Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Growth of aligned carbon nanotubes by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition: Optimization of growth parameters

Direct-current plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (CVD) with mixtures of acetylene and ammonia was optimized to synthesize aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on Co- or Ni-covered W wires with regard to wire temperature, wire diameter, gas pressure, and sample bias. A phase diagram of CNT growth was established experimentally in this optimization process. It was revealed by transmission electron microscopy that Co-catalyzed CNTs encapsulated a Co carbide nanoparticle at their tip, disagreeing with a previous report that Co particles were located at the base of CNTs CVD grown on Co-covered Si substrates [C. Bower et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 77, 2767 (2000)]. This leads to the conclusion that the formation mechanism of aligned CNTs depends significantly on the catalyst support material as well as the catalyst material itself. Since the sample bias strongly affected the morphology of CNTs, the selective supply of positive ions to CNT tips was possibly responsible for the alignment of growing CNTs.
Performance of Surface-Modified Polycaprolactone on Growth Factor Binding, Release, and Proliferation of Smooth Muscle Cells

This study investigates the performance of surface modification of polycaprolactone (PCL) membrane on the binding and release behavior of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) for in vitro proliferation of porcine eosophageal smooth muscle cells (PESMCs). The PCL membrane surfaces were treated using UV/ozone and the surface modified PCL was characterized using water contact angle measurement, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The immobilization of bFGFs on the treated and non-treated PCL surfaces was also investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM). It was found that the growth factor uptake on the PCL membrane was increased about 2-fold after treatment, which was attributed to significant contribution of oxygen containing polar groups resulting from UV/ozone treatment. Compared to non-treated PCL the treated PCL showed a prolonged bFGF release indicated by a linear increase over the first 3 days followed by a moderate and slow release profile. Moreover, the proliferation assay of PESMCs revealed that bFGF released from treated PCL had significantly higher proliferation than that of untreated PCL film. Thus, the UV/ozone-treated PCL membranes immobilized with bFGF accelerate the proliferation of PESMCs and may play an important role in soft tissue engineering.
Asymmetric Addition of Diethylzinc to Ketones promoted by Tartaric Acid Derivatives

Abstract The preparation of new sulfonamide ligands derived from L-tartaric acid and camphor sulfonyl chloride are described. The employment in the titanium tetraisopropoxide-promoted enantioselective addition of diethylzinc to ketones has been studied. The best enantiomeric excess is up to 99% with 7 mol% catalyst loading at room temperature.
Influences of Firing Temperatures on Phase and Morphology Evolution of (Ba0.25Sr0.75)(Zr0.75Ti0.25)O3 Ceramics Synthesized via Solid-State Reaction Method

The effect of calcination (1000-1400 oC) and sintering temperatures (1400-1600 oC) on the phase formation and microstructure of barium strontium zirconate titanate [(Ba0.25Sr0.75)(Zr0.75Ti0.25)O3; BSZT] ceramics were investigated. BSZT powders were prepared by the solid-state reaction method. Higher calcination temperatures increased the percentage of the perovskite phase, but decreased the lattice parameter a of BSZT powders. The pure perovskite phase of BSZT powders was detected above the calcination temperature of 1350 oC. The microstructure of BSZT powders exhibited an almost-spherical morphology and had a porous agglomerated form. The average particle size and the average grain size of the ceramics were increased with the increase of calcination and sintering temperatures. The highest density of the samples was 5.42 g/cm3 which was obtained from ceramic sintered at 1550 oC for 2 h.
Processing-Microstructure-Properties Correlation of Ultrasensitive Gas Sensors Produced by Electrospinning

The correlation between process conditions and microstructure of nanostructured TiO2 layers produced by electrospinning was investigated and the effect on their gas sensing properties examined. Optimization of process conditions yielded ultrasensitive sensors displaying reversible, fast, and remarkably sensitive response, demonstrating detection limits in the low parts per billion level for NO2 and CO.
Ab initio calculations of the ferromagnetic shape memory alloy Ni–Mn–Al

Results of the first-principles calculations of the magnetic shape-memory alloy NiMnAl are presented. The properties of a series of alloys in the composition range Ni50Mn x Al50− x with 0 ≤ x ≤ 50 were deduced from the ab initio simulations. One essential result is that the alloy is ferromagnetic in the range from 14 to 31 at. % Mn. Furthermore, the martensitic phases 2 M, 10 M, and 14 M with long-periodic structure were calculated. They are metastable in the stoichiometric Ni2MnAl alloy due to additional bonding between specific atomic sites. Their properties are discussed in terms of the density of states and their charge distribution.
Dynamics of temporal experience in active and passive waiting situations

Summary Activities can have substantial impacts on temporal experience. We investigated how the impact of being active develops dynamically over the course of long waiting times. Participants waited in a library building, either sitting passively or walking around actively, for between 60 and 100 minutes. Retrospectively, they reported how different aspects of their temporal experiences developed throughout their wait: duration judgments, passage of time judgments, and general awareness of time. Duration was estimated to be shorter in the passive than in the active condition throughout the wait. In an early phase, the passage of time felt slower and time awareness was felt to be higher in the passive condition. Yet, this difference was resolved over the course of the wait. We conclude that the effects of activity on temporal experiences decrease over longer waiting periods. For many people, waiting can be an aversive experience. Studies have shown that instead of persevering and waiting, individuals prefer doing something else, such as eating (Havermans, Vancleef, Kalamatianos, & Nederkoorn, 2015), taking longer walks (Hsee, Yang, & Wang, 2010), or even giving themselves electro shocks (Wilson et al., 2014). Incorporating this desire to engage in alternative activities in the present study, we examined how the possibility of being active while waiting for over 1 hour can change the dynamical experience of time when compared to time spent waiting passively. Waiting can be characterized by the inhibition of a goal-directed action, a lack of productive activity,
Reductions with sulfurated borohydrides. III. Borohydrides incorporating selenium and tellurium

The reactions of selenium and tellurium with lithium, sodium, potassium, and tetramethylammonium borohydrides have been examined, using the hydrogen evolution as a measurement of the replacement of hydrogen by the chalcogen on the borohydride anion. Of all the possible reactions, only the combination of sodium borohydride with tellurium led to a stable compound, easily isolated and of definite stoichiometry. This new borohydride, NaBH2Te3 offers interesting possibilities as a reducer.
Optical Absorption of the Transition Elements in Vitreous Silica

The optical absorption of 3d transition elements in fused silica was studied. A series of high-quality silica glasses doped with 0.01 to 0.1 wt% of each transition element (V through Cu) was prepared by a vapor hydrolysis technique. Their optical spectra were measured, and their practical absorptivities were calculated between 200 and 2000 nm. In the proposed waveguide use range (∼ 850 nm), V and Cr appear to absorb most (apract= 2.6 and 1.2 dB/km ppbw−1 (metal), respectively) and Cu the least (apract≃0). Comparisons are made with data for conventional glasses.
β-Phenylethylamine Inhibits K+ Currents in Neocortical Neurons of the Rat: A Possible Mechanism of β-phenylethylamine-induced Seizures

β-Phenylethylamine (β-PEA), an endogenous amine synthesized in the brain, serves as a neuromodulator and is involved in the pathophysiology of various neurological disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. β-PEA fully exerts the physiological effects within the nanomolar concentration range via the trace amine receptors, but β-PEA also causes convulsions at much higher concentrations via an as yet unknown mechanism. To investigate the electrophysiological mechanism by which β-PEA induces convulsions, we examined the effect of β-PEA on ionic currents passing through the cell membrane of dissociated rat cerebral cortical neurons, using a patch-clamp technique. The external application of β-PEA suppressed ionic currents which continuously flowed when the membrane potential was held at −25 mV. The suppression was in a concentration-dependent manner and a half-maximal effective concentration was 540 μM. These currents suppressed by β-PEA consisted of two K+ currents: a time- and voltage-dependent K+ current (M-current) and a leakage K+ current. The suppression of the M-current reduces the efficacy of the current in limiting excessive neuronal firing, and the suppression of the leakage K+ current can cause membrane depolarization and thus promote neuronal excitation. Reducing both of these currents in concert may produce neuronal seizing activity, which could conceivably underlie the convulsions induced by high-dose β-PEA.
Recent Advances and the Application of Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) as Tissue Engineering Materials

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate), commonly referred to PHBV, are promising materials for tissue engineering applications because they are biodegradable, non-toxic and biocompatible. The surface modified PHBV and hybrid PHBV allow favorable mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and degradation times within desirable time frames under specific physiological conditions. We will shortly summarize what has been achieved in the PHBV tissue engineering area, namely, the surface modification reactions including functionalization and grafting reactions, as well as blending or compositing with other materials to improve the mechanical, thermal and hydrophilic properties, and the influence on cell-material interactions is also overviewed in the recent 5 years (from 2008 to 2012).
Probing Antigen–Antibody Interactions on Electrode Supports by the Biocatalyzed Precipitation of an Insoluble Product

The amplified sensing of an antibody by an antigen monolayer-functionalized transducer by using a biocatalyzed precipitation of an insoluble product on the transducer is addressed. Faradaic impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and microgravimetric, quartz crystal microbalance analyses are used to probe the precipitation of the insoluble product on the transducer. A dinitrophenyl, DNP, antigen monolayer is assembled on a Au-electrode, or a Au-quartz crystal, as a sensing interface for the dinitrophenyl-antibody, DNP-Ab. An anti-Fc-antibody-HRP conjugate is used as a biocatalytic probe for the formation of the antigen/DNP-Ab complex on the transducer. Biocatalyzed oxidation of 4-chloronaphthol by H2O2 in the presence of the anti-Fc-antibody-HRP conjugate yields an insoluble product on the transducer. Formation of the insoluble film on the electrode results in the increase of interfacial electron-transfer resistances detected by impedance spectroscopy or cyclic voltammetry. The precipitate formation also results in the mass increase of the modified Au-quartz crystal detected as a frequency change of the piezoelectric transducer. The DNP-Ab is easily sensed at a sensitivity that corresponds to 0.5 ng mL–1 (3×10–12 M).
Coordinating Inventory and Pricing Decisions Under Total Minimum Commitment Contracts

A total minimum commitment contract is a supply contract under which a firm commits to buying a minimum quantity of a product from its supplier during the contract duration (e.g., 1 year). Such contracts are widely used in industries, because they provide the buyer with flexibility in terms of the timing and size of each order and the supplier with a guaranteed total order volume. Previous studies on such contracts have focused primarily on the firm's inventory decisions, and none of them has considered the coordination of inventory and pricing decisions. In this study, we fill this gap by studying dynamic inventory and pricing problems under a commitment contract. Under a general demand model with backlogging and zero lead time, we prove that the optimal policy is a committed‐inventory‐position‐dependent base‐stock list‐price policy and characterize its structural properties. We also conduct an extensive numerical study to derive further managerial insights. In particular, we find that dynamic pricing can substantially improve the firm's profitability and enables it to select contracts with large committed quantities and price discount rates, and that ignoring the commitment in joint pricing and ordering decisions can result in substantial profit loss. Finally, we partly extend our results to a lost‐sales model and a backlogging model with lead times.
Effect of pH on Sodium Usnate Thermostability in Dilute Aqueous Solutions

The objective of this study is the evaluation of sodium usnate thermostability. To this end, we used an isothermal method at four temperatures (40, 50, 60, and 70°C). The thermodegradation of dilute aqueous solutions of sodium usnate was studied at various pH values. This degradation appeared to follow first‐order kinetics. Under the best stability conditions (pH = 8), the experiments gave a t90% of 54.58 days, and a t90% of 359.07 days at 20°C.
Matrix Infrared Spectrum and Bonding in the Monochloromethyl Radical

The codeposition of CH2I2 diluted in argon with 6Li, 7Li, Na, or K atoms produces new infrared absorptions attributable to the alkali iodide and the CH2I free radical. The identity of the radical is confirmed by reacting the CHDI2, CD2I2, and CH2IBr precursors with alkali atoms. Absorptions assigned to the symmetric H–C–H bend, the symmetric C–I stretch, and the out‐of‐plane hydrogen bend are supported by vibrational analysis. The high C–I force constant (2.81±0.04 mdyn/A) indicates pi bonding in CH2I.
Comparative study of volatile compounds in traditional Chinese Nanjing marinated duck by different extraction techniques

In order to determine the entire flavour profile of traditional Chinese Nanjing marinated duck (NJMD), three sampling techniques including solid phase microextraction (SPME) with a carboxen/polydimethylsiloxane fibre, purge and trap (P&T) using Tenax-TA absorbent and simultaneous distillation-extraction (SDE) were compared. Total 116 volatile compounds were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, authentic compounds and Kratz retention index, which included thirty-one aldehydes, four esters, fourteen alcohols, seven acids, twenty-five hydrocarbons, fifteen ketones, five N-containing compounds, eight S-containing compounds and seven furans. SPME and P&T methods provided better extraction for volatiles with low molecular masses, while SDE method extracted more heavy volatiles. In this study, SPME method was better than P&T method, and SPME with SDE method may well complement each other. Results indicated that major volatiles identified were oxidation and degradation products of fatty acids, which were considered to account for the typical flavour of traditional Chinese NJMD.
Accurate Calibration of Mercury Vapour Indicators for Occupational Exposure Measurements using a Dynamic Mercury Vapour Generator

Abstract An accurate and rapid calibration procedure for mercury vapour indicators used for occupational exposure measurements is described, using a dynamic mercury vapour generator traceable to the standard bell-jar calibration apparatus. The method provides greater flexibility, accuracy, and trace ability than the usual methods for the calibration of mercury vapour indicators used for occupational exposure measurements. The calibration procedure allows a correction to be applied to the mass concentration value displayed by the mercury vapour indicator. Measurement results from the mercury vapour indicator at the occupational exposure limit of 25 µg ·m−3, following calibration, have been estimated to have an expanded uncertainty of 8%.
Pattern reconstruction in ultrastructural morphology

A method of image reconstruction which can be used in ultrastructural morphology when a number of comparable structures are available is described. The method is suitable for quasi‐regular arrays of objects, and an extension of it allows the average of equivalent objects which could be orientated at random to be obtained. When dealing with crystalline arrays it is first necessary to obtain a leakage‐free pattern in which the coarse distortions are suppressed; this pattern is then filtered to obtain a reference. When dealing with several individual objects which must be brought to the same orientation and enlargement, one of the objects is fixed as a reference. In both cases the distortions relative to the reference are eliminated by an iterative process, making a final average possible. In crystalline arrays this method enhances the bandwidth of the pattern in a way that can be estimated quantitatively by figures of merit. Two examples of reconstructions are reported and discussed: a ctenophore macrocilium, regarded as a crystalline structure, and a sectioned flagellum of an insect spermatid.
Rapid Block Copolymer Synthesis by Microwave-Assisted RAFT Polymerization

A single-mode microwave reactor was employed for the synthesis of well-defined homopolymers and block copolymers of acrylamido and acrylate monomers via reversible addition−fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The rates of polymerization of N,N-dimethylacrylamide and N-isopropylacrylamide were significantly higher than those observed under conventional heating conditions, yet the resulting homopolymers retained thiocarbonylthio end group functionality, as evidenced by efficient extension during block copolymerizations. Moreover, the dramatically enhanced rates of polymerization observed under microwave conditions did not negatively affect molecular weight control during homopolymerization or block copolymerization. In all cases, low polydispersity indices were observed, and the agreement between theoretical and experimental molecular weights was excellent. Rate enhancement may ultimately be the result of thermal effects not easily duplicated under conventional heating conditions. The method.
Evaluation of chemical parameters in Aliakmon river / Northern Greece. Part II: Dissolved and particulate heavy metals

Abstract A two‐year survey on the water quality characteristics of Aliakmon river in northern Greece is described. Heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn and Fe) were determined in the dissolved fraction, as well as in two particulate fractions, labile and residual, separated after a two‐step sequential extraction procedure. The partitioning of metals between different fractions was examined at various sampling sites along the river. Variations observed were related to the geology of the transected area and the influence from anthropogenic sources (mainly municipal effluents). Statistical analysis of variance of metal partition coefficient showed significant differences between sampling periods, while insignificant ones between sampling sites. Factor analysis of analytical data yielded four factors that were interpreted as natural, anthropogenic, geological and run‐off contributions.
ASPHALTENIC CRUDE OIL CHARACTERIZATION: AN EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECT OF RESINS ON THE STABILITY OF ASPHALTENES

ABSTRACT High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and Thin Layer Chromatographic (TLC) latroscan were used to characterize an asphaltenic stock tank oil (STO) from the North Sea. The whole STO was separated into saturates, aromatics, polars 1 (resins 1), polars 2 (resins 2) and asphaltene fractions. The separated resins (1) and the more polar resins (2), also termed asphaltene peptizing agents, were further characterized by HPLC in terms of their neutral, basic, pyrrolic and acidic components. Resins (1) and resins (2) were mixed in different proportions with whole (original) STO; the resulting mixtures were tested for asphaltene onsets of precipitation due to n-C5 injection at 25° C and 690 kPa. Results of these tests are presented and the observed trends are explained in terms of resins characters and/ or major constituents.
Corporate Sustainability

This is a review of the concept corporate sustainability. Being the most widely discussed and deliberated topic in the management and corporate literature, this concept has been defined by many academic scholars with their own specific approach. This article makes an attempt to review these approaches and will examine them in the context of the principles of the social quality approach (SQA). The progress and relevance of the United Nation’s 2030 sustainable development is also reviewed. The conceptual and methodological redefinition given by SQA scholars and the reasons for their rejection of the tripartite approach to defining sustainability provided in the UN Brundtland Report is also discussed in order to provide a basis for further research into the issue of sustainability and how it relates to the SQA.
First-principles study on mechanical and magnetic properties of the perovskite and post-perovskite polymorphs of pure end-member FeSiO3 at the core–mantle boundary

We obtained wave velocities of FeSiO3 within perovskite and post-perovskite phases at 130 GPa by first-principles calculations in order to understand the abrupt reduction in seismic velocity at the core–mantle boundary. Our results proved that high iron density significantly reduces the seismic velocity. The elastic anisotropy, electronic structure and chemical bonding of FeSiO3 in perovskite and post-perovskite phases are extensively explored to illustrate the variation of mechanical and magnetic properties with pressure. Magnetic collapse was predicted in the perovskite phase, which is attributed to the pressure-induced broadening of 3d valence bands of iron.
EFFECT OF GYMING AND GENDER ON BODY SHAPE APPREHENSIONS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

The study was meant to compare body shape apprehension based on gyming and gender among undergraduate students of Karachi. Therefore, it was anticipated that university students who go to the gym would have a high level of body shape apprehension than those who do not go to the gym. Female students would have a high level of body shape apprehension as compared to male students. The participants of this study comprised of 400 university students (Male n=200 & Female n=200) in the age range of 19 to 25 years ( M=22.55; SD =1.81) from Karachi, Pakistan. After taking consent from the authorities of universities, research participants were approached through purposive convenient sampling. They were then requested to fill the demographic form and Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ-16; Evans & Dolan, 1993). Results showed that students who go to the gym have a highly significant level of body shape apprehension than those students who do not go to the gym. Furthermore, female university students reported significantly high levels of body shape apprehension than male students. Therefore it is important for academic institutions to promote health, well-being, self-acceptance, physique satisfaction and positive use of gym for students to deter the maturing extensiveness of body shape worries among them.