Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Calibration and verification of streaked optical pyrometer system used for laser-induced shock experiments

Although the streaked optical pyrometer (SOP) system has been widely adopted in shock temperature measurements, its reliability has always been of concern. Here, two calibrated Planckian radiators with different color temperatures were used to calibrate and verify the SOP system by comparing the two calibration standards using both multi-channel and single-channel methods. A high-color-temperature standard lamp and a multi-channel filter were specifically designed for the measurement system. To verify the reliability of the SOP system, the relative deviation between the measured data and the standard value of less than 5% was calibrated out, which demonstrates the reliability of the SOP system. Furthermore, a method to analyze the uncertainty and sensitivity of the SOP system is proposed. A series of laser-induced shock experiments were conducted at the ‘Shenguang-II’ laser facility to verify the reliability of the SOP system for temperature measurements at tens of thousands of kelvin. The measured temperature of the quartz in our experiments agreed fairly well with previous works, which serves as evidence for the reliability of the SOP system.
Numerical Simulation of Geogrid Reinforced Adobe Walls

The paper describes the finite element model simulation of reinforced adobe walls to assess the feasibility of an innovative strengthening technique for earthen constructions, which improves the seismic performance. The retrofitting technique is based on the application of geogrids on both sides of the earthen wall. The geogrid is comprised in the mud plaster layer, which is applied to the wall surface in two steps. No additional connections are put in place, and the connection between the geogrid and the wall is granted exclusively by the mud plaster. The numerical simulation accounted for the presence of adobe blocks and clay joints, as well as for the presence of the reinforcing geogrid and of the mud plaster. The nonlinear behavior of the material was modeled with smeared cracking in tension and plasticity in compression, allowing to minimize the number of fitting material parameters. The numerical results are compared with the output from experimental tests [1] performed on almost twenty small walls without reinforcement, or with different types of geogrids available from the market. The laboratory tests included simple compression, diagonal shear, and three-point bending. The tests and the numerical simulation revealed that the retrofitting system is particularly effective from the mechanical point of view thanks to the optimal ratio between the wall and the geogrid stiffness and strength. The reinforced samples showed increased strength and greatly increased ductility, which is very promising in particular with respect to the seismic load behavior. The material compatibility between the geogrid and the mud plaster and the earthen wall is also very good, mainly due to the fact that geogrids were developed primarily for soil stabilization applications. The analyzed retrofitting system looks very promising for both the seismic improvement of existing vernacular heritage and for application in new bio-architecture building contexts.
Preliminary Analyses for Refinement of the Tier Comorbidities in the Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Prospective Payment System

The authors examined Medicare’s tier system of paying for the added costs of comorbidities for patients in rehabilitation facilities. Although the tier system requires a reasonable amount of revision in response to coding changes found during FY 2003, on balance, they judged the performance of the tier system to be acceptably stable.
A review of the main mechanisms of catalyst layer degradation in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) and different performance recovery methods

This paper reviewed over 100 articles on the subject of the mechanism of catalyst layer (CL) degradation and the effect of various contaminations in the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). Also the recovery of PEMFC via different types of methods, the causes and fundamental mechanisms of cell degradation and their influence on long- term performance of PEM fuel cell were discussed in this review paper. The most important mechanism of CL degradation in PEMFC includes the effect of different contaminations such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, sulfur dioxide, , (NO, ), (SO, ), and ammonia, agglomeration of catalyst, reactant gas starvation, and oxide and hydroxide formation are investigated. Afterward, as some of these CL degradations procedures are reversible, different recovery methods for retrieving the catalyst electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) are presented. Some recovery methods including recovery by H2 purge, direct and indirect zone, short circuit method, water steam, and the reduction method are presented in this review article. The review results show that the high and effective performance of the PEMFC was achieved by applying ozone method, water steam, and reduction method. However, only H2 purge and reduction methods are applicable to the stack of fuel cells. Therefore, in light of the facts outlined above, it is safe to illustrate that the reduction method is one of the most effective methods for the recovery of reversible CL degradations. Finally, the flowchart of studying cell degradation and its recovery is also presented at the end of the paper. This review was focused on the degradation mechanism of catalyst layer in different research aspects such as contamination impacts on the performance of fuel cell, various mechanism approaches and mitigation development. As the result, we hope that this brief overview provides good perspective of the important issues that should be addressed to extend the lifetime and durability of next-generation of fuel cells for the engineers and researchers in this field.
Fluoroquinolones: antimicrobial agents of the 90’s.

The development of fluoroquinolones in early 1980s was a breakthrough in the treatment of infectious diseases. The basic structure of fluoroquinolone consists of quinolone carboxylic acid. The modifications at various positions in structure have resulted in a series of potent compounds having wide spectrum of activity which includes gram negative and gram positive organisms, mycobacterium, chlamydia etc. They act by selective inhibition of bacterial DNA gyrase enzyme. These compounds have proved their utility in the treatment of various infections viz., U.T. I, acute bacterial diarrhoea1 diseases, gonorrhoea, chanchroid, S.typhi infection and various other systemic infections. They also have good prophylactic role in surgery and in immunocompromised patients. Compared to other antimicrobial agents, resistance to fluoroquinolones is not common and in addition, they have fewer and mild side effects like g.i. t disturbances (most frequent), mild CNS reactions (headache, dizziness, sleepiness) and hypersensitivity reactions. The bioavailability of fluoroquinolones is decreased with concomitant administration of antacids, iron salts, ranitidine and pirenzipine. Some of the fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, enoxacin) significantly raise the plasma levels of theophylline and caffeine. Although a large number of fluoroquinolones have been developed in the recent past, yet there is need for compounds which have broader spectrum of activity, higher potency, better CNS/CSF penetration and better patient tolerability.
Tribological and Thermophysical Properties of Environmentally-Friendly Lubricants Based on Trimethylolpropane Trioleate with Hexagonal Boron Nitride Nanoparticles as an Additive

Dispersions based on hexagonal boron nitride, h-BN, nanoparticles, at 0.50, 0.75 and 1.0 wt. % mass concentrations, in an ester base oil composed mainly of trimethylolpropane trioleate, were investigated as potential nanolubricants. The stability of the dispersions was assessed to determine the reliability of the tribological, thermophysical and rheological measurements. Density and viscosity were measured from 278.15 to 373.15 K, while rheological behavior was analyzed at shear rates from 1 to 1000 s−1 at 283.15 K. Newtonian behavior was exhibited by all nanolubricants at the explored conditions, with the exception of the highest concentration at the lowest shear rates, where possible non-Newtonian behavior was observed. Tribological tests were performed under a normal load of 2.5 N. Wear was evaluated by means of a 3D profiler, scanning electron microscopy and confocal Raman microscopy. The best tribological performance was achieved by the 0.75 wt. % nanolubricant, with reductions of 25% in the friction coefficient, 9% in the scar width, 14% in the scar depth, and 22% of the transversal area, all with respect to the neat oil. It was observed that physical protective tribofilms are created between rubbing surfaces.
Assessment of anisotropic mechanical properties of a 3D printed carbon whisker reinforced composite

A commercial carbon whisker reinforced polylactic acid composite made by a type of three-dimensional (3D) printing known as material extrusion additive manufacturing is investigated. The primary objective is to experimentally characterize and model the direction-dependent tensile modulus of elasticity of unidirectionally printed composite material to assess the degree of anisotropy induced during printing and to determine how well the measured properties can be predicted by multiscale mechanics-based models. The model predictions are based on microstructural characteristics such as the aspect ratio and orientation of the whiskers and the constituent volume fractions. Other material characteristics are assumed, such the cylindrical shape of voids in the matrix and the perfect bonding condition of the whiskers. The experiments indicate (1) that the modulus in the 0-deg. printed direction can be at least twice the modulus in the 90-deg. printed direction and (2) that whisker alignment is improved during printing. Two models accounting for imperfect whisker alignment are used to predict the modulus of the 0-deg. material reasonably well, although the 90-deg. modulus is over-predicted by both models. The 0-deg. direction is roughly two times stronger than the 90-deg. direction in tension.
A Scalable Dealloying Technique To Create Thermally Stable Plasmonic Nickel Selective Solar Absorbers

The single-element-based selective solar absorber (SSA) is attractive as it does not suffer from mismatched thermal expansion and consequent performance degradation in composite selective solar absorbers. In this report, a simple and scalable dealloying method is demonstrated for fabricating SSAs with high durability. The porous nickel SSAs prepared through this technique not only exhibit an applicable solar absorptance/thermal emittance (0.93/0.12 or 0.88/0.08) without the aid of antireflection coatings but also show an excellent thermal stability up to 200 °C in air over prolonged periods. Furthermore, the dealloying technique shows great tunable performance for the selective absorption of metal absorber, which can be used to fabricate the porous metallic structures for various working conditions.
Characterisation and simulation of InAs/InAsSb structures for mid-infrared LEDs

This work reports research on InAs/InAsSb structures focusing on their photoluminescence and electroluminescence spectra over the 4 – 300 K temperature range. The purpose was to gain an insight into developing mid – infrared light – emitting diodes (LEDs) operating with sufficiently high power and efficiency for room temperature gas sensing applications. InAs/InAsSb strained – layer superlattice (SLS) and multiple quantum well (MQW) structures of low antimony content (Sb = 3.7 – 13.5 %) grown by MBE on InAs substrates were compared. These structures were characterised by XRD and TEM imaging. Band structure simulations highlighted the effects of changing QW antimony content and layer thicknesses on the emission properties. Mid – infrared 4 – 300 K photoluminescence showed peak shifting to longer wavelengths and intensity reduction for structures with increased QW antimony content. Excitonic emission identified in the photoluminescence spectra under low excitation power was investigated. Temperature quenching was attributed to competing radiative and non – radiative free carrier recombination processes. At higher temperatures, MQW photoluminescence was dominated by emission from electron – hole recombination in the InAs barrier layers. This was not observed for the SLS, with holes strongly confined in the QWs up to room temperature. The dominant Auger process was identified to differ between the MQW and SLS structures, with larger experimental values for these processes compared to theory indicating some degree of suppression due to the type II band alignment of the structures. All these findings highlighted the superiority of the SLS and its attractiveness for use in the active region of MIR LEDs. Two prototype SLS LEDs were fabricated. Mid – infrared 7 – 300 K electroluminescence was obtained, with the 4.2 µm CO2 absorption fingerprint identifiable. The electroluminescence spectra displayed similar behaviour to the PL spectra. Microwatt output powers were produced by the devices at room temperature. Approaches to improve device performance are considered, as it is of interest to further develop SLS LEDs for mid – infrared applications.
Impact behavior of pine needle fiber/pistachio shell filler based epoxy composite

Natural filler/fiber based composites are material focusing on the use of natural reinforcement material for fabrication process. In present research two different composites are developed using (i) pine needle fiber and epoxy (ii) pistachio shell filler and epoxy. Impact strength of developed composites is studied which shows that with addition of pistachio shell filler and pine needle fibers in composites, there is increase in impact strength as compared to neat epoxy sample. In addition, hybrid composite with natural filler and pine needle fiber has shown the highest impact strength of 23.33 kJ/m2. Investigating samples further in different conditions (petrol, kerosene, water) for impact strength, research shows that there is substantial decrease in strength in comparison to the samples subjected to ambient conditions.
One‐pot microwave‐assisted synthesis of size‐dependent l‐glutathione‐capped spherical silver nanoparticles suitable for materials with antibacterial properties

In the last years, there has been an alarming increase in antibiotic resistance by pathogenic microbes, which has become a major public health concern. There is a great interest in developing new antimicrobial for reducing the impact. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as antibacterial agents are currently being studied to be used to fight these pathogenic microbes. The aim of the present study was to synthesize AgNPs of different sizes through the use of microwave and determine their antimicrobial activities. Synthesis of size‐dependent l‐glutathione‐capped spherical nanoparticles through one‐pot microwave synthesis was achieved, and their antimicrobial properties were determined. Different sizes of AgNPs between 5–10, 15–35, and 50–80 nm were made by varying the concentration of silver nitrate and using sodium borohydride (NaBH4) as a reducing agent. l‐glutathione was used to stabilize the AgNPs to prevent them from aggregation in the colloidal solution. The synthesized AgNPs showed ultraviolet absorption at around 400 nm with high concentration of AgNO3 having sharp peaks. The formed particles were crystalline in nature with uniform spherical shape. The formed AgNPs were of crystalline size of 9.94, 18.45, 34.96, 52.40, and 58.50 nm. Fourier transform infrared analysis confirmed conjugation of glutathione as a capping agent to AgNPs as the result of the formed spectra showing the absence of ─SH stretch. The high temperature generated by microwave helped to synthesize nanoparticles within a short time and by varying the concentration of AgNO3 helped obtain the desired particle size. Glutathione conjugated well with AgNPs as a result of interaction of negative thiol resulting to colloidal stabilization and reduced aggregation. The antibacterial activity of AgNPs was found to be size dependent with the smaller size of 9.94 nm being more efficient than 18.45, 34.96, 52.40, and 58.50 nm against the tested strains Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Salmonella spp. (ATCC 700623), and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923). Of the four stains, E. coli was found to be the least affected by all three different particle sizes of the synthesized AgNPs.
Interdigitated electrode arrays (idea) impedimetric transducers for bacterial biosensing applications

La tecnologia dels biosensors, basada en dispositius analitics que combinen un bioreceptor amb una unitat de transduccio, s'ha aplicat en nombroses arees de recerca per a la deteccio de diferents analits d'interes. Els bacteris, especialment els bacteris patogens, son agents biologics importants per ser detectats en diversos camps com el diagnostic clinic, la industria alimentaria o la qualitat de l'aigua per prevenir malalties en els essers humans. No obstant aixo, els bacteris tambe es poden utilitzar en un ampli ventall d'aplicacions; per exemple, com a indicadors biologics per determinar la toxicitat de diversos compostos. En aquesta tesi es proposa l'us de transductors impedimetrics basats en electrodes de tipus interdigitat (interdigitated electrode arrays, IDEA de les sigles en angles) com a instrument per al desenvolupament d'aplicacions biosensores bacterianes. L'espectroscopia electroquimica d'impedancia es una tecnica ampliament estudiada per caracteritzar biosistemes perque permet monitoritzar els fenomens que tenen lloc a la superficie dels electrodes. Aquesta tecnica no requereix marcadors en el proces de transduccio i pot ser usada en un mode d'operacio sense marcatge addicional; aixi se simplifiquen els assajos de biomonitoratge. Entre els diferents tipus de transductors impedimetrics, els electrodes de tipus interdigitat son realment avantatjosos en termes de miniaturitzacio, d'obtencio d'una resposta rapida i estable o d'increment en la relacio senyal-soroll. La utilitzacio dels dispositius IDEA com a base de transduccio per a un biosensor permet reduir el temps i cost per assaig. A mes a mes, en aquest treball es detalla i demostra l'aplicabilitat dels IDEA tridimensionals (3D-IDEA), en els quals els digits dels electrodes estan separats per barreres aillants, que permeten millorar la sensibilitat en el registre de canvis superficials si els comparem amb els IDEA convencionals per a la deteccio de bacteries. Els objectius d'aquest treball son l'elaboracio i la validacio d'estrategies de biodeteccio, estables i reproduibles, utilitzant IDEA i 3D-IDEA per a la identificacio de bacteris com a analit d'interes o be com a element de sensat. En el primer cas, s'ha dut a terme la deteccio de bacteris o endotoxines bacterianes en mostres liquides, mentre que en el segon s'ha desenvolupat un biosensor del tipus microbia. Per tal de dur-ho a terme, els dispositius IDEA s'han (bio)funcionalitzat mitjancant diverses metodologies per desenvolupar en quatre aplicacions.
The Effects of Na2SiO3/NaOH Ratios on the Volumetric Properties of Fly Ash Geopolymer Artificial Aggregates

This study was conducted as a part of a research to assess the influence of the volumetric properties of geopolymer artificial aggregates made of fly ash to the performance of asphalt mixture to be used in pavement layers. This paper presents the parameters adopted during the production of geopolymer artificial aggregates which may affect the volumetric properties and the structure of the aggregates. The investigated volumetric properties included specific gravity and water absorption. In the experiment laboratory, two variables were utilized for producing the artificial aggregates, which might affect the considered volumetric properties. Those variables are pan-granulator slopes and alkaline ratios (the ratios of Sodium Silicate to Sodium Hydroxide). The pan-granulator slopes were set at 3 different angles, i.e. 45o, 50o, and 55o. The selected alkaline ratios were 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0. The test results indicated that the best volumetric properties were obtained at a slope of 50o and alkaline ratio of 2.5. The bulk specific gravity values at the best volumetric properties were found to be: 1) oven dry at 1.9 grams/cm3; 2) saturated surface dry (SSD) at 2.0 grams/cm3, and 3) apparent at 2.1 grams/cm3 with 6% water absorption. In addition, the interfacial transition zone and microstructure aggregates were examined by using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). In this study, it was found that there were effects of Na2SiO3/ NaOH ratios and the granulation method on the volumetric properties.
High Efficiency Double-band Printed Rectenna Model for Energy Harvesting

This paper presents a wireless energy harvesting device formed by a meandered printed dipole antenna, which is resonant in the frequency bands Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Long Term Evolution (LTE) and Instrumentation, Scientific and Medical (ISM) and a serial topology rectifier circuit. This rectifier circuit features a broadband, which provides a double-band rectenna. This has been optimized to provide high output voltage and efficiency for very low levels of input power, the rectenna has been built on the FR4 substrate.
Development and full-scale validation of high-fidelity data acquisition on a next-generation wireless smart sensor platform

Although wireless smart sensor platforms have been available over a decade, only a limited number of full-scale wireless smart sensor–based structural health monitoring implementations have been realized. Most wireless smart sensor platforms that are validated in full-scale implementations have now become obsolete and are no longer commercially available. While wireless sensing capabilities have grown, presenting significant opportunities, obstacles to wide application of wireless smart sensor for structural health monitoring exist both in terms of hardware and software. This article assesses the efficacy of the Xnode, a new wireless platform whose development has been driven by structural health monitoring requirements, as well as lessons learned from several full-scale wireless smart sensor deployments. The capabilities of the platform are evaluated in comparison with other commercial wireless smart sensors, in terms of hardware, software, and mechanical design. Extensive laboratory and field testing is employed to validate its performance on three aspects: fidelity of data acquisition, reliability of wireless communication, and efficiency of power management. Test results demonstrate the capabilities of the Xnode to support full-scale, high-fidelity data acquisition for civil infrastructure. In addition, the new sensor platform provides several significant benefits to extend the use of wireless smart sensors to a broader class of structural health monitoring applications, such as sudden event monitoring and real-time and control applications.