Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Zn1–xCdxS Solid Solutions with Controlled Bandgap and Enhanced Visible-Light Photocatalytic H2-Production Activity

Photocatalytic hydrogen (H2) production from water splitting under visible-light irradiation is considered to be an attractive way to solve the increasing global energy crises in modern life. In this study, highly efficient photocatalytic H2 production without the assistant of a cocatalyst was achieved using Zn11–xCdxS solid solutions as the visible-light-driven photocatalysts and a mixed Na2S and Na2SO3 aqueous solution as the sacrificial reagent. The Zn1–xCdxS samples were prepared by a simple zinc–cadmium–thiourea (Zn–Cd–Tu) complex thermolysis method using thiourea, zinc acetate (Zn(Ac)2), and cadmium acetate (Cd(Ac)2) as the precursors. The obtained Zn1–xCdxS solid solutions feature a small crystallite size and precisely controllable band structure, which are beneficial for the photocatalysis. When the Zn/Cd molar ratio is 1:1, the prepared Zn0.5Cd0. 5S sample exhibits the highest H2-production rate of 7.42 mmol·h–1·g–1, exceeding that of the pure CdS and ZnS samples by more than 24 and 54 times, resp.
Synthesis of Bi2WO6 Nanoplate-Built Hierarchical Nest-like Structures with Visible-Light-Induced Photocatalytic Activity

Bismuth tungstate hierarchical nest-like structures built by higher order nanoplate alignment have been successfully synthesized by a facile and economical method in the presence of polyvinyl pyrrolidone. The formation mechanism and effect of reaction time on the products were investigated. In addition, studies of the photocatalytic property demonstrate that the as-synthesized Bi2WO6 structures show excellent photocatalytic activity exposure to visible light irradiation. Furthermore, we first explored the electrochemical property of the Bi2WO6 nanostructure as an electrode in a lithium ion battery. Therefore, the preparation and properties studies of Bi2WO6 structures suggest potential future applications in photocatalysis by sunlight and as an electrode candidate in lithium ion batteries.
Numerical study on aerothermal performance of shroud movement in the vivinity of turbine tips

In this paper, the effects of shroud movement on transonic flow and heat transfer in the vicinity of turbine tip was studied by using three-dimensional simulation of GE-E first-stage HPT. Aerothermal performance and flow structure were analyzed with and without turbine shroud moving, respectively. Based on the distribution of limiting streamlines and the vortex structures, the influential characteristics between the leakage flow and the secondary flow generated by shroud movement were studied. Moreover, the coefficient of heat transfer at the wall were investigated. Results show that the flow structure is changing with the movement of turbine shroud, and the location of the separation line changes significantly by the influence of the secondary flow. The leakage vortex initial location delayed in axial direction and its breakdown point located at 65% cross section. This accelerates the mixing loss and increase the perturbation. In addition, it is observed that the coefficient of average heat transfer is increased obviously by 54.8% in the region of shroud surface. However, this coefficient in the region of suction surface decreased by 11.9%.
Terramechanics-based investigation of grouser shape for rigid wheels: Comparison between rectangular and trapezoidal grousers

Abstract It is important to further improve the traveling performances of the moon/planetary exploration rovers. To achieve this, we investigated the grouser shape of rigid wheels for use in such rovers, focusing particularly on rectangular and trapezoidal grousers. First, simple intrusion tests were carried out using the discrete element method. Grousers having a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape exerted a “packing effect” through which particles between grousers were strongly compressed. Next, single-wheel experiments were conducted, and the results show that sinkage was suppressed by the trapezoidal-shaped grousers. In addition, it was confirmed that trapezoidal-shaped grousers exhibited a drawbar-pull equivalent to that generated by the widely used rectangular-shaped grousers. Furthermore, we performed theoretical analysis using the resistive force theory to clarify the packing effect, and the results indicate that the use of a wheel with a trapezoidal-shaped grouser could be an effective method to improve the traveling performance of a rigid wheel.
Advanced Multi-Functional Integrated Photonic Filters Based on Coupled Sagnac Loop Reflectors

We theoretically investigate integrated photonic resonators formed by two mutually coupled Sagnac loop reflectors (MC-SLRs). Mode interference in the MC-SLR resonators is tailored to achieve versatile filter shapes with high performance, which enable flexible spectral engineering for diverse applications. By adjusting the reflectivity of the Sagnac loop reflectors (SLRs) as well as the coupling strength between different SLRs, we achieve optical analogues of Fano resonance with ultrahigh spectral slope rates, wavelength interleaving/non-blocking switching functions with significantly enhanced filtering flatness, and compact bandpass filters with improved roll-off. In our designs the requirements for practical applications are considered, together with detailed analyses of the impact of structural parameters and fabrication tolerances. These results highlight the strong potential of MC-SLR resonators as advanced multi-functional integrated photonic filters for flexible spectral engineering in optical communications systems.
Self-excited instability occurring during the nanoparticle formation in an Ar–SiH4 low pressure radio frequency plasma

An experimental investigation of an instability occurring during dust nanoparticle formation is presented in this paper. The present study has been performed in radio frequency low pressure plasma in an argon-silane mixture. The formation and growth of nanoparticles is followed, thanks to the analysis of the amplitude of the third harmonics (40.68MHz) of the discharge current and the self-bias voltage (Vdc). In some cases, at the end of the accumulation phase of the nanocrystallites an instability occurs. It seems to be an attachment induced ionization instability as observed in electronegative plasmas. A detailed study of the influence of different operating conditions (injected power, gas temperature, and silane flow rate) on this instability behavior and frequencies is presented. The paper concludes by examining a very particular case of the instability.
Impact of genotype on fatty acid profile, oil content and nutritional value of the sweet fruits of Acrocomia aculeata

Abstract Macauba (Acrocomia aculeata) has mainly been evaluated as an oil source focused on biodiesel production. Furthermore, the fruit mesocarp and kernel are edible, and candies, jelly, sweet alcoholic liquor and ice cream are also produced from the mesocarp. Despite its consumption, there is still a lack of information on the nutritional composition of macauba. Selected macauba genotypes producing fruits with a sweet mesocarp were evaluated regarding the fruit characteristics, proximate composition, oil content and fatty acid profile. The mesocarp total sugar (fructose and glucose) content ranged from 4.5 to 9.6 g/100 g, total dietary fiber varied from 6.8 to 9.3 g/100 g, while protein content was up to 2.2 g/100 g (wet basis). There was a significant difference among genotypes for fruit characteristics, pulp oil content (7-29 g/100 g wet basis), and fatty acids from the mesocarp such as C18:1 (36-63%), C18:2 (7-35%) and C18:3 (0.8-7%)(p<0.05), and one of the evaluated genotypes may contribute to daily intake of linoleic and linolenic acids. The carotenes in the mesocarp oil ranged from 30-240 mg/kg. Lauric acid was the main fatty acid in the kernel oil. The differences observed depended on the genetic diversity and point out the nutritional value and different applications for macauba mesocarps.
Effect of Ionic Liquids on Preparative Separation of Flavonoid Compounds in the Extract from Brassica napus L. Pollen using High-Performance Counter-Current Chromatography

To investigate the effect of ionic liquids (ILs) as additives to a two-phase solvent system using high-performance counter-current chromatography, the two structurally similar flavonoids, Kaempferol-3, 4′-di-O-β-D-glucoside and Kaempferol 3-O-β-D-(2-O-β-D-glucosyl)-glucopyranoside, were chosen as models. The effects of the length of the alkyl groups on the imidazolium ring and its counterion, and the concentrations of ILs on the K values were investigated. The results showed that the K values of the target compounds could be improved when ILs were used as additives in the two-phase solvent system. The mechanism of ILs as additives to the solvent system was discussed for the first time.
CHEMICAL INTERACTIONS OF ALUMINUM-CITRATE SOLUTIONS WITH FORMATION MINERALS.

To test the effectiveness of complexing agents for in-depth cross-linking and mobility control in polymer and waterfloods, the transport of aluminum citrate solutions in sandstone and limestone cores was investigated. The study was prompted by experimental observations indicating that cross-linking attempts cause plugging of the inlet end of core sections unless special precautions were observed. The plugging was caused by poor transport of the aluminum citrate solutions, which, in turn, was caused by precipitation of aluminum hydroxide in limestone cores, and of both aluminum and ferric hydroxide in sandstone cores. The formation of these precipitates and the poor transport of the aluminum citrate solution were confirmed experimentally and modeled quantitatively by a geochemical flow simulator. The flow simulator was used then to design injected solutions that would avoid precipitation, generally by raising the injected pH and by using a larger citrate to aluminum ratio. 28 references.
Liquid-Film Mass-Transfer Coefficient in a Column Equipped with Structured Packings

The effective mass-transfer efficiency in a column equipped with structured packings was investigated experimentally. The packings analyzed in the present work were Sulzer Mellapak 250Y, made of corrugated plastic or metal sheets, and Sulzer BX, made of plastic gauze. In the literature many works have been published on this topic, but they have mainly been oriented toward evaluating overall mass-transfer efficiency or the gas-side coefficient, leaving out closer examination of the liquid-side mass-transfer coefficient. The aim of the present work is to examine liquid film and to identify a relation that allows accurately evaluating the liquid film contribution to overall mass-transfer efficiency. Experimental results showed that column packing height affects the liquid-side mass-transfer coefficient at the usual industrial-scale liquid and gas flow rates. This result agrees with theoretical analysis on stable liquid rivulet flow.
Uptake of maternal services and associated factors in the western region of Kenya

Introduction the western region of Kenya has high early childhood mortality and maternal mortality. Maternal services have been shown to an effective strategy for reducing early childhood mortality and maternal mortality. Methods the study used data drawn from the 2014 Kenya Demography and Health Survey. It focuses on 1397 women who had a live birth in the five years preceding the survey. The study is guided by Anderson behavioural model. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression are used to analysis the data. Results almost all the women sought antenatal care (ANC) services during their most recent pregnancy. Only 20% of the women initiated ANC visits during the first trimester and 54% of the women made at least four ANC visits. Mother's education, household wealth index, county of residence and the timing of ANC visits were strongly associated with making at least four ANC visits. About 55% of the women had skilled attendance at delivery and 54% delivered in a health facility. Delivery in a health facility was influenced by the mother's education, household wealth index, type of place of residence, county of residence, timing of ANC visits and whether or not a women made at least four ANC visits. Conclusion the uptake of ANC services is universal in the region. However majority of the women do not start ANC visits early and do not make at least four ANC visits as recommended. Slightly over half of the women receive skilled attendance at delivery and deliver in health facilities. A number of factors are closely associated with the uptake of maternal services in the region. Concerted efforts should be made to have the majority of the women in the region to initiate ANC visits early, to make at least 4 ANC visits and to deliver in health facilities.
Kinetic Study of the Electrochemical FePO 4 to LiFePO 4 Phase Transition

The electrochemical phase transformation of carbon-coated nanophase (60−70 nm) FePO4 to LiFePO4 has been investigated by use of the Avrami−Johnson−Mehl−Eroofev equation. The analysis shows an Avrami exponent equal to 1, which is indicative of one-dimensional growth. The analysis does not support the conventional shrinking core model for the electrochemical conversion of FePO4 to LiFePO4. Analysis of the Avrami exponent reveals that the phase transformation is not controlled by diffusion but by a phase boundary reaction. Measurements at different temperatures allowed for an estimate of the activation energy, which was found to be about 13 kJ/mol for the electrochemical FePO4 to LiFePO4 transformation.
A Bioinformatics Protocol for Rational Design of Peptide Vaccines and the COVID-19 Rampage

The currently ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the SARSCOV-2, interchangeably referred to as the COVID-19 infection, has in a short span of time altered the ways and means of almost all of mankind. So strong has been its effect that all human activity ceased in one way or another for a considerable time, led to significant loss of life and economic drain of untold proportions such that there are open debates on whether the world will forever now change from the way we were used to [1]. Just like in the case of the several epidemics that have plagued human society in this 21st century, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) from 2002 to 2003 [2], the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) of 2012 [3], and H1N1 influenza in 2009 [4], there are no drugs or vaccines available at this time for the SARS-CoV-2, but considering its impact efforts are under way in more than 100 labs worldwide to develop a vaccine with great urgency.
In vitro Rifampicin Combination Chemotherapy Confers Rapidly Rifampicin Resistance for Biofilm-Formed Staphylococcus aureus

Biofilm-forming Staphylococcus aureus makes it difficult to treatment for prosthetic joint infection. To improve the outcome of treatment, rifampicin is used combined with several antimicrobial agents. However, the evidence is not clear that the sterilization effect of antimicrobial agents with the concentration in bone tissue when the usual dose against biofilm-formed staphylococci. Using 10 isolates of S. aureus, we made a biofilm formation model on the washer surface which assumed a medical device in this study. The sterilization effect by combined treatment rifampicin and other antimicrobial agents (cefazolin, vancomycin, or clarithromycin) was considered against these models. All biofilm-formed S. aureus was not sterilized by 120 hours of exposure with a single antimicrobial agent. Besides, four strains were not sterilized by the exposure of a combination of rifampicin and cefazolin, and these strains acquired rifampicin resistance 8 hours later. Similarly, in rifampicin and vancomycin or and clarithromycin, 2 strains and 3 strains were not sterilized, respectively. Therefore, by all combinations including rifampicin, the biofilm-formed S. aureus were not completely sterilized. It was shown that the acquired rifampicinresistant in 50% out of clinical isolates occurred 8 hours after the exposure of combined antimicrobial agents. Furthermore, with 4 of these 9 strains that were not sterilized, biofilm production was rather promoted. One of the reasons that these strains were not sterilized, probably is reduced the bactericidal effect of other antimicrobial agents due to increased biofilm formation by rifampicin-resistant acquisition. When rifampicin is selected for the treatment of prosthetic joint infection, the acquisition of rifampicin-resistance should be confirmed 24 hours after administration.
The more the merrier: unparalleled sympatric species richness in a sea spider genus (Pycnogonida : Callipallenidae : Pallenella) from Tasmanian waters

Abstract. Southern Australian waters feature remarkably diverse assemblages of the sea spider family Callipallenidae Hilton, 1942. The most speciose of the three Australian-endemic genera currently recognised has been known as Meridionale Staples, 2014, but is here reinstated under the name Pallenella Schimkewitsch, 1909 based on its type species Pallenella laevis (Hoek, 1881). This genus includes several brightly coloured forms that occur in high abundance on arborescent bryozoans. However, considerable similarity of congeners and scarcity of diagnostic characters continue to render species delineation in this genus challenging. Using an integrative taxonomic approach, we combine detailed morphological investigation with analysis of two genetic markers (mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, and nuclear rDNA including internal transcribed spacers 1 and 2) to explore the extraordinary species richness of the genus Pallenella in south-east Tasmania. In agreement with our morphology-based segregation of different species and morphotypes, we recovered well-supported corresponding clades in the genetic analyses. Strong mito-nuclear concordance in the two markers supports the inference of sustained reproductive isolation between the sympatrically occurring forms. Based on these findings, we distinguish a total of 13 Tasmanian congeners, representing the most diverse assemblage of sympatric species in the same microhabitat reported for a single pycnogonid genus. Within this assemblage, we (1) record the type species P. laevis for the first time after almost 150 years, (2) delineate the two Tasmanian morphotypes of the provisional ‘variabilis’ complex, and (3) describe two species new to science (P. karenae, sp. nov., P. baroni, sp. nov.). Despite considerable genetic divergences between most congeners, only few and often subtle characters are found to be suitable for morphology-based delineation. Notably, colouration of living specimens is suggested to be informative in some cases. For morphology-based species identification of preserved specimens, a key relying on combinations of characters rather than single diagnostic features is proposed.
Spatial Distribution of Leopards on Farmland and Namaqua National Park, South Africa

Bogdan Cristescu* ( ), Kristine J. Teichman, Sam Puls ( ), Corlé Jansen ( ) & M. Justin O’Riain ( ) Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa (iCWild), Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa The Cape Leopard Trust, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa Biology Department, University of British Columbia, Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
Quality Mapping and Positioning of Sev—A Deep Fat Fried Snack

“Sev,” savory prepared from chickpea flour is a popular snack item for its appealing flavor and texture. Mapping and positioning of market samples consisting different varieties like Small (S1, S2, S3), Medium (M1, M2, M3), and Big (B1, B2, B3, B4) were carried out using principal component analysis. Samples were subjected to sensory profiling resulting in small variety samples were crisper compared to other varieties. Texture measurement indicated breaking strength was higher in big variety samples. Color analysis showed significant difference in L*, a*, and b* values. Principal component analysis results indicated that S1 and S2 were associated with crispness, uniform texture, and typical fried oil aroma. Commercially available sev samples were significantly different in their quality parameters, which was indicated by the study. Study showed that small variety (S3) had the highest overall quality among all the samples, which also had high sensory scores for crispness.
Disability, violence, and mental health among Somali refugee women in a humanitarian setting

Abstract Background There is limited evidence on the relationship between disability, experiences of gender-based violence (GBV), and mental health among refugee women in humanitarian contexts. Methods A cross-sectional analysis was conducted of baseline data (n = 209) collected from women enrolled in a cohort study of refugee women accessing GBV response services in the Dadaab refugee camps in Kenya. Women were surveyed about GBV experiences (past 12 months, before the last 12 months, before arriving in the refugee camps), functional disability status, and mental health (anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress), and we explored the inter-relationship of these factors. Results Among women accessing GBV response services, 44% reported a disability. A higher proportion of women with a disability (69%) reported a past-year experience of physical intimate partner violence and/or physical or sexual non-partner violence, compared to women without a disability (54%). A higher proportion of women with a disability (32%) experienced non-partner physical or sexual violence before arriving in the camp compared to women without a disability (16%). Disability was associated with higher scores for depression (1.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.54–3.33), PTSD (2.26, 95% CI 0.03–4.49), and anxiety (1.54, 95% CI 0.13–2.95) after adjusting for age, length of encampment, partner status, number of children, and GBV indicators. Conclusions A large proportion of refugee women seeking GBV response services have disabilities, and refugee women with a disability are at high risk of poor mental health. This research highlights the need for mental health and disability screening within GBV response programming.
All Digital Phase-Locked Loop Networks for Clock Generation and Distribution: Network Stability, Convergence and Performance

In this paper, we study networks of coupled oscillators applied to the distributed synthesis of clock signals for large systems-on-chip. The oscillators are implemented as interconnected all-digital phase-locked loops (ADPLLs), which are asynchronous control systems. We address the issue of modelling, synchronization and stability of both a single ADPLL and interconnected ADPLLs. We prove that the stability domain is universal for large Cartesian networks, and it related to the domain for a single ADPLL. We show that within the stability domain the network synchronises to the reference signal both in frequency and phase. A hardware verification of Cartesian networks is presented, and it is consistent with our theoretical findings. The proposed design may be useful for multiples engineering and physics applications, including clock generation, distributed computations, beamforming, and other applications, where the control over time synchronicity is crucially important for the system performance.
Molecular size and conformational effects on oligophenylene's electronic and vibrational properties

Electronic and vibrational properties of phenylene-based oligomers from biphenyl P2P to para-sexiphenil P6P, and their dependence on torsion angle are calculated using semiempirical quantum mechanic (AM1, ZINDO/S) and ab initio linear combination of atomic orbitals methods. The systematic relations between molecular size and geometry, and numerous molecular properties have been established, providing the basis both for the spectroscopic identification of different structures that could appear during material processing and for tailoring of devices with desired properties. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 1783–1794, 2006