Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Functionalization Of 2d-Zno for Selective Gas Sensing: First-Principles Analysis

The scope of this MSc thesis is to theoretically search for suitable materials and relevant factors (e.g., dopants and catalysts) to induce gas sensing (GS) selectivity towards harmful gases such as H2, H2S and CO2, under ambient conditions. We chose as material 2D-ZnO Honeycomb in the form of nanoribbon (ZnO-NR), which is very promising in the gas sensing applications. We employed a state-of-the-art computational method, based on a combination of the density-functional theory (DFT) and the Non-Equilibrium Green’s Functions (NEGF) formalism, which both are incorporated in Atomistic Toolkit (ATK) package. This package is famous by its reliability in estimating the IV characteristics. The thesis consists of three phases: (1) Effect of dopants on gas sensing: Three organic-atoms (e.g., N, C, F) were initially attempted. But selectivity towards the detection of H2 was achieved only in N-doped ZnO-NR. Special trend, discovered about the secrete of such selectivity, was the existence of negative differential resistance (NDR) in the IV characteristics of ZnONR:N. (2) Origins of NDR: the previous results led us to search for the origins of NDR in N-doped ZnO-NRs. We have investigated the effect of placing the doping atom N in three different positions across ZnO-NR, with respect to the edges (i.e.(i) at the Orich edge, (ii) at the center, and (iii) at the Zn-rich edge. ) Results show a clear trend that NDR shifts to higher energies than Fermi level, as well as both NDR and the Topto-Valley-Current Ratio (TVCR)get reduced, when N-atom is moved from O-rich to Zn-rich edges. We concluded that the unpaired electron on N-atom, when it gets charged, causes the localization/curdling of wave-function at Fermi-level and consequently causes back-scattering and draw-back of current (so named NDR). (3) Effect of catalysts on gas sensing: Five transition-metal atoms (Pt, Pd, Au, Ag, and Fe) were used as ad-atom decorating ZnO-NR aiming to induce selectivity towards gases of interest (H2, H2S, and CO2) in existence of other gases (e.g., O2, N2, and H2O) at room temperature (RT). Results show that both Pt and Pd have poor selectivity at RT. Whereas, Fe is found to yield high selectivity toward detecting CO2, while both Au and Ag have selectivity towards H2S, at RT. All our findings are in excellent agreements with experimental data.
Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS): a Potential Quality Tool for Infant Formula Manufacture

Breast milk is considered the ideal food for infants. However, breastfeeding is at times supplemented or replaced with suitable alternatives. Infant formula (IF) is an industrially produced food intended as a breast milk substitute, which needs to satisfy, by itself, all nutritional requirements of infants. For this reason, it is of critical importance that IF provides the adequate amounts of nutrients including carbohydrates, fats, proteins, minerals and vitamins. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a promising emission spectroscopic technique for elemental analysis, which can provide real-time measurements with little to no sample preparation. Hence, the main goal of this thesis was to investigate the feasibility of LIBS as a quality tool for mineral analysis in infant formula manufacture. Experiments conducted in this work encompassed the determination of calcium and sodium contents in powdered IF samples, pelletising samples as the only sample preparation procedure; and ready-to-feed IF formula samples, by direct analysis of liquids without sample preparation. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) was utilised to develop suitable linear regression models to predict calcium and sodium contents. Suitable fits for the regressions were obtained rendering coefficients of determination for cross-validation (Rcv) of 0.89–0.90 depending on the experiment, and low root-mean-square errors of validation (RMSEP), e.g. 0.68 mg g−1 for calcium determination of powdered IF in an assessed range of approx. 1–6 mg g−1. Furthermore, chemical elemental maps for the pelletised powdered samples were generated to study the homogeneity of the sample surface. The studies conducted in this work substantiated the potential of this technology for mineral quantification and monitoring of powdered and liquid IF samples.
Amphoteric center of luminescence in CdS

The impurity photoluminescence of cadmium sulphide crystals is studied. The luminescence intensity dependences on temperature from 80 to 300 K are obtained for the bands at 1.7 and 2 eV. The thermal curve of 1.7 eV luminescence intensity has a peak between 100 and 150 K. Both these bands are associated with emission of the center based on the VCd-type intrinsic point defect. The results can be explained within the framework of the theory of amphoteric centers of charge carrier recombination.
Multipoint measurements of a Pipe Using HTS-SQUID and Magnetostriction-Based Ultrasonic Guided Wave

This paper describes study on remote inspection technology for pipes by using magnetostriction-based ultrasonic guided wave and high temperature superconductor (HTS) superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) gradiometer. Magnetized nickel plates were adhered on an aluminium pipe sample, in order to use them as magnetostriction-based guided wave transceivers. A pair of 10mm-wide nickel plate with different angle arrangement were used to transceive uniformly distributed guided waves at all angles. A field coil was wound around one set of the nickel plates as a transmitter, while the other was used as a receiver. T (0, 1) mode guided wave was generated on the pipe by supplying a burst sine wave current of one cycle at several tens kHz to the coil. Multipoint measurements of the T (0, 1) mode guided waves around the pipe’s circumference were carried out by setting the HTS-SQUID gradiometer above the receiver with lift-off of about 9 mm and rotating the pipe for 360 degrees. Signal of reflected wave from an artificial slit on the sample was well detected. We simulated the distribution of the guided wave propagating on the pipe with the slit using an ultrasonic simulator and compared the distribution with the experiment result. The guided wave signal distributions including the defect signal obtained by experiment and simulation agreed well.
Design Modification of Additive Manufacturing Parts Using Texture Information of 3D Model

Additive manufacturing (AM) has been commonly used for the prototyping of three-dimensional (3D) models. The input model of the AM technology is a triangular model representing the surface shape of an object. The design features on a triangular model are generally not clear as the vertices are irregularly distributed. If design modification is necessary, it is difficult to segment and extract the meshes from the model. The objective of this study is to propose a method for extracting the design features on an object model by using the texture information. A 3D color model including a triangular model representing the object shape and a texture map describing the object texture is employed. The 3D model is generated by using a set of object images captured from different views surrounding the object. A texture mapping algorithm is then employed to generate the texture map corresponding to the 3D model. With both meshes and texture displayed in a texture mode, a region extraction technique is employed to extract the design features. All parts separated can then be fabricated with an AM machine, and assembled for checking the feasibility of design modification. Several products are employed to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed technique.
Schedules for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry

Lo SCAN {Schedules for the Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry) rappresenta l'ultimo elaborato di una linea di ricerca di strumenti di valutazione clinica in psichiatria, iniziata alia fine degli anni '50 (e sviluppatasi per oltre 30 anni). II primo di questi strumenti ad essere pubblicato, e successivamente tradotto in phi di 35 lingue, e stata la PSE-9. La chiara fama della PSE-9 e da attribuirsi al suo uso come strumento diagnostico e valutativo in due grandi studi multicentrici internazionali: il US-UK Diagnostic project (Cooper et al., 1972) e I'International Pilot Study of Schizophrenia (WHO, 1973).
DNA origami nanotools for single-molecule biosensing and superresolution microscopy

In recent years, DNA nanotechnology has matured to enable robust production of complex nanostructures and hybrid materials. We have combined DNA nanotechnology with sensitive optical detection to create functional single-molecule devices that enable new applications in single-molecule biosensing and superresolution microscopy. Starting with superresolution nanorulers and brightness reference samples we determined the resolving power of superresolution microscopes and evaluated the sensitivity of smartphone cameras. To improve the sensitivity we created DNA origami optical antennas for metal enhanced fluorescence. The unique ability of our DNA origami nanoantennas to place molecular assays specifically in the plasmonic hotspot is used for detecting Zika-virus nucleic acids. The fluorescence enhancement is further exploited to achieve ultra-sensitive detection on low-cost devices such as a modified smartphone leading to the democratization of single-molecule detection.
Properties of New Two-Dimensional Nanomaterial Black Phosphorus

Two-dimensional (2D) materials have attracted broad interest because of their low-dimensional effect, and black phosphorus has become a member of them due to the successful preparation. Phosphorus has several allotropes, white phosphorus, red phosphorus and black phosphorus. Black phosphorus is most thermodynamic stable in them. Black phosphorus was obtained by a phase transition from white or red phosphorus at high pressure and high temperature. It is a natural p-type semiconductor in which each layer is vertically stacked by the van der Waals force. The thickness of black phosphorus can be scaled down to the atomic layer scale known as phosphorene by mechanical exfoliation or liquid exfoliation. Compared with black phosphorus, phosphorene’s physical properties have significant changes. The band gap in bulk black phosphorus is 0.3 eV and can be expanded to 1.0 to 1.5 eV depending on the layer numbers. Nevertheless, the poor chemical and structural stability of black phosphorus and phosphorene raises important concerns. In the past century, the synthesis, physical properties, and device applications have been extensively investigated in various studies. In this review article, a lot of references of black phosphorus are cited to introduce systematically the research progresses of structure and preparation, the study of material properties and device performance, the chemistry of the degradation process and the anti-degradation treatments. At last, the development trend of phosphorene is mentioned.
Stretching and Its Effects on Recovery: A Review

ABSTRACT STRETCHING IS A COMMONLY PRESCRIBED EXERCISE ACTIVITY THAT HAS BEEN APPLIED TO WARM-UP, INCREASING RANGE OF MOTION (ROM), AND RECOVERY FROM TRAINING. THE PRACTITIONER SHOULD UNDERSTAND THE EFFECTS OF STRETCHING EXERCISE AND THE INHERENT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN TYPES OF STRETCHING EXERCISES AND ACTIVITIES DESIGNED TO ENHANCE "LOOSENESS" AND FREEDOM OF MOTION. STRETCHING TO ENHANCE ROM MAY BE CONTRAINDICATED WHEN APPLIED TO RECOVERY ACTIVITIES. STRETCHING FOR RECOVERY SHOULD BE PAIN-FREE MOTION WITHIN THE CONSTRAINTS OF MAXIMUM ROM OF A JOINT. FOR A VIDEO ABSTRACT OF THIS ARTICLE, SEE SUPPLEMENTAL DIGITAL CONTENT 1 (SEE VIDEO, http://links.lww.com/SCJ/A119).
Students' Self-Assessment of Learning through Service-Learning

The objective of the study was to determine what students learn through Service Learning (SL), based on their self-assessment of the learning. Survey instruments were administered to students at the beginning and end of a required SL course in one college's pharmacy curriculum. Students' responses revealed their personal and professional attitudes and how they changed as a result of their participation in the course; what they believed they had learned in this course; and what factors may have affected their attitudinal changes and learning. Actual course outcomes were reviewed in light of the educational outcomes of the Center for the Advancement of Pharmaceutical Education (CAPE). The study is the first step in what needs to be a longer-term assessment based on objective measures of learning, but it demonstrates concrete learning outcomes of service-learning.
Analysis on Stitched Mode I Specimen Using Spring Elements

Several studies related to reinforce composites structures in the through thickness direction have been developed along the years. As follows, in this study a new reinforced process is proposed based on previous experimental results using a novel stitching process in T-joints and one-stitched specimens. It was established the need to perform more analysis under standard test methods to obtain a better understanding. FEM analysis were compared after performed mode I interlaminar fracture toughness test, using different stitching patterns to analyze the through thickness strength with reference laminates without stitching. The stitching patterns were defined in 2 × 2 and 3 × 3, where the upper and lower head of the non-continuous stitching process (I-Fiber) has proven to influence in a higher through thickness strength of the laminate. In order to design the numerical model, cohesive parameters were required to define the surface to surface bonding elements using the cohesive zone method (CZM) and simulate the crack opening behavior from the double cantilever beam (DCB) test.
Advanced Micromorphology Analysis of Cu/Fe NPs Thin Films

In this work, an advanced analysis of Cu/Fe NPs thin films using atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been discussed to characterize at nanoscale 3-D surface microtexture. Samples of Cu/Fe thin films were fabricated by Direct Current-Magnetron Sputtering technique with two controlled thicknesses (group I: Cu 55 nm/Fe 55 nm and group II: Cu 55 nm/Fe 70 nm) in specific conditions of pressure and power. The results obtained from experimental measurements suggested that the surface of group I has the lowest values for fractal dimension (D = 2.28 ± 0.01) and root mean square height (Sq = 4.40 ± 0.1 nm); while the highest values for fractal dimension (D = 2.31 ± 0.01) and root mean square height (Sq = 4.67 ± 0.1 nm) were found in group II. Stereometric and fractal analyses applied for thin films are modern tools for accurate quantitative morphometric characterisation.
A Call to Improve Educational Programs in Strength and Conditioning

ABSTRACT THE OBJECTIVE OF THIS ARTICLE IS TO MERGE A QUALITATIVE-DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH APPROACH WITH THE INSIGHTS OF OTHERS’ KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE FIELD OF STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING TO DETERMINE THE ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS, PREREQUISITES, AND SKILLS TO FUNCTION AND EXCEL WITHIN THE PROFESSION. FROM THIS ANALYSIS, RECOMMENDATIONS ARE MADE CONCERNING FUTURE TRAINING AND EDUCATIONAL PREPARATION OF PROSPECTIVE STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING COACHES. THE STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING OF ATHLETES IS DESCRIBED PRIMARILY AS A COACHING FUNCTION WITH A NEED TO FOCUS MORE ON THE SPORT SCIENCES IN OUR EDUCATIONAL CURRICULUMS AS OPPOSED TO THOSE BASED IN EXERCISE SCIENCE.
Opioid-Induced Neurotoxicity in the Hospice Patient

A potential adverse effect of opioids in the hospice patient is a condition called opioid-induced neurotoxicity. It is a syndrome characterized by symptoms such as severe pain, tremors, seizures, confusion, and hallucinations and is easily missed by unaware clinicians. Hospice patients are particularly at risk because of high doses of opioids and some degree of renal failure. Retained opioid metabolites may cause neuroexcitatory and antianalgesic adverse effects. In this instance, the opioids can be a cause of patient suffering. As pain levels increase, the instinct of the provider is to increase the dose of the opioid. Unfortunately, this augments the pool of metabolites and further amplifies the symptoms. This in turn may lend to cyclical increases in opioid doses by well-meaning healthcare professionals. This article examines recent evidence-based literature regarding opioid-induced neurotoxicity and discusses clinical implications for nurses who care for the terminally ill. Key points of assessment and a framework of management strategies are provided to aid in effective symptom management.
Towards interferometry with ultra-cold atoms in crossed optical waveguides

The goal of this thesis is to study a novel approach towards all-optical continuous waveguide interferometers based on quasi-Bragg waveguide beam splitters. The Bragg beam splitter for matter waves is comprised of a periodic lattice produced by partial or full interference between two Gaussian laser beams and are used as waveguides for ultra-cold atoms. In the experimental conditions, where both waveguides have wide and deep potentials, atoms are unable to split from a single lattice. Instead, several spatially separated regions of the optical lattice are required, fulfilling the Bragg condition. This thesis will present clear evidence of the detection of discrete quantised momentum states of the atoms, created from a process of ultra-cold atoms undergoing interference in the single arms of a Michelson interferometer. A detailed investigation of the different regimes of the splitter has been completed by varying the initial atom velocity and the amplitude of the optical lattice. The findings from the study have produced optimal parameters where the splitting ratio of the atoms between the two waveguides can be finely controlled by the amplitude of the lattice within certain limits. A Michelson interferometer configuration is used to test the coherence of the atoms by decelerating them after splitting in the lattice. The return velocity of atoms is set to be equal to the initial velocity and the two clouds are recombined using the original lattice. A sinusoidal oscillation of the atomic momentum between the two output ports of the beam splitter is visible. However, only interference in single Michelson interferometer arms has been observed. The reasons are discussed in detail along with plans to move towards an all-optical design.
Indoor Air Concentration from Selective Laser Sintering 3D Printer using Virgin Polyamide Nylon (PA12) Powder: A Pilot Study

Environmental emission from additive manufacturing (AM) have attracted much attention recently. The capability in fabricating complex part make AM famous in developing prototype and product in various industries especially in aerospace, medical, automotive, and manufacturing industries. However, the study on emission and exposure mainly focusses on the desktop type such as fused deposition modelling. This study investigates the emission and indoor concentration from powder bed fusion of selective laser sintering (SLS) technologies. Prior to the investigation, virgin PA12 undergone characterization in terms of morphology, size and thermal analysis. Calibration block using virgin polyamide nylon (PA12) are selected to be printed in this study. Parameters such particulate matter size 2.5 µm (PM 2.5), total volatile organic compound (TVOC), carbon dioxide (CO2), formaldehyde, temperature and relative humidity (RH) are set to be monitored through real time sampling of 8 hours based on Industry Code of Practice on Indoor Air Quality 2010 by Department Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) Malaysia. Four phases of printing process involve are background data, preprinting, during printing and post printing. Based on the study it was found that PM 2.5 and CO2 exceed the acceptable limit recommended by DOSH Malaysia during preparation of powder (preprinting) at 1218 ppm and 1070 µg/m3 respectively. Meanwhile TVOC concentration was influence by the sintered powder temperature and recorded at 0.5 ppm. Temperature, relative humidity and formaldehyde were maintained throughout the SLS process. Mitigation strategies using mechanical ventilation and personal protective equipment (PPE) are recommended to be used to reduce potential of occupational hazard to the operators.
A refined four variable plate theory for thermoelastic analysis of FGM plates resting on variable elastic foundations

In this paper, an efficient higher-order shear deformation theoryis presented to analyze thermomechanical bending of temperature-dependentfunctionally graded (FG) plates resting on an elastic foundation. Further simplifying supposition are made to the conventional HSDT so that the number of unknowns is reduced, significantly facilitating engineering analysis. These theory account for hyperbolic distributions of the transverse shear strains and satisfy the zero traction boundary conditions on the surfaces of the plate without using shear correction factors. Power law material properties and linear steady-state thermal loads are assumed to be graded along the thickness. Nonlinearthermal conditions are imposed at the upper and lower surface for simply supported FG plates. Equations of motion are derived fromthe principle of virtual displacements. Analytical solutions for the thermomechanical bending analysis are obtained based on Fourier series that satisfy the boundary conditions (Navier\'s method). Non-dimensional results are compared for temperature-dependent FG plates and validated with those of other shear deformation theories. Numerical investigation is conducted to show the effect of material composition, plate geometry, and temperature field on the thermomechanical bending characteristics. It can be concluded that the present theory is not only accurate but also simple in predicting the thermomechanical bending responses of temperature-dependentFG plates.
Biodegradation and cellular evaluation of aligned and random poly (3-hydroxybutyrate)/chitosan electrospun scaffold for nerve tissue engineering applications

ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to gain the best structure of Poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB)/chitosan electrospun aligned and random fibrous scaffold for nerve tissue engineering applications using electrospinning method, morphologically and biologically. The results illustrated that by addition of chitosan, surface porosity percentages have increased while the water contact angle has decreased, for both structures. Results of biodegradation rate noted that aligned PHB/chitosan fibrous scaffolds had a slower degradation rate than random PHB/chitosan fibrous scaffolds. Finally, cultivation results of rat neuronal-like cells (B65 cell line) on electrospun-aligned and random fibrous scaffolds were compared. Results of MTT assay demonstrated better improvement for the proliferation of B65 cells on electrospun-aligned PHB/chitosan scaffolds. Also, SEM images indicated that the bi-polar neurite extensions and the orientation of nerve cells were aligned in the direction of the fibre alignment.