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Effect of Temperature and Calcium Ion Concentration on Gelation and Rheological Properties of Low Methylated Pectin
Get PDFEffect of the influence of temperature and calcium (Ca2+) ion concentration on the rheological properties of pectin viz. storage modulus (G) and loss (G) oscillatory moduli of low methoxyl pectin in the presence of varying amounts of Ca2+ ion. It was observed that upon lowering the temperature in the presence of Ca2+, both G and G increased immediately, followed by a further slow logarithmic increase with time. It was also noticed that storage modulus (G) increased with rising calcium ion concentration initially but further raising the calcium ion concentration lowered the value of G. The frequency sweep curves revealed that at lower concentrations, pectin-Ca2+ samples exhibited viscoelastic behaviour but at higher concentrations, elastic and well-structured gel-like properties were evident
Internet of Nano-Things, Things and Everything: Future Growth Trends
Get PDFThe current statuses and future promises of the Internet of Things (IoT), Internet of Everything (IoE) and Internet of Nano-Things (IoNT) are extensively reviewed and a summarized survey is presented. The analysis clearly distinguishes between IoT and IoE, which are wrongly considered to be the same by many commentators. After evaluating the current trends of advancement in the fields of IoT, IoE and IoNT, this paper identifies the 21 most significant current and future challenges as well as scenarios for the possible future expansion of their applications. Despite possible negative aspects of these developments, there are grounds for general optimism about the coming technologies. Certainly, many tedious tasks can be taken over by IoT devices. However, the dangers of criminal and other nefarious activities, plus those of hardware and software errors, pose major challenges that are a priority for further research. Major specific priority issues for research are identified
Green Synthesis of High Temperature Stable Anatase Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Using Gum Kondagogu: Characterization and Solar Driven Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Dye
Get PDFThe present study reports a green and sustainable method for the synthesis of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) from titanium oxysulfate solution using Kondagogu gum (Cochlospermum gossypium), a carbohydrate polymer, as the NPs formation agent. The synthesized TiO2 NPs were categorized by techniques such as X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope- Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), UV-visible spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area and particle size analysis. Additionally, the photocatalytic actions of TiO2 NPs were assessed with regard to their ability to degrade an organic dye (methylene blue) from aqueous solution in the presence of solar light. Various parameters affecting the photocatalytic activity of the TiO2 NPs were examined, including catalyst loading, reaction time, pH value and calcination temperature of the aforementioned particles. This green synthesis method involving TiO2 NPs explores the advantages of inexpensive and non-toxic precursors, the TiO2 NPs themselves exhibiting excellent photocatalytic activity against dye molecules
Collaborative Artificial Intelligence in Music Production
Get PDFThe use of technology has revolutionized the process of music composition, recording, and production in the last 30 years. One fusion of technology and music that has been longstanding is the use of artificial intelligence in the process of music composition. However, much less attention has been given to the application of AI in the process of collaboratively composing and producing a piece of recorded music. The aim of this project is to explore such use of artificial intelligence in music production. The research presented here includes discussion of an auto ethnographic study of the interactions between songwriters, with the intention that these can be used to model the collaborative process and that a computational system could be trained using this information. The research indicated that there were repeated patterns that occurred in relation to the interactions of the participating songwriters
Composite Material Evaluation at Cryogenic Temperatures for Applications in Space-Based Far-Infrared Astronomical Instrumentation
No full textOver half of the light incident on the Earth from the Universe falls within the Far-Infrared (FIR) region of the spectrum. Due to the deleterious effects of the Earth's atmosphere and instrument self-emission, astronomical measurements in the FIR require space-borne instrumentation operating at cryogenic temperatures. These instruments place stringent constraints on the mechanical and thermal properties of the support structures at low temperatures. With high stiffness, tensile strength, strength-to-mass ratio, and extremely low thermal conductivity, carbon fibre reinforced polymers (CFRPs) are an important material for aerospace and FIR astronomical applications, however, little is known about their properties at cryogenic temperatures. We have developed a test facility for exploring CFRP properties down to 4 K. We present results from our ongoing study in which we compare and contrast the performance of CFRP samples using different materials, and multiple layup configurations. Current results include an evaluation of a cryostat dedicated for materials testing and a custom cryogenic metrology system, and preliminary cryogenic thermal expansion measurements. The goal of this research is to explore the feasibility of making CFRP-based, lightweight, cryogenic astronomical instruments
Participatory action research (PAR) research: critical methodological considerations
Get PDFPurpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore a range of key deliberations with regards to adopting Participatory Action Research (PAR) and Privileged Access Interviewer (PAI) approaches and methodologies within research on substance use
Design/methodology/approach
This paper is a reflective piece, it adopts a mixture of applied practice and theory considerations. These conceptualisations capture what are still relatively early understandings and uses of such methodologies, acquired across several decades of research and service provision experiences. The paper is structured around some of the sequences of the research process and as such provides a broad framework for such approaches.
Findings
PAR and PAI approaches utilise several key theoretical considerations. There are many critical issues associated with adopting these approaches, including those of ethics, funding, involvement, language, resources and support. Three key principle reasons (moral, political and research based), help explain why we should see more adoption of such approaches in substance use related research.
Research limitations/implications
This paper represents author views which are by their nature very subjective.
Practical implications
Implementation of the key considerations highlighted within this paper can lead to an active adoption of PAR and PAI methodologies within alcohol and drug research. Increasing the use of such methodologies will allow commissioners, researchers and service providers to develop a more nuanced understanding of the experiences of and responses to alcohol and drug use.
Originality/value
This paper captures critical conversations at a time of increased calls for service user involvement across all aspects of alcohol and other drug provision, including evaluation and research
The Potential of Painting: Unlocking Disenfranchised Grief for People Living With Dementia
Get PDFAs part of the Creative Well program at a local health board, one of the authors qualitatively investigated how painting can access a means of communication for people living with dementia. In a workshop setting within a gallery environment, participants living with dementia were facilitated on a one-to-one basis the opportunity to paint alongside the researcher. During the workshops, a number of experiences were articulated. These included experiences of illness, crisis, and loss. They were captured through observations, interviews, visual art, and video to contribute to new understandings and models of engagement through art for people living with dementia and their carers. Focusing on theory and practice in arts-based research and the social sciences, this article investigates the potential of painting to unlock experiences such as disenfranchised grief for people living with dementia. The conclusions of this article do not measure how and if participants felt disenfranchised grief but rather provide an alternative to augment the body of knowledge surrounding how people living with dementia can communicate feelings of disenfranchised grief through painting
Preparation and emulsifying properties of trace elements fortified gum arabic
Get PDFGum arabic was enriched with trace elements (Zn2+, Fe3+, Fe2+) by ion exchange against ZnCl2, FeCl3 and FeCl2. Trace elements content, molecular parameters and emulsifying properties of the gum arabic rich in trace elements (GARTE) were characterized by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS), gel permeation chromatography-multi angle laser light scattering (GPC-MALLS), interfacial rheometer, laser particle analyzer and zeta potentiometry. With trace elements, molecular weight and arabinogalactan protein (AGP) content of gum arabic have increased probably due to the high surface energy leading to the aggregation of protein. GARTE has good emulsion stability performance with increasing molecular weight and AGP content compared to the control gum arabic. GARTE can be applied as a natural functional ingredient for trace element fortification, where the ferric ions and zinc ions are chelated by the self-assembled polymer host
Review of unmanned aircraft system technologies to enable beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations
Get PDFThe need to develop and deploy Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) aerial vehicles has intensified over the last decade. As the demand for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) has increased, so too has the regulations that surrounds the industry. Strict regulations are currently in place but differ from country to country. Due to these regulations BVLOS innovators have been posed the task of exploring the means of operating flight missions with the UAV out of the sight of the pilot. Autonomous flight capability is not only fundamental to BVLOS operations for UAS but also likely to have a significant impact on the future development of passenger carrying autonomous aircraft. This review explores the technologies that have been developed to date that enable BVLOS applications. BVLOS flight operations have the potential to open a huge area of commercial opportunity however, there remain many concerns about the current capabilities of UAS to detect and avoid manned and unmanned airborne hazards that may pose a significant safety risk
Leaving the Armed Forces and Living as a Civilian: An Exploratory Study of Everyday Decision-Making
Get PDFGlyndwr University was funded by Forces in Mind Trust (FiMT) to
conduct this exploratory study of identity and transition from the
Armed Forces to civilian life. Using the premise of a link between
identity and perspective this research reveals influences of a
collective military identity/perspective on everyday accounts
of decision-making. An enduring frame of r eference is identified
that offers a rich context for understanding tensions and
challenges experienced by those leaving the Armed Forces.
The findings focus on five significant ar eas of decision-making: Moving forward, Putting down
roots, Changing pace, Living the moment and Being a veteran. The report outlines the methods
used which include in-depth interview to form a context of understanding some of the challenges
experienced and online concept-mapping to provide a prioritised view of recommendations.
A model of transition is proposed that requires a cultural shift within the civilian community to
become more aware of and sensitive to tensions experienced by veterans in their approach to
everyday decision-making.
The report will have relevance to Local Authority policymakers, the NHS, Public Sector Service
educators and Third Sector Support organisations. It will be of interest to civilians working in the
field of veteran research and it will have r elevance to community workers supporting the delivery
of the Armed Forces Covenant.
Glyndwr University is a Higher Education Institute in North East Wales that aims to improve
education for access to employment, as part of a widening participation agenda. It has made
a commitment to review and implement recommendations made in this report as part of a
curricula development initiative for preparing Nurses, Social Workers, Prison and Police, Teachers
and Housing Officers. The research draws on the wide demography acr oss six Local Authorities of
North Wales. It recruited participants using a range of strategies that were intended to raise the
profile of the Local Authorities’ inter est in wanting to understand the needs of veterans in both
rural and urban areas