Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chemically modified graphene-silver nanocomposites for electrochemical sensor applications / Nurul Izrini Ikhsan

Graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) or known as chemically modified graphene (CMG) are unique building blocks for ‘‘bottom up’’ nanotechnology due to their excellent chemical and physical properties. Composite materials based on CMG and silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) have been widely studied due to the presence of oxygen functionalities and the assistance of various non-covalent forces. In nanocomposites, CMG serves as a good host material for the accommodation of Ag NPs. In this thesis, four different syntheses were carried out to prepare CMG-Ag nanocomposites and their applicability of serving as an electrochemical sensor material for the detection of important analytes was studied. First, a facile one-pot synthetic method was proposed for the preparation of Ag NPs on GO sheets using garlic extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent and sunlight irradiation as a catalyst. GO sheets provided extra stabilizing for the growth of Ag NPs. As a result, a uniform distribution of Ag NPs on GO sheets with an average size of 19.0 nm was obtained. Second, the time-dependent formation of Ag NPs on rGO sheets was carried out using a modified Tollen’s test. Tollens’ reaction was modified by introducing rGO as a support material for the controlled growth of Ag NPs and the synthesis of rGO-Ag nanocomposite. The reaction was monitored at different time duration (2, 6, 10 and 15 h). With a reaction time of 15 h, almost monodispersed spherical nanoparticles with an average particle size of 16.0 nm were found. Third, the effect of ascorbic acid as a reducing agent for the formation of rGO-Ag nanocomposite was demonstrated. Crystalline and spherical Ag NPs with an average particle size of 2.0 nm were found in the rGO-Ag nanocomposite with the assistance of 5.0 M ascorbic acid. Fourth, the Ag-rGO nanocomposite was in-situ synthesized through a slight modification of Turkevich method using trisodium citrate as a reducing and stabilizing agent. Completely spherical Ag NPs with good distribution and an average particle size of 2.2 nm was found using 4 mM AgNO3. In the following part, the modified electrodes of CMG-Ag nanocomposites obtained using various methods were applied as sensor electrodes for the electrochemical detection of various analytes. The proposed sensors displayed good sensitivity and selectivity towards target molecules such as nitrite ions, 4-nitrophenol (4-NP), nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). In addition to the interesting detection limits, the nanocomposite modified electrodes showed acceptable reproducibility, repeatability, and stability during the sensing experiments. Lastly, the applicability of the present nanocomposites was demonstrated in real water samples. The observed good recoveries implied that the present electrochemical sensors could be used for the detection of nitrite ions, 4-NP, NO and H2O2 in environmental water samples.
Monte Carlo Simulation Approaches to Protein Stability and Aggregation Prediction

A protein’s sequence and set of covalent modifications determine its stability and aggregation propensity in a given environment. Given a change in sequence or covalent structure, we would like to be able to predict the change in stability and tendency to aggregate. Such knowledge would enable us to engineer more stable proteins and to better understand protein misfolding and aggregation diseases. In addition, knowledge of the protein folding pathway and aggregate structure could aid in structure-based design of therapeutics. This thesis employs Monte Carlo simulations to predict protein stability, aggregation propensity, and aggregate structure. First, we describe the use of short unfolding simulations to predict stabilized mutants of the enzyme Dihydrofolate Reductase. Next, we describe a simple model of protein domain swapping that predicts the tendency of proteins to domain swap at intermediate temperature and predicts a concentration dependence where proteins domain swap at intermediate concentration but exhibit non-specific interactions between unfolded proteins at high concentration. Finally, we predict that cataract-associated mutations within γD-crystallin destabilize the protein and that these mutations, along with an experimentally observed disulfide bond, increase the protein’s propensity to aggregate. Based on two-molecule simulations, we propose an aggregation model whereby the N-terminal hairpin of one molecule forms antiparallel beta sheet interactions with the C-terminal domain of the next molecule. We also suggest a
Kesir Dereceli Sprott-K Kaotik Sisteminin Dinamik Analizi ve FPGA Uygulaması

In this article, the fractional-order analysis and experimental application of the Sprott-K chaotic system using Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) hardware is presented. In the study, the attractor structures of the Sprott-K chaotic system, which were first obtained with the Simulink model, were realized. Mathematical analysis of Sprott-K dynamic equations was made and the minimum fractional-order at which the dynamic system entered chaos was determined. The integer-order chaotic behavior of the Sprott-K chaotic system is compared with the Simulink simulation of the minimum fractional-order system. Fractional-order analysis of the system was carried out using Carlson method, one of the rational approximation models. Transfer functions in the frequency domain are obtained for the fractional-order in which the system goes into chaos with the Carlson method. Fractional-order transfer functions in the frequency domain obtained have been converted to the discrete time z transfer function. The FPGA design of the system was designed using the dynamic structure Simulink and the code conversion was performed using MATLAB's HDL code compiler. Chaotic system was realized by downloading the bitstream file obtained from the compiler to the Xilinx FPGA ZedBoard Zynq-7000 chip. The results show that FPGA structures provide the desired accuracy and high speed realizations for fractional-order chaotic systems.
Kulturen virtueller Prozessmoderation. Beobachtungen aus der Begleitung eines internationalen Forschungsprojekts.

Der Beitrag bezieht sich auf den Verlauf und die Ergebnisse eines Teilprojekts zur virtuellen interkulturellen Moderation im „Thematischen Netzwerk Patagonien“. Es handelt sich hierbei um ein interdisziplinares sozial- und geisteswissenschaftliches Forschungsprojekt zum transnationalen Wandel in der Region Patagonien mit dem Fokus auf soziale Ungleichheit, interkulturellen Austausch und asthetische Ausdrucksformen. Beteiligt waren insgesamt neun Hochschulen aus Argentinien, Chile und Deutschland. Wesentliche Teile der Projektarbeit wurden virtuell umgesetzt. Die Zusammenarbeit wurde moderiert und aus interkultureller Perspektive beratend begleitet. Eine der wesentlichen Zielsetzungen bestand in der Entwicklung einer virtuellen Zusammenarbeitskultur. Der Beitrag beschreibt diesen Prozess, arbeitet Hindernisse virtueller interkultureller Kollaboration heraus und leitet daraus Handlungsempfehlungen fur eine Praxis virtueller Moderation in interkulturellen Kontexten ab.
Fundamental understanding of cobalt Fischer-Tropsch synthesis catalyst deactivation

• A submitted manuscript is the author's version of the article upon submission and before peer-review. There can be important differences between the submitted version and the official published version of record. People interested in the research are advised to contact the author for the final version of the publication, or visit the DOI to the publisher's website. • The final author version and the galley proof are versions of the publication after peer review. • The final published version features the final layout of the paper including the volume, issue and page numbers.
Root development of winter wheat in erosion‐affected soils depending on the position in a hummocky ground moraine soil landscape

Agricultural soil landscapes of hummocky ground moraines are characterized by 3D spatial patterns of soil types that result from profile modifications due to the combined effect of water and tillage erosion. We hypothesize that crops reflect such soil landscape patterns by increased or reduced plant and root growth. Root development may depend on the thickness and vertical sequence of soil horizons as well as on the structural development state of these horizons at different landscape positions. The hypotheses were tested using field data of the root density (RD) and the root lengths (RL) of winter wheat using the minirhizotron technique. We compared data from plots at the CarboZALF-D site (NE Germany) that are representing a non-eroded reference soil profile (Albic Luvisol) at a plateau position, a strongly eroded profile at steep slope (Calcaric Regosol), and a depositional profile at the footslope (Anocolluvic Regosol). At each of these plots, three Plexiglas access tubes were installed down to approx. 1.5 m soil depth. Root measurements were carried out during the growing season of winter wheat (September 2014–August 2015) on six dates. The root length density (RLD) and the root biomass density were derived from RD values assuming a mean specific root length of 100 m g−1. Values of RD and RLD were highest for the Anocolluvic Regosol and lowest for the Calcaric Regosol. The maximum root penetration depth was lower in the Anocolluvic Regosol because of a relatively high and fluctuating water table at this landscape position. Results revealed positive relations between below-ground (root) and above-ground crop parameters (i.e., leaf area index, plant height, biomass, and yield) for the three soil types. Observed root densities and root lengths in soils at the three landscape positions corroborated the hypothesis that the root system was reflecting erosion-induced soil profile modifications. Soil landscape position dependent root growth should be considered when attempting to quantify landscape scale water and element balances as well as agricultural productivity.
A purification method of ionic liquids to obtain their high purity

Invention may be used as the crude ionic organic halide salts, organic salts, residual halide, residual acid, and the solvent in the organic, inorganic and biochemical reactions and the removal of such an excess of alkali metal from a liquid using a liquid / liquid continuous extraction, and the battery , the secondary battery. Of the ionic liquid for producing an ionic liquid of high purity as possible use as a fuel cell electrolyte relates to a purification method.
Nitrogen fixation by Alnus species boosts soil nitrous oxide emissions

The aim of this study was to assess how higher soil temperatures and increased nitrogen (N) availability, mediated by the N2 fixation of different Alnus species, affect soil nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. We measured rates of N2O emission in situ under non‐N2‐fixing tree species or grassland (controls) and under Alnus species by the closed chamber technique along a temperature gradient of 5.7 K from the lowlands to the upper montane belt in Switzerland. Similar soil conditions and representative tree and bush taxa at a given elevation were a key prerequisite for the site selection. Across the 12 test plots, and irrespective of the elevation, N2O emissions were on average 12‐fold larger in Alnus stands than in non‐N2‐fixing vegetation. The mean emission was 1.3 ± 0.2 kg N2O‐N ha−1 under Alnus and 0.1 ± 0.1 kg N2O‐N ha−1 under non‐N2‐fixing vegetation from mid‐June to mid‐October. The largest rates of emission were observed in Alnus viridis (Chaix.) D.C. shrubland at 1680 m a.s. l. (mid‐elevation), with a seasonal emission of 4.2 ± 0.5 kg N2O‐N ha−1. Differences in soil temperature along the elevation gradient did not affect the release of N2O in non‐N2‐fixing vegetation or across the different Alnus species. We conclude that larger N availability through N2 fixation increases N2O emissions in ecosystems even without intense agricultural management. The fast expansion of Alnus viridis across the Alps has been documented mainly in the context of ‘ecological consequences’. Here, we provide evidence that Alnus viridis also adds substantially to greenhouse gas emissions.
QsY-3 controls multiple morphology, phenology and grain yield traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.) under salinity stress.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) production, all over the world, is affected by salinity stress. A major quantitative trait locus (QTL), qSY-3, linked to rice straw yield was identified in our previous study. Nearest marker to this QTL was RM473D located on rice chromosome 3. Present study was designed to validate this QTL. A representative panel of twenty four rice varieties was used in this study. Panel consisted of salt-susceptible, as well as, salt-tolerant varieties. Panel was cultivated under saline, as well as, normal conditions and traits related to morphology, phenology, and grain yield were scored. Genotyping of the panel was done with 111 polymorphic simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers. Genotypic data were analyzed by STRUCTURE software to identify subpopulations in the panel and TASSEL software for marker-trait association assessment. Marker RM473D was found associated with eight traits including straw yield per plant (SY). Probability (P) and phenotypic variance explained (R2) values for these associations ranged from 0.0001-0.0427 and 23.39%-54.86%, respectively. It appeared that qSY-3 is a major locus controlling morphology and grain-yield in rice. In future, this locus can be exploited through marker-assisted breeding approach for the development of rice cultivars with good yield potential under salt stress conditions. Our study demonstrated potential of association mapping approach in validating previously identified QTLs.
Design of Rare-Earth-Free PM-assisted Synchronous Reluctance Machine for Heavy-duty Automotive Application

Electrical machines designed for automotive applications are characterised by high torque density, wide speed range and low cost. The use of NdFeB magnets in such machines can achieve the required high torque density and wide speed range, however, it fails to meet the low-cost requirements. As a result, this paper explores the capability of rare-earth-free design through a PM-assisted synchronous reluctance motor (PM-SynRel). A PM-SynRel design with NdFeB has been used in this study where the NdFeB magnets have been replaced with ferrite magnets. Following, mechanical analysis has been conducted on the rotor to ensure the stress level in the rotor does not exceed the material limit. Therefore, several mechanical methods have been studied to evaluate their mechanical capability and electromagnetic performance degradation. Thermal analysis has been conducted last to evaluate the temperatures in the different machine parts to avoid exceeding the required limits. Detailed numerical thermal analyses were also performed to assess the thermal behaviour of the design developed. Finally, a prototype has been made and tested to validate the simulation results.
Dynamic optical properties of gold nanoparticles/cholesteric liquid crystal arrays

A thermoresponsive large-area plasmonic architecture, made from randomly distributed gold nanoparticles (GNPs) located at the substrate interface of a cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) cell, is fabricated and thoroughly characterized. A photo-thermal heating effect due to the localized plasmonic resonance (LPR) mechanism is generated by pumping the GNP array with a resonant light beam. The photo-induced heat, propagating through the CLC layer, induces a gradual phase transition from the cholesteric to isotropic phase. Both the plasmonic and photonic properties of the system as both the selective reflection properties and frequency of the LPR are modulated.
Physico-Chemical Assessment of Water Quality in One Part of Hinjewadi, Pune, Maharashtra, India

The present study was aimed at assessing the Physico-chemical parameters viz., temperature, Electrical Conductivity (EC), pH, turbidity, Total Alkalinity (TA), Total Hardness (TH), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Dissolved Oxygen (DO); Chloride, Potassium, Zinc, Copper, Total Iron, BOD, COD, Oil, and Grease at in Alard College Campus, situated in Hinjewadi, Pune. The aim of the work under the title is to analyze the College Campus water outlet, by dividing it into various sampling station. Water quality in the study area was found to have high value of pH, EC, TDS. A systematic correlation in this study showed that there was a significant linear relationship among different pairs of water quality parameters. It was concluded that the TDS, EC and pH are important physicochemical parameters of water quality and are correlated with most of the other parameters. The present study also identifies the critical pollutants affecting the campus water quality.
Wavelength division multiplexed passive optical networks

This thesis is protected by copyright, with all rights reserved. By reading and using the thesis, the reader understands and agrees to the following terms: 1. The reader will abide by the rules and legal ordinances governing copyright regarding the use of the thesis. 2. The reader will use the thesis for the purpose of research or private study only and not for distribution or further reproduction or any other purpose. 3. The reader agrees to indemnify and hold the University harmless from and against any loss, damage, cost, liability or expenses arising from copyright infringement or unauthorized usage.
Control of Carrier Concentration by Ag Doping in N-Type Bi2Te3 Based Compounds

Many elements have been used as dopants to enhance the thermoelectric performance of Bi2Te3-related materials. Among them, Ag’s effect on thermoelectric properties, where Ag acts as a donor or acceptor, remains unclear. To elucidate the role of Ag in n-type Bi2Te3 based compounds, Ag was added to n-type (Bi0.9Sb0.1)2(Te0.85Se0.15)3. As the amount of Ag was increased, the electron concentration decreased, which means Ag acted as an acceptor. The added Ag atoms were found to occupy interstitial sites in the hexagonal lattices, as confirmed by X-ray analysis and first principles calculations. The reduction in electron concentration was attributed to the interaction between the interstitial Ag and intrinsic defects.
Bis-tridentate Ru(II) sensitizers with a spatially encumbered 2,6-dipyrazolylpyridine ancillary ligand for dye-sensitized solar cells

Bis-tridentate Ru(II) sensitizers with a 4,4′,4′′-tricarboxy-2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine anchor (i.e. tctpy) and a 2,6-dipyrazolyl pyridine ancillary ligand with either 5-dodecylthien-2-yl or t-butyl substituents at the central pyridyl unit and four distinctive perfluoroalkyl fragments (e.g. CF3, C3F7, C5F11 and C7F15) at the terminal pyrazolyl sites were designed, synthesized and applied as sensitizers for the fabrication of dye-sensitized solar cells. All these sensitizers exhibited suitable optical properties and electrochemical characteristics. In addition, despite the TF-tBu series of sensitizers with t-butyl substituents showing a lowered absorption extinction coefficient vs. their 5-dodecylthien-2-yl substituted counterparts (i.e. TF-2′ series) in solution, their smaller molecular size allowed a larger dye loading on TiO2 photoanodes, which offsets the inferior optical response and makes them the better DSC sensitizers. After appropriate selection of C3F7 substituents, the sensitizer coded TF-tBu_C3F7 showed the highest overall efficiencies of JSC = 18.47 mA cm−2, VOC = 767 mV, FF = 0.71 and PCE = 10.05% under simulated one sun irradiation, due to the fine balance between dye loading and reduced charge recombination. The corresponding enlarged solar cell module with an active area of 11.2 cm2 also showed the best PCE of 7.55% under one sun irradiation with PCE reaching 12.70% under T5 lighting at 2400 lux.
Mg-doped OMS-2 nanorods: a highly efficient catalyst for purification of volatile organic compounds with full solar spectrum irradiation

Mg-doped OMS-2 nanorod catalysts with different Mg doping amounts were prepared using a hydrothermal redox reaction with Mn(NO3)2, Mg(NO3)2, and KMnO4. We find that a small amount of Mg doping considerably promotes the catalytic activity of OMS-2 for the catalytic oxidation of carcinogenic and recalcitrant benzene (typical VOCs). The optimum Mg-doped OMS-2 sample has a much higher catalytic activity than the pure OMS-2 catalyst and a commercial precious metal catalyst (0.5% Pt/Al2O3). Its turnover frequency (TOF) at 200 °C is 3.8 times higher than that of the pure OMS-2 nanorods. The considerable enhancement of the catalytic activity of OMS-2 upon Mg doping is attributed to the significant enhancement of the lattice oxygen activity of OMS-2. Very importantly, the Mg-doped OMS-2 sample demonstrates highly efficient photothermocatalytic activity and very good stability for benzene oxidation with full solar spectrum (UV-vis-IR) irradiation from a Xe lamp. Its initial rate of CO2 production is as high as 575.8 μmol min−1 g−1, which is 3.8 and 171 times higher than that of pure OMS-2 and TiO2 (P25), respectively. The Mg-doped OMS-2 sample also demonstrates efficient photothermocatalytic activity with visible-infrared (IR) irradiation. Remarkably, even with λ > 690 nm vis-IR irradiation, it still demonstrates efficient photothermocatalytic activity with a rCO2 of 103.9 μmol min−1 g−1. The highly efficient catalytic activity of the Mg-doped OMS-2 catalyst with UV-vis-IR irradiation arises from the efficient solar light-driven (SLD) thermocatalysis, which is attributed to its very good thermocatalytic activity as well as the efficient photothermal conversion due to its strong absorption across the whole solar spectrum. A novel photo-activation effect, which is completely different from the well-known photocatalysis on semiconducting photocatalysts such as TiO2, is found to promote the SLD thermocatalytic activity of the Mg-doped OMS-2 nanorods.
Estudo do processo de redução térmica em vácuo do óxido de grafeno visando à obtenção de matéria-prima para supercapacitor

In this study the process of medium vacuum thermal reduction of the graphene oxide as a low cost route for obtaining reduced graphene oxide has been investigated. The main objective was to study the influence of the processing temperature on the degree of reduction of the graphene oxide using a vacuum system with two stage backing pump. The processing was carried out by exposing the graphene oxide at various temperatures (200, 400, 600, 800 e 1000 °C) with reduced pressure (10 mbar). Conventional techniques have been employed to the characterization of the starting and processed materials, such as: scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). With the results of this study it has been demonstrated that it is possible to obtain the reduced graphene oxide using a vacuum system with a two stage backing pump and processing temperatures superior to 200C.
The effect of illiteracy on performance in screening tools for dementia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Research indicates that many tools designed for screening dementia are affected by literacy level (Ardila et al., 2010; Kosmidis, 2018). However, no systemic analysis exists to evaluate the overall effects of this important confounding factor. We systematically reviewed and meta‐analytically estimated the differences in performance in dementia screening tools between literate and illiterate individuals.