The relation of conducting polymer actuator material properties to performance

Materials used in many branches of engineering are of low molecular weight and not flexible. As we develop more sophisticated engineering devices one can look to nature for inspiration and advocate the use of high molecular weight flexible materials. Conducting polymer actuators will soon be used in applications where traditional low molecular weight actuator systems are incapable of mimicking the functionality provided by nature's muscle. To incorporate conducting polymer actuators into engineering systems it is of high importance to not only model and predict the behavior of these actuators but also understand the connection of material properties to performance. In this paper, the importance of fundamental actuation mechanisms and the fundamental material properties of conducting polymer muscles such as ionic diffusion rate, electrochemical operating window, strain to charge ratio, ratio of charge carried by positive versus negative ions, and salt draining are discussed and their effect on performance is demonstrated. The relevance of engineered geometry to the performance of conducting polymer muscles is also shown. Our understanding of what limits the performance of existing conducting polymers actuators provides directions for the improvement of the next generation of conducting polymer actuators.     

Strategies for promoting biodiesel use in marine vessels

The marine transportation sector, responsible for consuming a large amount of degraded fuel oil, is one of the major contributors to global warming and air pollution. These effects are responsible for a large number of premature deaths in the US and throughout the world. The international regulation known as the 2008 MARPOL Annex VI Amendment, which is enforced by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), has imposed progressively more stringent limits on emissions from marine vessels. Biodiesel, an environmentally friendly, renewable, clean, and low-carbon fuel, is regarded as the most appropriate alternative fuel for marine vessels. However, the promotion of biodiesel use in water-borne transportation is considered to be a bigger challenge than its more successful development in land-based applications. The major obstacles to promoting biodiesel blends in marine transportation are examined in this study. The strategies proposed to overcome these obstacles include the comprehensive field testing of the biodiesel blends in marine vessels of various representative types, establishing a marine-grade biodiesel specification, increasing the price competitiveness of marine-grade biodiesel by reducing its manufacturing costs, providing tax cuts, exemptions, and government subsidies, increasing the amount of biodiesel use in marine applications, adopting compatible elastomers and metallic materials in fuel feeding systems and storage tanks, applying approaches or technologies suitable for improving the low-temperature fluidity of biodiesel blends, and increasing the added value of purified glycerol. The effective application of these strategies will enable the more widespread use of biodiesel in marine applications, significantly reducing emissions from ships, improving global air quality, protecting the ecological environment and improving people’s health.     

Artificial Marine Micro‐Reserves Networks (AMMRNs): an innovative approach to conserve marine littoral biodiversity and protect endangered species

Coastal engineering works, especially the outer breakwaters of ports where environmental conditions are usually good, often constitute new habitats for marine littoral species. Their potential indirect contribution to the regeneration and conservation of protected species opens up a new perspective in protection of marine biodiversity. This is particularly true when these works harbour, as we show here, important reproductive populations of species that are threatened or even in danger of extinction. We provide integrated data on protected marine species in Southern Iberia established on different substrata (quarried dolomitic rocks, concrete cubic blocks, concrete tetrapods and vertical concrete walls) that are used in the construction of artificial levees that could potentially be Artificial Marine Micro‐Reserves (AMMRs). We also present the first evidence of the ‘reserve effect’ in potential AMMRs and we discuss the need for the creation of AMMRs including their effective networking (AMMRNs), supporting data for which has been observed by studying coastal facilities subjected to strict access restrictions (for security reasons, not conservation). These facilities have acted as valuable proxies and, in reality, potentially act as AMMRs, as well as having a role in helping to detect and control invasive species. We discuss the ecological engineering aspects related to the design and type of materials used in coastal constructions with a view to aiding the integration of these into existing coastal ecosystems as well as promoting greater settlement of species and therefore increases in biodiversity. Finally, the environmental implications of AMMRNs within the future implementation strategy of the Water Framework Directive 2000/60 EC are also discussed.     

Artificial marine habitats in the Arabian Gulf: Review of current use, benefits and management implications

The use of artificial reefs in the Arabian Gulf have a history extending back over a century, when date palm trunks, stones, pottery and other materials were sunk in coastal areas to enhance fish catch. Historically, such artificial reefs formed an important component of the socio-economic development of coastal fisheries. In comparison, modern artificial reefs have taken on a variety of forms. The most widely recognized are purpose-build modular artificial reefs designed for the enhancement of fisheries yield, diving, and various other benefits. However, far more common within the Gulf are the large-scale unplanned artificial reefs that have been formed as a result of human activities in the marine system, such as large-scale coastal breakwaters, seawalls, jetties, pipelines, and oil and gas infrastructure. Although there is limited information on the role of these constructions in structuring Gulf marine communities, increasing evidence suggests that abundant and diverse communities of reef fish, coral and other benthos can develop on these structures, with important ecological implications in urbanized coastal areas in the Gulf. However, due to a variety of unintended consequences of artificial reef development such structures may also pose challenges to coastal marine management. We review the current published literature on artificial reefs in the Gulf in order to improve our understanding of the role that these structures play in Gulf coastal ecosystems, and to further develop regional management of artificial reefs. We explore the various types of artificial reef that exist in the Gulf and examine the benefits and challenges that these structures represent for coastal ecology and economics. Such information is essential for our improved understanding and management of these increasingly important ecosystems in the Gulf.     

土工布充砂袋的应用及其研究进展

对土工布充砂袋技术和国内外的应用进行了介绍。鉴于土工布充砂袋属于一种新兴起的土工新材料和新技术，在设计和工程实际中还存在着许多急待解决的问题，着重对各种典型状态和典型环境下的土工布充砂袋的变形、应力和土工布充砂袋堆的稳定性研究进展进行综述，最后提出进一步研究的思路。     

Molecular actuators - designing actuating materials at the molecular level

Nature evolved an elegant actuating system, muscle, which can be controlled by a relatively small molecule, myosin. We briefly introduce herein an artificial approach based on applying molecular actuating building blocks to mimic the function of muscle. A particular focus of this review is the design of a molecular hinge. Designed molecular mechanisms have great potential to produce quick responses and large deformations.     

A Novel Actuator for Underwater Robots

Pneumatic muscles have been used for a number of years as actuators in robotic systems, usually for those that mimic human actions. They are most commonly used in systems designed to aid physically handicapped people. This feasibility study reports mechanical testing and modeling results for the Shadow™ artificial muscle pneumatic actuator working in both air and underwater. The static and dynamic tension-contraction measurements were recorded through both the force and contraction relationship test and the dynamic response and time relationship test. A model of the properties of the muscle working in water was derived from the measurements of the tests that can be considered for its feasibility for use in undersea robotics.      

低温多效蒸馏海水淡化技术

文章介绍了低温多效海水淡化技术的原理、技术优势和应用方式。并比较了几种主要海水淡化技术的投资、运行费用及技术性能。最后分析了低温多效海水淡化技术的发展趋势 ,提出设备规模大型化、采用新材料新工艺、和可再生能源及新能源的结合如低温核反应堆是低温多效海水淡化技术未来的发展方向     

Energy profiling of demersal fish: A case-study in wind farm artificial reefs

The construction of wind farms introduces artificial hard substrates in sandy sediments. As Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and pouting (Trisopterus luscus) tend to aggregate in order to feed around these reefs, energy profiling and trophic markers were applied to study their feeding ecology in a wind farm in the Belgian part of the North Sea. The proximate composition (carbohydrates, proteins and lipids) differed significantly between liver and muscle tissue but not between fish species or between their potential prey species. Atlantic cod showed to consume more energy than pouting. The latter had a higher overall energy reserve and can theoretically survive twice as long on the available energy than cod. In autumn, both fish species could survive longer on their energy than in spring. Polyunsaturated fatty acids were found in high concentrations in fish liver. The prey species Jassa and Pisidia were both rich in EPA while Jassa had a higher DHA content than Pisidia.Energy profiling supported the statement that wind farm artificial reefs are suitable feeding ground for both fish species. Sufficient energy levels were recorded and there is no indication of competition.     

一种预测聚合物驱开发动态的模型

在分析聚合物驱与水驱驱替机理差异的基础上,对水驱预测的经验公式进行改进,建立了适用于聚合物驱的预测模型。预测模型可考虑聚合物溶液黏度、注入PV数及最大残余阻力系数等参数对聚合物驱效果的影响。预测模型预测大庆喇南和喇北东块的聚合物驱含水率曲线与实际含水动态吻合,预测提高采收率误差小于8%,结果可靠。预测模型所需参数简单、计算简便,可用于聚合物驱动态预测、效果评价及潜力分析。     

The use of urushiol-titanium chela te polymer as an anticorrosive coating for marine application

-The present paper reports a new type of coating possessing with excellent anticorrosive properties for marine application. The coatings are urushiol-titanium chelate polymer. The present authors list the anticorrosive spectra of the new coating in various chemicals. The chemical structure of the new coating was studied using IR, GPC, DTA and TG techniques. The relationship between chemical structure and anticorrosive properties is also discussed.     

海洋负排放技术及其生态治理功能前瞻

工业革命以来,人类活动导致的以二氧化碳为代表的温室气体持续排放,被认为与全球气候变化密切相关,引发诸多极端气候事件,导致海平面上升、海水酸化、海水暖化等一系列环境负面效应。海洋是地球最大的活跃碳库,增汇潜力巨大。为应对全球气候变化,人为干预海洋生态系统、促进其对大气二氧化碳额外吸收封存的海洋负排放技术体系成为国际研究热点。根据负排放技术的应用场景,目前海洋负排放技术体系涵盖侧重于生态保护和修复的滨海湿地蓝碳、侧重于环境友好型养殖产业的海水养殖环境碳汇和借助生态工程技术手段的负排放工程增汇。海洋负排放技术在实现人为增汇的同时,有望通过促进海洋生物的生长和繁殖、提高海洋生态系统的稳定性和抗干扰能力、促进海洋生态系统内部及其与陆地生态系统之间的资源循环利用,发挥其生态治理功能,从而应对海洋环流改变、海水酸化脱氧等全球海洋环境恶化以及人类活动污染的局部胁迫。     

Cr^3＋在改善三元复合驱中的作用实验研究

在三元复合驱矿场应用实践中,由于三元复合体系自身流度控制能力的局限性,必须通过聚合物凝胶前置段塞来改善吸液剖面,这就涉及到聚合物凝胶与三元复合体系的配伍性。通过向三元复合体系中加入有机铬,考察Cr^3＋对三元复合体系黏度、界面张力和阻力系数等性能影响,进而对Cr^3＋聚合物凝胶与三元复合体系配伍性以及Cr^3＋在改善三元复合体系性能方面的作用做出评价。结果表明,Cr^3＋的加入对三元复合体系黏度和界面张力影响不大,但阻力系数和残余阻力系数却明显增加。当采用Cr^3＋聚合物凝胶作为前置段塞或采用添加Cr^3＋的三元复合体系进行复合驱油实验时,其采收率增加幅度都要高于普通三元复合驱。这不仅显示出Cr^3＋聚合物凝胶与三元复合体系间良好的配伍性,而且为改善三元复合驱增油效果提供了新的途径。     

Trends in biorobotic autonomous undersea vehicles

The emergence of biorobotic autonomous undersea vehicle (AUV) as a focus for discipline-integrated research in the context of underwater propulsion and maneuvering is considered within the confines of the Biorobotics Program in the Office of Naval Research. The significant advances in three disciplines, namely the biology-inspired high-lift unsteady hydrodynamics, artificial muscle technology and neuroscience-based control, are discussed in an effort to integrate them into viable products. The understanding of the mechanisms of delayed stall, molecular design of artificial muscles and the neural approaches to the actuation of control surfaces is reviewed in the context of devices based on the pectoral fins of fish, while remaining focused on their integrated implementation in biorobotic AUVs. A mechanistic understanding of the balance between cruising and maneuvering in swimming animals and undersea vehicles is given. All aquatic platforms, in both nature and engineering, except during short duration burst speeds that are observed in a few species, appear to lie within the condition where their natural period of oscillation equals the time taken by them to travel the distance of their own lengths. Progress in the development of small underwater experimental biorobotic vehicles is considered where the three aforementioned disciplines are integrated into one novel maneuvering device or propulsor. The potential in maneuvering and silencing is discussed.     

Testing phenanthrene distribution properties of virgin plastic pellets and plastic eroded pellets found on Lesvos island beaches (Greece)

Plastic pellets have been characterized as toxic pollutant carriers throughout the world oceans and coastal zones. However, their sorptive properties are not yet well understood. In the present study, virgin pellets and plastic eroded pellets (PEP) are used to elucidate their distribution characteristics through distribution kinetic studies. Distribution occurs through diffusion into the pellet for all materials (polyethylene, polyoxymethylene, and PEP) except polypropylene (PP). Although diffusion into the polymer happens with similar rates for both freshwater and saltwater external solutions, apparent diffusion is dependent on the solution salinity because it results in higher equilibrium distribution coefficients. Distribution coefficient into the PEP is higher and diffusion is slower than into the virgin materials. This is attributed to increased crystallinity of the PEP due to weathering. PP demonstrates diffusion rates that are increased by salinity and is apparently faster than into the other polymers suggesting a surface diffusion process.     

Bioprospection of marine actinomycetes: recent advances, challenges and future perspectives

In exploring new sources for economically important products, marine environment draws particular attention because of its remarkable diversity and extreme conditions; it is known to produce metabolic products of great value. It represents untapped source for the discovery of novel secondary metabolites with varying potential such as antibiotic, anti-tumor, antifouling and cytotoxic properties. Marine actinomycetes distributed throughout the marine environment from shallow to deep sea sediments have proved to be a finest source for this discovery. Secondary metabolites derived from marine actinomycetes have proved their worth in industries based on the research on their properties and wide range applications. Spotlight of the review is range of marine based actinomycetes products and significant research in this field. This shows the capability of marine actinomycetes as bioactive metabolite producers. Additionally, the present review addresses some effective and novel approaches of procuring marine microbial compounds utilizing the latest screening strategies of drug discovery from which traditional resources such as marine actinobacteria has decreased due to declining yields. The aim is in the context of promoting fruitful and profitable results in the near future. The recent surfacing of new technologies for bioprospection of marine actinomycetes are very promising, resulting in high quality value added products, and will be de? ning a new era for bioactive compounds with medical and biotechnological applications.     

基于生态化人工海岸建设的理论研究与应用 ——以天津永定新河口综合整治修复工程为例

分析生态文明背景下围填海区域人工海岸建设存在的问题,结合淤泥质人工海岸空间特点,总结提出了生态岸线整治修复技术、仿自然化处理设计、景观构建适宜性、人工海岸生态系统等生态化建设基础理论,并以天津永定新河口综合整治修复工程为例,重点阐述了人工海岸生态化建设过程中生态系统和景观构建的方法要点和具体思路.结果表明:在人工海岸生...     

Material type and roughness influence structure of inter‐tidal communities on coastal defenses

On a global scale, urbanization has resulted in substantial proportions of coasts being replaced by artificial structures such as marinas, breakwaters and seawalls. There is broad consensus that coastal defense structures are poor surrogates of the natural habitats that they replace. Here we investigated the effects of the type and roughness of materials used for the construction of artificial structures on the surrounding biota by comparing abundances and distribution of key inter‐tidal taxa between natural shores and coastal defenses. Lower abundances of gastropods and barnacles were found on artificial coastal defense structures (regardless of the material type). At small spatial scales, abundances of key taxa increased with increasing roughness. Our results suggest that the choice of materials used for the construction of coastal defense structures has little effect on community structure per se, but that enhanced roughness could make coastal defenses better surrogates of natural habitats by supporting assemblages that are more similar to those found on natural shores.     

壳聚糖基高吸水性树脂的制备与应用进展

高吸水性树脂(Superabsorbent polymers,SAPs)是一种具有优良吸水能力和保水能力的功能高分子材料,因其良好的性能被应用于止血材料、个人卫生产品、干旱地区的农业及林业保水剂、污水处理剂以及生物材料等方面。以天然多糖原料制备新型高吸水性树脂是目前的研究热点之一。本文综述了近年来以海洋生物多糖-壳聚糖为原料制备高吸水性树脂的方法,以及壳聚糖基高吸水性树脂在应用方面的研究进展,并对壳聚糖基高吸水性树脂未来的发展趋势进行了展望。     

Renewable energy from the ocean

Growing concern over the threat of global climate change has led to an increased interest in research and development of renewable energy technologies. The ocean provides a vast source of potential energy resources, and as renewable energy technology develops, investment in ocean energy is likely to grow. Research in ocean thermal energy conversion, wave energy, tidal energy, and offshore wind energy has led to promising technologies and in some cases, commercial deployment. These sources have the potential to help alleviate the global climate change threat, but the ocean environment should be protected while these technologies are developed. Renewable energy sources from the ocean may be exploited without harming the marine environment if projects are sited and scaled appropriately and environmental guidelines are followed.