared in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) applying ozonation. Therefore, genetic damage induced by ozone exposure in the Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) was assessed, combining the comet and the erythrocytic nuclear abnormalities (ENA) assays, reflecting different damage levels, i.e. DNA and chromosomal damage, respectively. Fish were subjected to a daily 6-h ozone (0.15 mg L-1) exposure, repeated for 3 consecutive days, simulating a short-term event of overozonation. To assess the temporal impact of the previous event, the progression of damage was evaluated 7 days later, following transference to ozone-free water or to 0.07 mg L-1 ozone, a routinely adopted level in RAS. Both endpoints pointed to the ozone genotoxic potential, displaying DNA oxidation as a possible mechanism of damage. Overall, the present findings pointed out the genotoxic hazard of ozone to fish, highlighting the importance of these types of studies and contributing to improve aquaculture practices, namely in RAS systems. These early genotoxic signals may be a prelude to negative repercussions on fish health, which may affect the aquaculture productivity. The present findings recommend precautions in relation to accidental or intentional overozonation in fish-farming, even when short-term events are considered. The strategies to mitigate the impact of ozonation in S. senegalensis may include a dietary extra supplementation of antioxidants (regularly, or punctually in cases of overozonation).publishe