Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
LiMO2 (M = Ni, Co) thin film cathode materials: a correlation between the valence state of transition metals and the electrochemical properties

The electronic properties of the LiMO2 (M = Ni, Co) thin film cathode materials grown by RF sputtering/co-sputtering are in situ studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Stoichiometric Li1.0Co1.0O2 thin films deposited on a heated substrate at T = 500–550 °C reveal the Co3+ (t2g6eg0) ground state configuration in the low spin (LS) state. Stoichiometry of the Lix(Ni,Co)O2 films and the valence and spin states of the Ni ions depend strongly on the growth conditions. The electronic configuration of stoichiometric Li1.0Ni0. 5Co0.5O2 is described as the Ni3+ (t2g6eg1) LS and Co3+ (t2g6eg0) LS states. The Li-deficient Lix<1.0(Ni,Co)O2 exhibits Ni2+ (t2g6eg2) in the high spin (HS) and Co3+ (t2g6eg0) in LS states. The reduction of the trivalent Ni ions to Ni2+ (t2g6eg2) with a HS state electronic configuration is related to the evaporation of Li2O at elevated substrate temperatures coupled to a loss of O2 due to an internal oxidation reaction of O2− lattice ions induced by the strongly oxidizing Ni3+ ions. Owing to the stable Co3+ (t2g6eg0) with a LS state electronic configuration, Li1.0Co1.0O2 thin films cycled to 4.2 V exhibit a very good electrochemical reversibility. Li1.0Ni0. 5Co0.5O2 films annealed at the same temperature as for Li1.0Co1.0O2 manifest a broadening of the oxidation/reduction peaks of the cyclic voltammogram (CV) curves with a strong current drop after the first step of the electrochemical Li-deintercalation. The observed irreversibility of the Li-intercalation/deintercalation process is attributed to instability of the Ni3+ (t2g6eg1) ions. Temperatures of the deposition/annealing above 750 °C lead to the phase separation of the Lix(Ni,Co)O2 films, a strong Li deficiency, the occurrence of Co2+ (t2g5eg2) with HS ions and consequently a complete degeneration of the electrochemical cyclability.
SUPPLY CHAIN FLEXIBILITY: DRIVERS AND ENABLERS- LITERATURE REVIEW

This paper is intended to provide a critical review of the literature on the supply chain, especially with the driver and enabler factors. This study aims to reveal the drivers and enablers in the concept of supply chain flexibility. Literature Review involves some articles that come from major journals related to the topic, in the period 2006-2015. Supply chain involves a broad spectrum and deep, but in this writing is more focused on several sub-topics, including: Supply chain, Demand and supply chain, Supply chain governance, Sustainable supply chain, Supply chain flexibility, and Supply chain bias.
Modelling of flow and combustion behind shock waves propagating along dust layers in long ducts

The processes of coal dust-air mixtures motion, ignition, and combustion behind shock waves have been numerically studied using physically justified types of flow description. In the paper, several aspects of unsteady processes behind shock waves propagating in long ducts (tunnels) with thin layers of dust and filled with air are studied. Numerical methods have been developed to solve the considered problems. Some examples of calculations have been presented: dust entrainment and dispersion from dense layers behind propagating shock waves, as well as dispersion, ignition and combustion of dusty mixtures due to a local gas explosion in a long tube.
Development Workshop | International Business in Ireland: Advancing our Knowledge through Best Practice

Bosch, U. , Meyer, K. E. (Ed.), Conroy, K. M. (Ed.), & Monaghan , S. (Ed.) (2020). 2020 Academy of International Business (AIB), Specialized Paper Development Workshop | International Business in Ireland: Advancing our Knowledge through Best Practice: From Constraints to Co-evolution | Strategic Choice, Environment, Resources and Firm-Institutional Interaction as Determinants of Firm Performance in Emerging Markets Empirical Evidence from Multinational Corporations in China . 1-23. Paper presented at 2020 Academy of International Business (AIB) Specialized Paper Development Workshop, Ireland.
Precise measurement of stable neodymium isotopes of geological materials by using MC-ICP-MS

A method has been developed to determine high-precision stable Nd isotopic compositions in geological samples by multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) using sample-standard-bracketing (SSB) mode. Nd was pre-concentrated and purified through a two-column ion-exchange chromatographic procedure. The recovery for Nd is generally better than 96%, and the interferences, such as Ce and Sm can be efficiently removed, allowing negligible influence on the stable Nd isotopic composition during mass spectrometry measurement. The internal precision for the stable Nd isotopic compositions, e142Nd, e145Nd, e146Nd and e148Nd were generally better than ±0.2 (2 SEM), and the external precision was generally better than ±0.2 (1 SD) for e142Nd, e145Nd and e146Nd, and better than ±0.5 (1 SD) for e148Nd based on the long-term results of the Nd standard solutions, such as La Jolla, Nd-GIG and NIST 3135a. Both the internal and external precisions are comparable to those by double-spike method. The averages of our measured e142Nd, e145Nd, e146Nd and e148Nd results of La Jolla are identical to those by the double-spike method within analytical error. Thus, our method can provide comparable results with the double-spike method, but does not bring any inconvenience of calibrating double spikes, and the efficiency is greatly improved. This provides a more convenient way for studying stable Nd isotopes in geological processes. By using this method, the stable Nd isotopic compositions for a series of international rock standard references were measured.
An Overview Of Geo-Polymer Concrete Including Recycled Aggregate

In order to mitigate the problem of CO2 emissions into the environment, which is a worldwide recognized issue, the use of natural materials needs to be minimized. Among many solitons to that problem, geopolymer binders and recycled aggregates are considered as environmentally friendly products, they can be utilized to concrete production since geopolymer and recycled aggregates are the part of the sustainable development of concrete, and using them to make concrete addresses the problem of CO2 emissions. And Geopolymer concrete with recycled concrete (RCA) could be an effective method. One of the hardened properties of concrete is compressive strength, which is the most vital properties by having the final say to determine the required quality. As for the rheological properties of any concrete mixture, the workability is counted as the most important characteristics, in this study the use and effect of recycled aggregate (RCA) in geopolymer concrete is presented and reviewed. The main objective of this paper is to discuss compressive strength and workability of geopolymer concrete made with recycled aggregate.
EFFECT OF SEED SCARIFICATION AND SOAKING TREATMENTS ON GERMINATION AND GERMINATION INDICES OF SAPOTA

An experiment was carried out under agri shade net house at Regional Horticultural Research Station, ASPEE College of Horticulture and Forestry, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari (Gujarat) in 2017-18 in order to study the effect of seed scarification (without and with scarification) and soaking treatments (GA3 200 ppm, thiourea 1 %, cow urine 10 %, cow dung slurry, potassium nitrate 2 % and water soaking for 24 hours) on germination and germination indices of sapota. The completely randomized design with factorial concept was used with twelve treatment combinations and repeated thrice. The results generated from the study revealed that the maximum germination percentages, emergence rate index (ERI) and Bartlett rate index (BRI) were obtained when sapota seeds sown without scarification treatment. While no significant differences were observed among scarification treatments on days for initiation of germination. Among seed soaking treatments, the minimum days required for initiation of germination and the maximum germination attributes were recorded in cow dung slurry which was at par with cow urine 10 % and GA3 200 ppm. Owing to the results obtained during study, it is inferred that the sapota seeds sown without scarification and soaking in cow dung slurry or cow urine (10 %) for 24 hours to get higher seed germination of sapota.
CryingJackpot: Network Flows and Performance Counters against Cryptojacking

Cryptojacking, the appropriation of users' computational resources without their knowledge or consent to obtain cryp-tocurrencies, is a widespread attack, relatively easy to implement and hard to detect. Either browser-based or binary, cryptojacking lacks robust and reliable detection solutions. This paper presents a hybrid approach to detect cryptojacking where no previous knowledge about the attacks or training data is needed. Our Cryp-tojacking Intrusion Detection Approach, Cryingjackpot, extracts and combines flow and performance counter-based features, aggregating hosts with similar behavior by using unsupervised machine learning algorithms. We evaluate Cryingjackpot experimentally with both an artificial and a hybrid dataset, achieving F1-scores up to 97%.
The Palestinian Labor Market over the Last Three Decades

This paper consists of three economic literature review essays that survey the Palestinian labor market during the last three decades. The first essay examines the economic return to schooling since 1981 until the recent period, taking into consideration the major shocks that the Palestinian economy experienced, such as the First and Second Palestinian Intifadas (1987–93 and 2000–5), respectively, and the establishment of the Palestinian National Authority in 1993. A special focus is laid on overcoming the potential endogeneity arising from the schooling coefficient. The second essay discusses the economic costs of several conflict measures (e.g., time and geographical variation in fatalities and other conflict incidents, days under curfews, checkpoints, movement restrictions, and substitution of foreigner workers for Palestinian labor) on the labor market and human capital. Earnings and unemployment are the main labor market indicators, while the human capital impact was assessed by educational attainment. The third essay sheds light on the wage differential in the Palestinian labor market due to geographical and employment sector factors.
Mitigating Voltage Sag In Secondary Distribution Line Using DVR With Single DC Source

Simplified three-phase inverter in Dynamic Voltage Restorer (DVR) for compensating the voltage sag in Distribution Line (DL) proposed in this paper. Best performance of voltage sag mitigation method means allow good voltage profile, adequate losses, provide frequent power supply and increase the reliability of the system. This paper involves the efficient mitigation of voltage sag secondary DL as an effect of unbalanced voltage using DVR, and it is connected between the DL and load. The model of DVR at DL is controlled by using the Synchronous Reference Frame Theory (SRFT) method, and its simulations are carried out with the help of MATLAB/Simulink tool. The results demonstrate the best performance of the DVR in reducing voltage quality problems and increasing the voltage profile.
CLINICAL SAFETY AND RECENT PATENTS ON FIXED-DOSE COMBINATIONS OF DPP-4 INHIBITORS: AN UPDATED REVIEW

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the epidemic metabolic disorder with rising globally incidence. The dipeptidyl peptidase4 inhibitor (DPP-4I) is a newer class of anti-diabetic drugs showing a conceptual alteration in management of glycemic control by treating fundamental pathophysiological processes instead of a gluco-centric approach. DPP-4I reduced risk of hypoglycemia and weight gain in T2DM patient. Clinical studies revealed that DPP-4Is are safe and effective in T2DM patient and did not increase cardiovascular risk. This review focuses on recent patents (2015-2019) in DPP-4I containing pharmaceutical formulation. Various inventor and companies were pursued in developing fixed-dose combination (FDC) of DPP-4I with metformin or HMG Co-A reductase inhibitors. The present review also describes patented technology for chewable and effervescent dosage form of DPP-4I.
Modification of metal partitioning by supplementing acid volatile sulfide in freshwater sediments

Acid volatile sulfide (AVS) is a component of sediments that complexes some cationic metals and thereby influences the toxicity of these metals to benthic organisms. Experimental manipulation of AVS in metal‐contaminated sediments may provide a means to neutralize toxicity due to metals and thereby help assess the cause of sediment toxicity. This study evaluated the effect of spiking FeS, Na2S, and Na2S/FeSO4 combined on the concentration of AVS, simultaneously extracted metals (SEM), and pore‐water metals in uncontaminated and metal‐enriched sediments. Experiments with solid FeS showed comparatively low effectiveness in increasing AVS. Spiking with either Na2S or Na2 S/FeSO4 combined increased AVS and/or reduced SEM metal in Cd‐, Zn‐, and Ni‐spiked sediments and in a Cu‐contaminated sediment collected from the field. Spiking with Na2S/FeSO4 caused marked reductions in dissolved metal concentrations in the pore waters of these sediments; spiking with Na2S alone caused an apparent elevation in pore‐water (Cu) metal that we believe is an artifact of metal sulfide formation in the filtered pore water. When the Na2S/FeSO4 treatment was evaluated under conditions simulating those in sediment toxicity tests, alterations of AVS/SEM were nearly quantitative, except for Ni‐spiked sediment, which showed lower efficiency than the Cd, Zn, or Cu sediments. It appears that AVS spiking holds promise for the experimental manipulation of metal toxicity in sediments.
Effect of Initial Baking and Storage Time on Pasting Properties and Aging of Par-Baked and Rebaked Rye Bread

Part-baked rye bread with and without Ca-propionate (0.2 g/100 flour) were baked for 10, 15, 20 minutes at 230°C and stored at refrigerator temperature (4°C) for 10, 20, 30 days then second-baked for 5, 10, 15 minutes at the same temperature to give an oven-fresh end product. The effect of antimicrobial additive (Ca-propionate), part-baking, storage in refrigerator and rebaking on quality parameters such as yield of volume and crumb softness, water activity and pasting properties of rye bread crumb was evaluated. Addition of Ca-propionate increased bump area, while yield of volume and softness values of rye bread crumb decreased. The increase in initial baking time caused a decrease in the pasting temperature, water activity, and softness value and an increase in the bump area and viscosity of the rebaked bread crumb. Bump area and pasting temperature of rebaked rye bread crumb increased with longer (intermediate storage) time, while viscosity, yield of volume, water activity, and softness values decrease.
PADDLE YOUR WAY INTO WRITING: INTEGRATING PADLET FOR ESL LEARNERS

This paper aims to investigate the students’ perception, advantages and challenges on using Padlet as a writing strategy. This study applied a quantitative research method to investigate students’ perception on the integration of Padlet as a writing strategy. The findings indicate that the majority of the students agreed that the usage of Padlet aided their writing process. However, the respondents find that the limited access to devices and internet connection can prove to be a challenge in implementing this integration. This research can be used for teachers teaching writ ing. In this research, the innovation of Padlet was integrated into classrooms, making learning more effective and accessible to all in line with 21 st Century Teaching and Learning.
Method Development Strategy and Applications Update for CHIROBIOTIC Chiral Stationary Phases

Abstract Obtaining enantioselective separations using bonded macrocyclic glycopeptides has increased dramatically over the last several years. The products, trademarked CHIROBIOTIC phases, have advanced based on a host of publications shedding light on the mechanisms of interaction for a variety of diverse chiral analytes. This presentation will cover a brief history of these CSPs development, identify the mechanisms of interaction, and describe the mobile phases that drive those interactions. Details of operating conditions and a proposed method development protocol will be presented with validation statistics. Referenced publications will cover the period from 2004–2008 and will cover both chiral drug assays in the pharmaceutical area and chiral clinical assays utilizing a variety of detection methods. Column testing, storage, and trouble shooting tips have also been included to complete a thorough evaluation of what is known for successful operating conditions.
Mineral contents of some aromatic plants, their growth soils and infusions

BACKGROUND: In this study, 18 kinds of medicinal plants were collected together with their soils from different regions of Turkey and their macro- and micro-element and heavy metal contents were determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). In soils, pH, electrical conductivity, carbonate (lime), organic matter, texture, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn and B were analysed. In plants and extracts, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, B, Na, Al, Li, Pb, Ni, Cd, Co and Cr contents were determined. Also, correlations between soil and plant and between plant and extract were established. RESULTS: Element concentrations ranged between 0.11 and 5160 µg g−1 in soil samples, between 0.14 and 54400 µg g−1 in plant samples and between 0.039 and 22033 µg g−1 in extract samples. While sage was rich in Fe (981.3 µg g−1), basil was abundant in P (9.8 mg g−1), K (54.4 mg g−1), Ca (22.6 mg g−1), Mg (3.1 mg g−1) and Zn (46.05 µg g−1) and mint was rich in Li (23.50 µg g−1). Moreover, while high levels of P (4100.9 µg g−1), K (22033 µg g−1) and Mg (529.15 µg g−1) were found in basil extract, Ca (5979.3 µg g−1) was present at high concentration in marjoram leaf extract. Also, Fe (4.25 µg g−1) and Zn (17.51 µg g−1) were detected at high levels in lime flower and mint extracts respectively. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that aromatic plants are important sources of nutrients and essential elements. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Surfactants in South East Asian aerosols

Environmental Context.Surfactants are present in all atmospheric aerosols with potential effects on surface tension, cloud droplets and even human health. They appear to be anionic and associated with yellow aqueous extracts, suggesting a humic-like character. These surfactants are probably derived from the oxidation of combustion-generated soot (from vehicles and forest fires). Abstract.The concentration of surfactants in aerosols was determined at several sites in South East Asia, Bangi, Penang and Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia and Bangkok, Thailand, as methylene blue active substances (MBAS) and ethyl violet active substances (EVAS) for anionic surfactants and disulphine blue active substances (DBAS) for cationic surfactants. The methodology used is based on the formation of extractable ion-association complexes of surfactants and dye in organic solvents followed by spectrometric measurement of the intensity of the extracted coloured complex. Results showed surfactants in aerosols are mostly in the anionic form as MBAS and EVAS, and higher in aerosols collected in congested areas, especially in times of forest fires. Concentrations are in the range of 34.6 to 285.0 pmol m−3 for MBAS and 129.9 to 932.2 pmol m−3 for EVAS. Several different types of soot and humic acid seem possible sources of surfactants in atmospheric aerosols. Laboratory experiments suggested that combustion products, especially from motor vehicles, are important primary sources of surfactants in aerosols. There is also some laboratory evidence that there are secondary sources for these surfactants in aerosols, possibly humic-like substances (HULIS) from the oxidation and photochemical reaction of soots and humic acid.
Combustion hazards of silane and its chlorides

This paper addresses the unusual combustion hazards of silane and its chlorides, comprising the homologous chlorosilane series SiHnCl4-n. The literature on silane is briefly reviewed and new experimental data presented showing the effects of sudden releases into free air. New data are presented for ignition sensitivities and deflagration rates of chlorosilane mixtures with air. Specific hazardous reactions of this group of materials are described and contrasted with those of the analogous alkanes. Mechanisms for flame acceleration and transition to detonation are discussed.
Cadmium and Lead Distribution in Marine Soil Sediments, Terrestrial Soil, Terrestrial Rock, and Atmospheric Particulate Matter around Split, Croatia

The distributions of cadmium and lead in marine sediments, surrounding soil, stones, and atmospheric particulate matter were determined at different locations in Split, Croatia. The determination of cadmium and lead was performed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry whereas atmospheric particulate matter samples were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry. Cadmium concentrations in the stones and soil were between 0.2 to 0.6 µg g−1 and 0.2 to 0.9 µg g−1. The concentration in the atmospheric particulate matter were <0.2 µg m−2 d−1(detection limit) to 1.4 µg m−2 d−1. Lead concentrations in marine sediments, stones, soil, and atmospheric particulate matter ranged from 31.2 to 144.4 µg g−1, 9.3 to 29.4 µg g−1, 11.3 to 66.1 µg g−1, and 0.5 to 241.4 µg m−2 d−1, respectively. The relationship between determined parameters was established using principal component analysis and the results are in agreement with the assumption that anthropogenic sources play important roles for lead and cadmium distribution.
Structure of monolayers of short chain n-alkanoic acids (CH3(CH2)nCOOH, n = 0-9) spontaneously adsorbed from the gas phase at silver as probed by infrared reflection spectroscopy

This paper presents the results of an infrared spectroscopic and wettability examination of monolayers formed by the spontaneous adsorption of short chain n-alkanoic acids (CH[sub 3](CH[sub 2])[sub n]COOH, n = 0-9) from the gas phase onto Ag. The infrared spectral data, collected in an external reflection mode, indicate that the monolayers chemisorb as the corresponding salt and that the chains contain all-trans conformational sequences for n = 1-9. The chemisorption process is further exemplified by the formation of a carboxylate group that is symmetrically bound at Ag as either a bidentate or bridging ligand. The conformational insights are developed on the basis of an unusually prominent series of the methylene wagging progression. An in-depth analysis resulted in the complete assignment of the fundamental modes in the progression as well as a reassignment of the CC stretch in the region of this progression. Structural insights developed from the infrared spectral data and contact angle measurements are compared to analogous monolayers formed from dilute solution. This comparison points to the subtle, but important, role of solvent in influencing the structure of the monolayer. 48 refs., 8 figs., 1 tab.