Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Observation of enhanced photocurrent response in M–CuInS2 (M = Au, Ag) heteronanostructures: phase selective synthesis and application

We report controlled synthesis of CuInS2 in wurtzite and zinc blende phases by solution based thermal decomposition of dual precursors [In(acda)3] (acda = 2-aminocyclopentene-1-dithiocarboxylic acid) and [Cu(PPh3)2(acda)] (PPh3 = triphenylphosphine) in the presence of appropriate surface-active agents. Furthermore, the preparation of M–CuInS2 (M = Au and Ag) heteronanostructures on both the phases has been achieved successfully by hot injection of respective gold and silver precursor solutions into the reaction mixture. The characterization of both pure and hybrid nanostructures was carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-vis spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) study and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A detailed photovoltaic study has been performed with both pure materials and the twin structures and their photocurrent and photoresponse behavior have been compared. The study reveals that upon loading Au and Ag, the material exhibits high photocurrent efficiency compared to pure CuInS2. An appreciable increase in the light to dark current density ratio confirms that these materials can be used in the fabrication of promising photovoltaic devices.
Studenters forberedelse til undervisning i Team-Based Learning. Selv-regulert læring og tidsbruk

Omvendt undervisning, hvor studentene forbereder seg individuelt for undervisningsoktene, benyttes i mange emner for a fa tid til a gjore mer studentaktive laeringsaktiviteter i undervisningen. For at dette skal fungere bra ma studentene motiveres til a forberede seg, spesielt hvis laeringsaktivitetene innebaerer gruppearbeid. Team-Based Learning (TBL), som kan regnes som en spesiell type omvendt undervisning, er en tilnaerming som skal vaere spesielt egnet for a motivere studentene til a forberede seg. Malene med denne studien var a kartlegge studenters tidsbruk, selvregulering- og laeringsstrategier i forkant av undervisningen og a undersoke sammenhengen mellom disse faktorene og resultat pa en forberedelsestest som gjennomfores i begynnelsen av undervisningsoktene i et TBL basert emne. Studien ble gjennomfort i emnet FYS-1001 mekanikk ved UiT Norges arktiske universitet hosten 2020. Omtrent 30 studenter tok emnet for forste gang. Informasjon om studentenes selvregulering- og laeringsstrategier ble samlet inn ved bruk av sporreskjemaet Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire. For a male hvor forberedt studentene var for klasseromsundervisningen ble det gjennomfort fortester i starten av enkelte undervisningsokter. Studentene oppga ogsa hvor mye tid de hadde brukt til a forberede seg og hvor mange dager de hadde brukt. Det ble ikke funnet signifikante forskjeller i selvregulering- og laeringsstrategier mellom studentene som var godt og darlig forberedt til undervisningen.
Option pricing under time interval driven model

Abstract A new model which we called time driven model for option pricing is proposed. In this model, the price of underlying asset is driven by different random driving source in different time interval. Explicit option pricing formulas for the European call option are obtained by using the Mellin transform. Moreover, some numerical illustrations are given by computing European call option prices.
Synthesis and Characterization New Schiff Bases,Pyrazole and Pyrazoline Compounds Derived From Acid Hydrazide Containing Isoxazoline Ring

The work involves synthesis of new Schiff bases ( (V)a, b and (VI)a, b), pyrazoles(VII)a, b and pyrazolines(VIII)a, b derivatives containing isoxazoline unit starting with chalcones. 4- bromoacetophenone was reacted with 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde or 4-hydroxyacetophenone was reacted with 4-bromobenzaldehyde in basic medium to give chalcone by Claisen-Schemidt reaction. The chalcons (I)a, b was reacted with hydroxylamine hydrochloride to form isoxazolines (II)a, b. which were reacted with ethyl chloro acetate in basic medium to get ester compounds(III)a, b . The condensation new ester(III)a, b with hydrazine hydrate80% yieldedacid hydrazide (IV)a, b.The later compound refluxing with 4-substituted benzaldehyde in dry benzene to give Schiff bases((V)a, band (VI)a, b)while the reaction of acid hydrazide (IV)a, b with acetylacetone or ethyl aceto acetate to get pyrazole(VII)a, b , pyrazolone(VIII)a, b ,respectively.The synthesized compounds were characterized by melting points, FTIR, mass and 1 H NMR spectroscopy(of someof them).
Evaluation of the Impact of Separative Collection and Recycling of Municipal Solid Waste on Performance: An Empirical Application for Chile

The collection of municipal solid waste (MSW) is a public service with notable effects on the environment and public health. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of selective collection and recycling of MSW on the performance of municipalities in providing MSW services. By employing the data envelopment analysis method, the efficiency and eco-efficiency scores for a sample of 298 municipalities in Chile were analyzed and compared. The efficiency estimation focused on the economic performance of the municipalities in the provision of MSW services, whereas the eco-efficiency assessment also integrated the environmental performance. The results indicated that the selective collection and recycling of MSW had a significant impact on the performance of the municipalities in providing these services. The percentages of efficient and eco-efficient municipalities were very low (4.70% and 4.36%, respectively), thus demonstrating the large room for performance improvement by Chilean municipalities in the management of MSW. The efficient and eco-efficient municipalities were heterogeneously distributed throughout the country, revealing the lack of collaboration between municipalities at the regional level. Finally, exogenous variables to the management of MSW carried out by the municipalities, including the population served, population density, tourism and waste generated per capita, all had an impact on the efficiency and eco-efficiency scores. The results and conclusions of this study are of great relevance for policy makers at the regional and local levels to improve the management of MSW in the context of a circular economy.
Facial expression recognition using singular values and wavelet-based LGC-HD operator

Facial expression recognition (FER) is a significant research area in the human–computer interaction. The performance of FER systems depends on an efficient feature extraction method. This research work proposes a robust method for feature extraction using local gradient coding based on horizontal and diagonal (LGC ‐ HD) operator, wavelet transform and singular values. The proposed framework consists of three steps in feature extraction. First, the wavelet transform is applied on facial images and features are extracted by applying the LGC ‐ HD operator on low–low bands at different levels of decomposition. Second, the singular values of the facial image are calculated by applying singular value decomposition and these are used as features. Third, the features from the previous two steps are concatenated to obtain the final feature for FER systems. The proposed method combines the two advantages: (1) the integration of wavelet transform and LGC ‐ HD operator provides discriminating and robust features. (2) The singular values are not sensitive to grey scale changes caused by the noise. After obtaining the features, the support vector machine is used for expression recognition. Extensive experimentation on Japanese Female Facial Expression database, Cohn–Kanade, FEI face and facial expression research group databases achieves good recognition rates of 84.2%, 92.3%, 98.2% and 97.9%, respectively.
Advances and obstacles in pressure-driven solid-state cooling: A review of barocaloric materials

Barocaloric methods offer the widest range among solid-state caloric materials where to pick and choose. However, ideal barocaloric materials do not exist and a trade-off is required; Materials with high refrigerant capacity suffer from poor thermal conductivity and low density, and conversely. Solid-state caloric effects promise since decades a disruptive cooling technology that should be more efficient and cleaner than current vapor compression. However, despite relevant achievements have been made, it is still difficult to foresee the time left for the development and wide implementation of competitive devices. Recent progress in the response of materials under hydrostatic pressure offers hope for overcoming some of the shortcomings posed by other solid-state methods and augurs a good outlook for barocaloric cooling, but there are still many struggles ahead to address in order to demonstrate its viability as a commercial cooling technique. Here we briefly review the milestones achieved in terms of barocaloric materials and discuss the pending challenges and expectations for the oncoming years.
Architecture engineering of carbonaceous anodes for high‐rate potassium‐ion batteries

The limited lithium resource in earth's crust has stimulated the pursuit of alternative energy storage technologies to lithium ‐ ion battery. Potassium ‐ ion batteries (KIBs) are regarded as a kind of promising candidate for large ‐ scale energy storage owing to the high abundance and low cost of potassium resources. Nevertheless, further development and wide application of KIBs are still challenged by several obstacles, one of which is their fast capacity deterioration at high rates. A considerable amount of effort has recently been devoted to address this problem by developing advanced carbonaceous anode materials with diverse structures and morphologies. This review presents and highlights how the architecture engineering of carbonaceous anode materials gives rise to high ‐ rate performances for KIBs, and also the beneficial conceptions are consciously extracted from the recent progress. Particularly, basic insights into the recent engineering strategies, structural in-novation, and the related advances of carbonaceous anodes for high ‐ rate KIBs are under specific concerns. Based on the achievements attained so far, a perspective on the foregoing, and proposed possible directions, and avenues for designing high ‐ rate anodes, are presented finally.
Rethinking Communication and Crowdsourced Technology: Mediating Role of Mobile-Learning Tie to Broadband

The proliferation of online crowdsourcing information via mobile technology intervention achieved progressive learning in recent times. The study seeks the mobility of crowds using internet-contents as crowdsourcing knowledge phenomenon in community-learning task actualization. Bandura’s Social Learning Theory (SLT) and TPB induced and investigated 361 respondents among international students using IBM Amos v. 25 for the analysis. Results found exogenous variables were positively significant, whiles broadband moderation on mobile learning behavior run-up. Mobile learning mediation magnifies the behavior actualization effectiveness. Significantly, crowdsource at the individual level colored internet-content via mobile learning technology collaborated communication problem-solving tasks. Mobility of learning makes a mountain of molehills in knowledge sourcing, communication community-centered performance.
Exploiting Combinatorics to Investigate Plasmonic Properties in Heterogeneous AgAu Nanosphere Chain Assemblies

Chains of coupled metallic nanoparticles are of special interest for plasmonic applications because they can sustain highly dispersive plasmon bands, allowing strong ballistic plasmon wave transport. Whereas early studies focused on homogeneous particle chains exhibiting only one dominant band, heterogeneous assemblies consisting of different nanoparticle species came into the spotlight recently. Their increased configuration space principally allows engineering multiple bands, bandgaps, or topological states. Simultaneously, the challenge of the precise arrangement of nanoparticles, including their distances and geometric patterns, as well as the precise characterization of the plasmonics in these systems, persists. Here, the surface plasmon resonances in heterogeneous AgAu nanoparticle chains are reported. Wrinkled templates are used for directed self‐assembly of monodisperse gold and silver nanospheres as chains, which allows assembling statistical combinations of more than 109 particles. To reveal the spatial and spectral distribution of the plasmonic response, state‐of‐the‐art scanning transmission electron microscopy coupled with electron energy loss spectroscopy accompanied by boundary element simulations is used. A variety of modes in the heterogeneous chains are found, ranging from localized surface plasmon modes occurring in single gold or silver spheres, respectively, to modes that result from the hybridization of the single particles. This approach opens a novel avenue toward combinatorial studies of plasmonic properties in heterosystems.
Preparation of Poly(Acrylic Acid) Grafted Reduced Graphene Oxide/Polyacrylamide Composite Hydrogels with Good Electronic and Mechanical Properties by in-situ Polymerization

Abstract Conductive hydrogels with excellent electronic and mechanical properties are promising materials for flexible sensors. Herein we present a facile method to prepare reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-containing composite hydrogels with suitable electronic and mechanical properties. Poly(acrylic acid) grafted reduced graphene oxide (rGO-g-PAA) was synthesized from GO via a two-step process and then incorporated into chemically crosslinked polyacrylamide (PAM) networks by in-situ polymerization to give rGO-g-PAA/PAM composite hydrogels. The grafted PAA chains on rGO helped produce a stable and homogeneous dispersion of rGO-g-PAA in the PAM in the polymerization process. Hydrogen bonds existed between the grafted PAA chains and the PAM matrix, which not only improved the interfacial interaction between rGO and PAM matrix but also served as sacrificial bonds to dissipate energy. The rGO-g-PAA/PAM composite hydrogels exhibited enhanced tensile properties, rapid self-recovery, satisfactory electrical conductivity and remarkable resistance change upon stretching, all of which means it has the potential to be used as flexible strain sensors.
Graphene Oxide/L-phenylalanine/polymethacrylamide Nanocomposite as an Efficient Fluorescent Nanosensor for Heavy Metals Detection in Aqueous Media

The application and fabrication of grapheme-based nanomaterials have, caught great attention in the field of sensors in recent years. In this study, a graphene oxide (GO)-based heavy metals nanosensor was prepared via the surface reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) method. First, GO was prepared from graphene and was modified with L-phenylalanine (LP). Then a RAFT agent was attached chemically into the surface of GO-LP. Next, GO-LP/polymethacrylamide (GO-LP/PMAM) was prepared via the polymerization of methacrylamide (MAM) monomers on the surface of the GO. The surface morphology and chemical properties of the prepared materials were examined by FT-IR, SEM, TGA, UV and PL techniques. The results of PL indicated that the PL intensity of GO-LP/PMAM compared to GO and GO-LP spectra in the water was stronger. Finally, the modified GO was employed as an excellent nanosensor for the selective detection of Cu (II) ions in the range of 0.25-2 mM (correlation coefficient R2 0.9903). Absence any obvious alteration in the fluorescence intensity after the addition of other metal ions indicated the great selectivity for Cu (II). Based on the experimental results, the surface-functionalized GO with RAFT strategy could be successfully employed as a promising nanosensor for selective detecting of Cu (II) ions.
Efficacy of Graphene Nanosheets on the Plasma Sprayed Hydroxyapatite Coating: Improved Strength, Toughness and In-Vitro Bioperformance With Osteoblast

Abstract Graphene nanosheet (GNS) reinforced HA coating on Ti6Al4V substrate, fabricated using plasma spray, was developed for biomedical applications. Microstructural observation corroborated that the adding GNSs homogeneously distributed in the GNS/HA coating with typical lamellar structure featured by GNSs acting as binder between the discrete HA splats. Meanwhile, GNSs were observed to get in direct contact with HA matrix and form a clean GNS-HA interface without interfacial product. Results of various indentation tests showed simultaneous improvement in both indentation yield strength (~379 MPa) and fracture toughness (0.78 ± 0.17 MPam1/2), mainly attributing to synergetic toughening and strengthening mechanisms associated with the adding GNSs such as load transfer, GNS pull-out, inter-layer sliding of a GNS, crack branching, GNS bridging and crack deflection. In addition, the GNS/HA coating exhibited improved biocompatible with MG-63 cell in terms of its attachment, adhesion strength, proliferation and differentiation. Hence, the GNS/HA composite coating with improved strength, toughness and enhanced biocompatibility makes it a promising candidate for bone regeneration and implantation.
Designing an Excellence Pattern for Effective Human Resources in the Oil Industry

The purpose of this study was to design an effective human resource excellence model in the oil industry. The statistical population of the study consisted of two groups: the first group consisted of experts familiar with human resources management and the second group included experts in the field of Iranian oil industry. The research method was descriptive-survey. Data collection was done using Human Resources Excellence Questionnaire and Organizational Effectiveness. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 21, 17.8. 8, MINITAB and LISREL. The results indicate that there is a meaningful relationship between the strategies and dimensions of human resources with the components of effectiveness in the oil industry. There is a meaningful relationship between the processes and its dimensions with the components of effectiveness in the oil industry. There is a meaningful relationship between the empowerment and its dimensions with the components of effectiveness in the oil industry.
The Effects of Work - Life Balance on the Academic employees’ Performance, Motivation and Job Satisfaction among Private and Public Universities of Kurdistan Region

The purpose of this study investigates the effects of work life Balance on the academic employees’ performance, motivation and job satisfaction among private and public universities of Kurdistan Region. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used to obtain empirical outcomes. The questionnaires were distributed to the 396 participants among public and private universities in KRG. The results indicate that the employees of the academic world do face challenges of work-life balance in their careers. These challenges are more difficult on the private university employees than the public employees, and the public employees enjoy a fairly better degree of work-life balance than the private universities, even though the rate of the work-life balance culture within the public universities is not at an acceptable level.
Quercetin particles with lower inhibitory activity for α-glycosidase and negligible effects on blood clotting

: Poly(quercetin) (p(QR)) particles were synthesized by using poly (ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether (PEGGE) crosslinker in a single step via a microemulsion system. The morphological, size, and functional analysis of the prepared particles were examined by optical microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements, and FT-IR spectroscopy. P(QR) particles were found to have spherical shape with 372±9 nm size range based on SEM images and DLS measurements. The zeta potential measurements, performed at different pH conditions, and potentiometric titration of p(QR) particles revealed that the isoelectric point and pKa values were around pH 2.5 and 2.3, respectively. Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) was determined for QR and p(QR) particles at pH 3.6 and found to be 9.4 and 0.43 µg of reduced Fe(II). The effects of QR and p(QR) particles on α-glucosidase enzyme activity were investigated at pH 6.9 and QR molecules and p(QR) particles can inhibit the α-glucosidase enzyme by 89.3% and 24.7%, respectively. The fluorescence spectroscopy of QR and p(QR) with fibrinogen showed that p(QR) particles do not induce clotting of blood.
Coercivity analysis of cubic and tetragonal (Cu,Co) ferrite particles within the global model

We analyzed the coercivity of both cubic and tetragonally distorted Co x Cu1−x Fe2O4 particles (x = 0.2 and 0.1, respectively) using the global model. According to magnetic viscosity measurements, the size of the activation volumes v a increases from around 2000 nm3 (v a 1/3 ≈ 13 nm) at 10 K for both samples, to close to 175 000 nm3 for the cubic sample and 5400 nm3 for the tetragonally distorted sample at 300 K. The microstructure-related phenomenological parameters obtained from the global model analysis are α= 0.29 and N eff = −0.01 and α= 0.39 and N eff = −0.24 for the cubic and tetragonal samples, respectively. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy images of the tetragonal sample showed that nanograins are connected through a thin amorphous layer (∼1 nm), which could account for the intergranular exchange interactions indicated by the negative value of N eff as well as values of M r/M s > 0.5 for such isotropic samples. Low temperature discrepancies are tentatively attributed to magnetic reversal being governed by a local heating process following thermal activation.
Reducing albinism related stigma in Tanzania: an exploration of the impact of radio drama and radio interview

Abstract Reducing stigma is key to improving the wellbeing of people with albinism in Tanzania. This study aimed to obtain more insight into the effects of two radio interventions with regard to albinism-related stigma: a radio drama and a radio interview. Assessment of the radio interventions was based on two attitude measurement instruments (The Albinism Explanatory Model Interview Catalogue Community Stigma Scale and the Albinism Social Distance Scale), an entertainment scale, and two informal (group) interviews. In total, 111 community members participated in the assessment prior to the radio drama, and 65 after. In the case of the radio interview, 123 community members participated in the assessment prior to the radio show, and 77 after. Following the radio drama, a significant reduction was found in terms of community stigma, and a reduction in social distance was found after both interventions. The entertainment score for both interventions was high, but significantly higher for the radio drama. The respondents indicated that they had gained more understanding of albinism as a result of the interventions, and were positive about this type of education. The current study shows that a radio show in which the listener interacts with someone with albinism can contribute to a reduction in stigma, and demonstrates that different types of radio intervention can have different outcomes. Points of interest Reducing discrimination is key to improving the wellbeing of people with albinism in Tanzania. This research investigated the use of radio shows to change attitudes towards people with albinism within the community; two types of radio show were tested: a radio drama and a radio interview. Through the shows the respondents got into contact with someone with albinism. The shows were valued by the community members as an attractive means of education. The shows proved to be effective in terms of improving peoples’ knowledge about, and attitude towards people with albinism. People enjoyed the radio drama more than the radio interview. The radio drama was also more effective than the radio interview in improving peoples’ attitudes towards people with albinism. This research offers recommendations for organisations that are working to raise awareness with regard to albinism.