Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High-Temperature $\beta$ -Ga2O3 Schottky Diodes and UVC Photodetectors Using RuOx Contacts

High-temperature <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\beta $ </tex-math></inline-formula>-Ga<sub>{2}</sub>O<sub>{3}</sub> Schottky diodes with very low leakage currents, capable of sensitive UVC detection at 350°C, were fabricated on <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$({\bar{2}}{01})$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-Ga<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> single crystal substrates using intentionally-oxidized ruthenium (RuO<sub>x</sub>) Schottky contacts (SCs), with x =~ 2.1. These RuO<sub>x</sub>:<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\beta $ </tex-math></inline-formula>-Ga<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> SCs were characterized by rectification ratios of more than 10<sup>10</sup> at ±3 V and very low reverse leakage current densities of less than 1 nAcm<sup>−2</sup> (~1 pA) at −3.0 V, that were unchanged from 24 to 350 °C. These very low high-temperature leakage currents were due to their extremely high Schottky barriers of 2.2 eV at 350°C, that were stable against repeated operation at this temperature. Although not optimized for photodetection, these SCs could detect UVC (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\lambda = {248}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> nm) radiation at a temperature of 350 °C with a UVC/dark current ratio of ~10<sup>3</sup>. The very high and thermally stable rectifying barriers of these RuO<sub>x</sub>:<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\beta $ </tex-math></inline-formula>-Ga<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> SCs makes them strong candidates for use in high temperature <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\beta $ </tex-math></inline-formula>-Ga<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> rectifying diodes and UVC photodetectors.
The investigation of metal-ion coordination to amyloid-beta and potential chelation materials for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that results in the death of neurons and impaired cognitive function. One of the pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's is the formation of senile plaques which originate from the aggregation of the Amyloid-β protein. Recent research has found that the overabundance of certain metal-ions in the brain may contribute to this problem, and that chelation therapy may be an effective tool to solve it. In this study, we conducted Density Functional Theory calculations to investigate the interaction of metal ions to the Amyloid-β protein, as well as the adsorption of the copper-ion by potential chelation materials. We conducted binding energy calculations and plotted the charge transfer between the metals and the substrates in order to evaluate bond strength. Binding energy calculations revealed that the binding affinities followed the order of Cu > Al > Zn, proving copper to retain the strongest affinity compared to other metal ions of biological significance. Due to copper's strong affinity, binding energies were also evaluated for its interaction with potential chelators: monolayer boron nitride, monolayer molybdenum disulfide, and monolayer silicene. Silicene produced the highest binding energies to copper, and the evidence of charge transfer between copper and the monolayers proves that there is a strong ionic bond present. Although our three monolayers did not directly present chelation potential, the absolute differences between the binding energies of the silicene binding sites and the Amyloid-β binding sites were minimal proving that further research in silicene chelators will open doors for therapy in Alzheimer's disease.
Evaluation of a 38 L Explosive Chamber for Testing Coal Dust Explosibility

Coal dust explosions are the deadliest disasters facing the coal mining industry. Research has been conducted globally on this topic for decades. The first explosibility tests in the United States were performed by the Bureau of Mines using a 20 L chamber. This serves as the basis for all standardized tests used for combustible dusts. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of a new 38 L chamber for testing coal dust explosions. The 38 L chamber features design modifications to model the unique conditions present in an underground coal mine when compared to other industries where combustible dust hazards are present. A series of explosibility tests were conducted within the explosive chamber using a sample of Pittsburgh pulverized coal dust and a five kJ Sobbe igniter. Analysis to find the maximum pressure ratio and Kst combustible dust parameter was performed for each trial. Based upon this analysis, observations are made for each concentration regarding whether the explosibility test was under-fueled or over-fueled. Based upon this analysis, a recommendation for future explosibility testing concentrations is made.
Prospective (Bio)leaching of Historical Copper Slags as an Alternative to Their Disposal

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of (bio)hydrometallurgical methods for metal extraction from historical copper slags. Two types of slags (amorphous slag—AS, and crystalline slag—CS) were subjected to 24 to 48 h of leaching with: (i) Sulfuric acid at 0.1, 0.5, and 1 M concentrations at 1%, 5%, and 10% pulp densities (PDs); and (ii) normality equivalent (2 N) acids (sulfuric, hydrochloric, nitric, citric, and oxalic) at pulp densities ranging from 1% to 2%. Bioleaching experiments were performed within 21 days with Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans accompanied by an abiotic control (sterile growth medium). The results demonstrated that the most efficient treatment for amorphous and crystalline slag was bioleaching at 1% PD over 21 days, which led to extraction of Cu at rates of 98.7% and 52.1% for AS and CS, respectively. Among the chemical agents, hydrochloric acid was the most efficient and enabled 30.5% of Cu to be extracted from CS (1% PD, 48 h) and 98.8% of Cu to be extracted from AS (1% PD, 24 h). Slag residues after leaching were characterized by strong alteration features demonstrated by the complete dissolution of fayalite in the case of CS and the transformation of AS to amorphous silica and secondary gypsum. Based on this study, we conclude that amorphous slag is a more suitable candidate for potential metal recovery because of its generally high susceptibility to leaching and due to the generation of residue significantly depleted in metals as the end product. The inventory of economically relevant metals showed that 1 ton of historical copper slag contains metals valued at $47 and $135 for crystalline and amorphous slag, respectively, suggesting that secondary processing of such materials can potentially be both economically and environmentally viable.
Synergistic Antidiabetic and Antihyperlipidaemic Activity of Glibenclamide by Integrating Momordica charantia Fruit Juice in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rat

Diabetes mellitus is among the most common disorder in developed and developing countries, and the disease is increasing rapidly in most parts of the world. It has been estimated that up to one-third of patients with diabetes mellitus use some form of complementary and alternative medicine. The aim of the present study was to evaluate synergistic antidiabetic and antihyperlipidaemic effects of Momordica charantia fruit juice along with Glibenclamide (lower dose) on glucose tolerance and lipid profile in streptozotocin induced diabetic rat. The Momordica charantia fruit juice (MCFJ) were prepared and different combination of MCFJ and Glibenclamide was evaluated for antidiabetic activity in experimental animals. The administration of MCFJ along with Glibenclamide significantly decreased the blood glucose levels compared to control diabetic rats. The MCFJ along with Glibenclamide significantly lowered the elevated total cholesterol, triglycerides (TGL), total protein and low density lipoprotein (LDL) level while increased the high density lipoprotein (HDL) indicates the antihyperlipidaemic activity. The findings demonstrated the MCFJ enhanced antidiabetic and antihyperlipidaemic activity of Glibenclamide and produced higher protective effect from diabetes.
Monitoring the differential reflectivity and receiver calibration for the German polarimetric weather radar network

Abstract. It is a challenge to calibrate differential reflectivity ZDR to within 0.1–0.2 dB uncertainty for dual-polarization weather radars that operate operationally 24/7 throughout the year. During operations, a temperature sensitivity of ZDR larger than 0.2 dB over a temperature range of 10°C has been noted. In order to understand the source of the observed ZDR temperature sensitivity, over 2000 dedicated solar box scans, a two dimensional scan 5° azimuth by 8° elevation that encompasses the solar disk, have been made in 2018 from which horizontal (H) and vertical (V) pseudo antenna patterns are calculated. This assessment is carried out using data from the Hohenpeißenberg research radar which is identical to the 17 operational radar systems of the German Meteorological Service (Deutscher Wetterdienst, DWD). ZDR antenna patterns are calculated from the H and V patterns which reveal that the ZDR bias is temperature dependent changing about 0.2 dB over a 12 °C temperature range. One-point calibration results, where a test signal is injected into the antenna crossguide coupler outside the receiver box or into the LNAs, reveal only a very weak temperature sensitivity (
Characterization of Chinese Grape Seed Oil by Physicochemical Properties, Fatty Acid Composition, Triacylglycrol Profiles, and Sterols and Squalene Composition

Abstract This work focused on physicochemical property assaying, fatty acid composition, triacylglycerol profiles, and sterols and squalene composition of the Chinese grape seed oil. Three different methods were used to extract oil from Chinese grape seeds, solvent extraction, cold press and hot press methods. Three oils all possess very low acid value and peroxide value, suggesting their good quality as edible oil. Fatty acid composition results indicated that the total content of unsaturated fatty acids was 89.14 %, within which the majority fatty acid was linoleic acid with content of 64.11 %. Characterization of triacylglycerol profiles was achieved by a two-dimensional HPLC coupling of nonaqueous reverse-phase and silver ion HPLC with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry method. There was a total of 30 TAGs including 23 regioisomers that have been determined. Unsaponifiable matters composition results revealed that the total sterols content and the squalene content were 278.49 mg/100 g and 17.81 mg/100 g, respectively.
Microwave Assisted One-Pot Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Leaf Extracts from Vigna Unguiculate: Evaluation of Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities

Oxidative stress is caused by the increased levels of free radicals in the body which leads to various diseases. Antioxidants are known to reduce the risk of diseases caused by oxidative stress as they have the ability to donate electrons to these harmful free radicals. In addition to the natural antioxidants present in fruits and vegetables, synthetic antioxidants are also available. With the emergence of nanotechnology, the applications possessed by nanoparticles are limitless. One such application is in nanomedicine where nanoparticles are incorporated to study biological systems. The properties of the nanoparticles depend on the type of metal used and the method of synthesis. The use of plants for the production of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is key point of interest as it is rapid, eco-friendly, non-pathogenic and economical. Furthermore, this “Green synthesis” requires a single step for the biosynthesis of the nanoparticles as the silver ions are reduced and stabilized from the biomolecules present in the plant extract. In this study, cowpea leaf extracts were used for the on-pot green synthesis of silver nanoparticles to determine its antioxidant properties using phytochemical assays; Total flavonoid content (TFC), total phenolic content (TPC), total antioxidant activity (TAC), and free radical scavenging assays; Ferric reducing antioxidant properties (FRAP), ABTS and DPPH. The antibacterial activities were assessed by well diffusion method using gram positive (Staphylococus aureus) and gram negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. KEYWORDS: Silver Nanoparticles, Cowpea Leaf, Green Synthesis, Antioxidant, Antimicrobi
IN-VITRO STUDY OF SUB-LETHAL EFFECT OF NEW CHEMISTRY INSECTICIDES ON THE ADULT CHRYSOPERLA CARNEA (STEPHENS)

Four new chemistry insecticides viz. Bifenthrin (Talstar® 10% EC, FMC), Acetamiprid (Acelan®,20% EC, FMC), Imidacloprid (Imidacloprid®,25% EC, FMC) and Diafenthiuron (Polo®,100% EC, Syngenta Company) were evaluated against Chrysoperla carnea. Different concentrations (1.25, 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 µl/ml) of each insecticide were made in distilled water by serial dilutions tested to determine the sub-lethal concentration dose LC50 against adult’s C. carnea under laboratory conditions. Topical bioassay was performed against adult C. carnea. Adulticidal activity of insecticide in term of LC50 and LC90 with confidential interval was evaluated. The LC50 values of Acetamiprid, Bifenthrin, Imidacloprid and Diafenthiuron for adults C. carnea were 31.3, 96.1, 2.3 and 30.5 µl/ml, respectively. Toxicity of the tested insecticides to C. carnea form most to least toxic was Imidacloprid > Diafenthiuron > Acetamiprid > Bifenthrin. The 95% confidence intervals of Acetamiprid, Bifenthrin and Diafenthiuron overlapped, suggesting no significant difference in the toxicities of these three insecticides to the adult C. carnea. The adults were most sensitive to Imidacloprid and required low concentration (2.3 ± 0.25 µl/ml) to cause 50% mortality of the targeted adults compared to rest of the insecticide. Bifenthrin was found to be most tolerant and require high concentration to acquire LC50 that is 96.1± 28.6 µl/ml. The log concentration under directly proportional to the probability of adult C. carnea mortality. Increase in log concentration of Acetamiprid (0.894) resulted increase in probability (3.66). The decrease in the log concentration (0.854) of Bifenthrin decreased the (3.31) probability of mortality. Similarly the log concentration related to probability of mortality with the increase of log concentration (2.453) of Imidacloprid increased the probability (4.12). While the proportion of decreased log concentration of Polo (1.206) decreased the probability (3.120). The finding of this study proved that the above tested insecticides are harmful to adult of C. carnea. Generaly Bifenthrin causes less damage and may be included in the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program with fairly adverse residual effect on bio-control agents.
Structural and dynamical properties of ionic liquids: a molecular dynamics study employing DL_POLY 4

ABSTRACT Molecular dynamics simulations are often used to study the structures and dynamics of ionic liquids. Here, we have simulated three ionic liquids, trihexyl(tetradecyl)-phosphonium chloride [P66614][Cl], 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium acecate [BMIm][Oac] and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium dicyanamide, [EMIm][DCA] in a comparison of two force fields, GAFF and CL&PFF. In most cases, the resulting theoretical densities agree with experimental values within a 2% error. Diffusive properties were characterised by mean squared displacements to show the significant effect of the alkyl chain on the movement of the [P66614] cation. Activation energies of diffusion were calculated from linear Arrhenius plots which agree with previous studies. Simulations of the dynamical behaviour show retention of short and medium-range structure of the ionic liquids with temperature. However, although with increasing temperature more high energy local configurations become accessible, they are observed less frequently as energy barriers are more easily overcome, resulting in more ordered time-averaged structures.
Heat-induced hypervolemia: Does the mode of acclimation matter and what are the implications for performance at Tokyo 2020?

ABSTRACT Tokyo 2020 will likely be the most heat stressful Olympics to date, so preparation to mitigate the effects of humid heat will be essential for performance in several of the 33 sports. One key consideration is heat acclimation (HA); the repeated exposure to heat to elicit physiological and psychophysical adaptations that improve tolerance and exercise performance in the heat. Heat can be imposed in various ways, including exercise in the heat, hot water immersion, or passive exposure to hot air (e.g., sauna). The physical requirements of each sport will determine the impact that the heat has on performance, and the adaptations required from HA to mitigate these effects. This review focuses on one key adaptation, plasma volume expansion (PVE), and how the mode of HA may affect the kinetics of adaptation. PVE constitutes a primary HA-mediated adaptation and contributes to functional adaptations (e.g., lower heart rate and increased heat loss capacity), which may be particularly important in athletes of “sub-elite” cardiorespiratory fitness (e.g., team sports), alongside athletes of prolonged endurance events. This review: i) highlights the ability of exercise in the heat, hot-water immersion, and passive hot air to expand PV, providing the first quantitative assessment of the efficacy of different heating modes; ii) discusses how this may apply to athletes at Tokyo 2020; and iii) provides recommendations regarding the protocol of HA and the prospect for achieving PVE (and the related outcomes).
Response of green synthesized drug blended silver nanoparticles against periodontal disease triggering pathogenic microbiota

Objective : Evidences for microorganisms to predominate periodontal disease, alteration of human pathogen shifted microbiota by Erythrina fusca, and antimicrobial response potentiation by ecofriendly silver nanoparticles, intended present study to perform green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and evaluate against periodontal disease triggering pathogenic microbiota. Material and Methods: Present study involved green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Erythrina fusca leaves aqueous extract (EFLAE), followed by optimization, characterization, stability, and evaluation of antimicrobial potential of biosynthetic AgNPs against periodontitis causing pathogenic human microflora (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus). Results: The AgNPs green synthesis success was based on brown coloration and surface plasmon resonance signal at 433 nm. UV-Visible spectrometry driven optimization determined 5 mM AgNO3 concentration, 1:9 EFLAE and AgNO3 volumetric ratio, pH 7, 60 °C temperature and 2 hours time as parametric requirements for AgNPs biosynthesis. Stability studies revealed signal appearance between 415-424 nm supporting AgNPs stability. Characterization studies recognized shifted and broadened FTIR bands of AgNPs revealing silver capping by biochemical-moieties of EFLAE; AgNPs size below 32 nm in FESEM micrograph; XRD signals at 38.95, 44.97, 64.92 and 78.97 representing 111, 200, 220 and 311 AgNPs silver cubic structure planes; and elemental silver 83.66%, carbon 11.87% and oxygen 4.47% in EDX spectrum. Optimized and characterized biogenic AgNPs when evaluated against periodontal disease causing pathogenic microflora using well diffusion method, exhibited maximum inhibitory zone (in mm) against B. cereus (13 and 18), followed by P. aeruginosa (11 and 19), E. coli (10 and 18) and S. pyogenes (9 and 15) in 50 and 100 µg/ml administered dose. Conclusion: Present study concludes that biogenic AgNPs synthesized using EFLAE possess high inhibition potential against periodontitis triggering pathogens (E. coli, B. cereus, S. pyogenes, and P. aeruginosa) of microbiota, and recommends EFLAE as potential source for AgNPs green synthesis.
A Wide Range of Testing Results on an Excellent Lithium-Ion Cell Chemistry to be used as Benchmarks for New Battery Technologies

We present a wide range of testing results on an excellent moderate-energy-density lithium-ion pouch cell chemistry to serve as benchmarks for academics and companies developing advanced lithium-ion and other "beyond lithium-ion" cell chemistries to (hopefully) exceed. These results are far superior to those that have been used by researchers modelling cell failure mechanisms and as such, these results are more representative of modern Li-ion cells and should be adopted by modellers. Up to three years of testing has been completed for some of the tests. Tests include long-term charge-discharge cycling at 20, 40 and 55°C, long-term storage at 20, 40 and 55°C, and high precision coulometry at 40°C. Several different electrolytes are considered in this LiNi0.5Mn0. 3Co0.2O2/graphite chemistry, including those that can promote fast charging. The reasons for cell performance degradation and impedance growth are examined using several methods. We conclude that cells of this type should be able to power an electric vehicle for over 1.6 million kilometers (1 million miles) and last at least two decades in grid energy storage. The authors acknowledge that other cell format-dependent loss, if any, (e.g. cylindrical vs. pouch) may not be captured in these experiments.
Microwave-Assisted One-Step Conversion of Wood Wastes into Levulinic Acid

This study aimed to evaluate the use of softwood and hardwood waste for the production of levulinic acid by one-stage conversion using microwave radiation combined with acid catalysis. The analysis demonstrated that the type and concentration of the acid used, the concentration of biomass in the reaction mixture and pressure value had the greatest impact on the yield of levulinic acid. The highest efficiency of carbohydrate conversion to levulinic acid, regardless of the type of raw material, was achieved using a pressure of 225 PSI and sulfuric acid as a catalyst. Maximum yield from biomass, ca. 16.5% for cherry wood chips and ca. 25% for pine chips, was obtained using sulfuric acid at a concentration of 1% v/v and 2% v/v, respectively, for the following process parameters: Exposure time 20 min, biomass concentration 3.3%, and the pressure of 225 PSI. The ratio of actual yield to theoretical yield was high: 64.7% ± 4.5% for pine chips and 43.4% ± 1.0% for cherry wood chips. High efficiency of the presented method of biomass conversion to levulinic acid indicates the possibility of its use for waste management in the wood processing industry. High concentration of levulinic acid in the post-reaction mixture allows for cost-effective extraction and purification of the compound.
Effect of exogenous application of micronutrients on growth and yield of sweet orange CV. Blood Red

An experiment was conducted during 2016-17 and 2017-18 to assess the performance of sweet orange cv. Blood Red to foliar application of micronutrients. The study comprised of thirteen treatments viz., ZnSO4 0.25%, ZnSO4 0.50%, ZnSO4 1.00%, FeSO4 1.5%, FeSO4 2.0%, FeSO4 2.5%, MnSO4 0.25%, MnSO4 0.50%, MnSO4 1.00%, H3BO3 0.1%, H3BO3 0.2%, H3BO3 0.3% and Control (No micronutrients). The plants were sprayed with micronutrients on first week of april and first week of july. All the micronutrients treated plants produced higher magnitude of growth and fruit yield over control. However, foliar application of ZnSO4 1.00% produced significantly higher number of fruits (256.99), fruit weight (195.55g), yield (50.25 kg/plant) and increased the plant height by (9.62%) and spread EW (10.78%) and NS (10.32%).