bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studies on structure property relations of efficient decal substrates for industrial grade membrane electrode assembly development in pemfc
Authors: Akella Sri Harsha , D. Ebenezer , R. S. Sai Siddhardha , Ahire Alkesh , Mal Nawal Kishor
Published: August 2018

Electrode fabrication and membrane electrode assembly (MEA) processes are critical steps in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) technology. The properties of decal substrate material are important in decal coating technique for efficient transfer of catalyst layer. In the present study, MEAs are fabricated in decal method using 6 different decal substrates among which polypropylene (PP) is found ideal. Morphological, thermal, spectroscopic and sessile drop measurements are conducted for 6 decal substrates to evaluate the thermal and physicochemical properties. Studies indicate PP is thermally stable at hot-press conditions, having optimal hydrophobicity that hinders the coagulation of catalyst ink slurry cast. The pristine PP film has been identified to showcase 100% transfer yield onto the Nafion membrane without contamination and delamination of catalyst layer from membrane. The PP based MEAs are evaluated underconstant current mode in a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell test fixture. The performance is found to be of 0.6 V at a constant current density of 1.2 A.cm−2. Besides, the cost of PP-film is only 7.5% of Kapton-film, and hence the current research work enables the high throughput electrode fabrication process for PEMFC commercialization.
Plant diversity drives global patterns of insect invasions
Authors: Liebhold Andrew M. , Yamanaka Takehiko , Roques Alain , Augustin Sylvie , Chown Steven L. , Brockerhoff Eckehard G. , Pyšek Petr
Published: August 2018

During the last two centuries, thousands of insect species have been transported (largely inadvertently) and established outside of their native ranges worldwide, some with catastrophic ecological and economic impacts. Global variation in numbers of invading species depends on geographic variation in propagule pressure and heterogeneity of environmental resistance to invasions. Elton’s diversity-invasibility hypothesis, proposed over sixty years ago, has been widely explored for plants but little is known on how biodiversity affects insect invasions. Here we use species inventories from 44 land areas, ranging from small oceanic islands to entire continents in various world regions, to show that numbers of established insect species are primarily driven by diversity of plants, with both native and non-native plant species richness being the strongest predictor of insect invasions. We find that at large spatial scales, plant diversity directly explains variation in non-native insect species richness among world regions, while geographic factors such as land area, climate and insularity largely affect insect invasions indirectly via their effects on local plant richness.
Unbiased shRNA screening, using a combination of FACS and high-throughput sequencing, enables identification of novel modifiers of Polycomb silencing
Authors: Nishioka Kenichi , Miyazaki Hitomi , Soejima Hidenobu
Published: August 2018

Polycomb silencing is an important and rapidly growing field that is relevant to a broad range of aspects of human health, including cancer and stem cell biology. To date, the regulatory mechanisms for the fine-tuning of Polycomb silencing remain unclear, but it is likely that there is a series of unidentified factors that functionally modify or balance the silencing. However, a practical gene screening strategy for identifying such factors has not yet been developed. The failure of screening strategies used thus far is probably due to the effect of the loss-of-function phenotypes of these factors on cell cycle progression. Here, by applying fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS) and high-throughput sequencing (HTS) technology in a large-scale lentivirus-mediated shRNA screening, we obtained a consecutive dataset from all shRNAs tested, which highlighted a substantial number of genes that may control Polycomb silencing. We consider that this unbiased strategy can readily be applied to a wide range of studies to uncover novel regulatory layers for expression of genes of interest.
Triple-shelled NiMn2O4 hollow spheres as an efficient catalyst for low-temperature selective catalytic reduction of NOx with NH3
Authors: Han Yanling , Mu Jincheng , Li Xinyong , Gao Jinsuo , Fan Shiying , Tan Feng , Zhao Qidong
Published: August 2018

Unique triple-shelled NiMn2O4 hollow spheres are fabricated by a facile solvothermal method.
Preparation of 3D open ordered mesoporous carbon single-crystals and their structural evolution during ammonia activation
Authors: Tan Haibo , Tang Jing , Zhou Xin , Golberg Dmitri , Bhatia Suresh K. , Sugahara Yoshiyuki , Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: August 2018

Three-dimensional ordered mesoporous carbon single-crystals with well-interconnected open mesoporous structures are obtainedviaa simple and facile soft-template strategy.
Uniaxial negative thermal expansion induced by moiety twisting in an organic crystal
Authors: Das Dinabandhu , Barbour Leonard J.
Published: August 2018

Anomalous thermal expansion of a new diyn-diol molecule was studied by means of variable-temperature single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Analysis of the unit cell axes as a function of temperature shows that the material experiences uniaxial negative thermal expansion. Packing analysis of the crystal structures reveals twisting of the cyclopentyl moiety relative to the diyne spine with increasing temperature.
Tuning transition metal carbide activity by surface metal alloying: a case study on CO2capture and activation
Authors: López Martí , Broderick Luke , Carey John J. , Viñes Francesc , Nolan Michael , Illas Francesc
Published: August 2018

The CO2capture and activation on early transition metal carbides can be fine-tuned by surface doping of similar metals as evidenced by state-of-the-art density functional simulations of the adsorption and desorption rates on suited models.
Visible light-triggered fluorescence and pH modulation using metastable-state photoacids and BODIPY
Authors: Patel Parth K. , Arias Juan E. , Gongora Renan S. , Hernandez Florencio E. , Moncomble Aurélien , Aloïse Stéphane , Chumbimuni-Torres Karin Y.
Published: August 2018

Small changes in the pH gradient play a critical role in numerous biological and chemical pathways.
Experimental strategies for 13C–15N dipolar NMR spectroscopy in liquid crystals at the natural isotopic abundance
Authors: Jackalin Lukas , Kharkov Boris B. , Komolkin Andrei V. , Dvinskikh Sergey V.
Published: August 2018

Novel routes to study molecular structure and dynamics in ordered fluids by exploiting direct dipole spin interactions between rare isotopes.
A detailed insight into the catalytic reduction of NO operated by Cr–Cu nanostructures embedded in a CeO2 surface
Authors: Koizumi Kenichi , Yoshida Hiroshi , Boero Mauro , Tamai Kazuki , Hosokawa Saburo , Tanaka Tsunehiro , Nobusada Katsuyuki , Machida Masato
Published: August 2018

Replacing rare and expensive elements, such as Pt, Pd, and Rh, commonly used in catalytic devices with more abundant and less expensive ones is mandatory to realize efficient, sustainable and economically appealing three-way catalysts.
Energy transfer catalysis mediated by visible light: principles, applications, directions
Authors: Strieth-Kalthoff Felix , James Michael J. , Teders Michael , Pitzer Lena , Glorius Frank
Published: August 2018

Visible-light-mediated energy transfer has experienced a renaissance in organic synthesis within the last ten years. This tutorial review covers its diverse applications, along with the (photo)physical fundamentals required to rationalize and predict those processes.
Insertion of germanium atoms in high-nuclearity rhodium carbonyl compounds: synthesis, characterization and preliminary biological activity of the heterometallic [Rh13Ge(CO)25]3−, [Rh14Ge2(CO)30]2− and [Rh12Ge(CO)27]4− clusters
Authors: Boccalini Alberto , Dyson Paul J. , Femoni Cristina , Iapalucci Maria C. , Ruggieri Silvia , Zacchini Stefano
Published: August 2018

The reaction of [Rh7(CO)16]3− with Ge2+ salts led to the first Rh carbonyl clusters with interstitial Ge atoms.
Refinement of the crystal structure of Li4P2S6 using NMR crystallography
Authors: Neuberger Sven , Culver Sean P. , Eckert Hellmut , Zeier Wolfgang G. , Schmedt auf der Günne Jörn
Published: August 2018

We report a new structural model for Li4P2S6 derived from 31P MAS NMR and XRD data, symmetry relations and quantum-chemical calculations.
Synthesis and improved photoluminescence of a novel red phosphor LiSrGaF6:Mn4+for applications in warm WLEDs
Authors: Zhu Mengmeng , Pan Yuexiao , Wu Mingmei , Lian Hongzhou , Lin Jun
Published: August 2018

A novel red-emitting phosphor LiSrGaF6:Mn4+was synthesized by a facile cation exchange method. The maximum luminescence intensity was obtained by using Sr(OH)2as the strontium source and with 0.17 wt% NH·H2O ammonia in the reaction system.
Pre-/post-functionalization in dipyrrin metal complexes – antitumor and antibacterial activity of their glycosylated derivatives
Authors: Gutsche Claudia S. , Gräfe Susanna , Gitter Burkhard , Flanagan Keith J. , Senge Mathias O. , Kulak Nora , Wiehe Arno
Published: August 2018

A post-functionalization route to tris(dipyrrinato) metal complexes is presented giving access to a range of new complexes relevant in the context of medicinal inorganic chemistry.
Detecting miRNA biomarkers from extracellular vesicles for cardiovascular disease with a microfluidic system
Authors: Cheng Hong-Lin , Fu Chien-Yu , Kuo Wen-Che , Chen Yen-Wen , Chen Yi-Sin , Lee Yung-Mao , Li Kuang-Hsien , Chen Chihchen , Ma Hsi-Pin , Huang Po-Chiun , Wang Yu-Lin , Lee Gwo-Bin
Published: August 2018

A novel microfluidic platform for extracellular vesicle extraction, microRNA isolation and detection with field-effect transistors for early detection of cardiovascular diseases.
A 96-well microplate bioreactor platform supporting individual dual perfusion and high-throughput assessment of simple or biofabricated 3D tissue models
Authors: Parrish J. , Lim K. S. , Baer K. , Hooper G. J. , Woodfield T. B. F.
Published: August 2018

A microplate-based bioreactor was developed to support dual perfusion of parenchymal and barrier tissues for high-throughput microphysiological system (MPS) studies.
Programmable microfluidic logic device fabricated with a shape memory polymer
Authors: Yang Sei Hyun , Park Juhyuk , Youn Jae Ryoun , Song Young Seok
Published: August 2018

A unique microfluidic valve was proposed for switchable particle control by employing a shape memory polymer.
Design and synthesis of a new class of 2,4-thiazolidinedione based macrocycles suitable for Fe3+sensing
Authors: Sepay Nayim , Mallik Sumitava , Saha Pranab C. , Mallik Asok K.
Published: August 2018

Three 2,4-thiazolidinedione based macrocycles, which are very good Fe3+sensors in aqueous-ethanol medium, have been synthesized. X-ray crystallography, DFT calculations and MEP analysis have been used for their structural confirmation and for understanding their behavior towards Fe3+.
Columnar self-assembly of bowl shaped fluorescent liquid crystals based on calix[4]arene with Schiff base units
Authors: Sharma Vinay S. , Sharma Anuj S. , Vekariya Rajesh H.
Published: August 2018

A new family of bowl-shaped molecules with a calix[4]arene rigid core and appended on four-sides, that display a wide range of hexagonal columnar phases, has been synthesised and well characterized.
Organoselenium–palladium(ii) complex immobilized on functionalized magnetic nanoparticles as a promising retrievable nanocatalyst for the “phosphine-free” Heck–Mizoroki coupling reaction
Authors: Rangraz Yalda , Nemati Firouzeh , Elhampour Ali
Published: August 2018

An air- and moisture-stable organoselenium–palladium complex immobilized on silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles is designed, synthesized and applied as a practical and retrievable catalyst in the Heck–Mizoroki cross-coupling reaction.
Selective binding of methotrexate to monomeric, dimeric and polymeric cyclodextrins
Authors: Kritskiy Iliya , Kumeev Roman , Volkova Tatyana , Shipilov Dmitry , Kutyasheva Natalya , Grachev Mikhail , Terekhova Irina
Published: August 2018

Selective binding of methotrexate to monomeric, dimeric and polymeric cyclodextrins characterized by formation of more stable complexes with dimeric β-cyclodextrin.
Relationship of cellulose and lignin contents in biomass to the structure and RB-19 adsorption behavior of activated carbon
Authors: Xue Yongtao , Du Chunfeng , Wu Zhansheng , Zhang Luohong
Published: August 2018

Activated carbon microspheres prepared from biomass resources serve as green, highly efficient, and reusable adsorbents for reactive blue 19.
A stimuli-responsive supramolecular assembly between inverted cucurbit[7]uril and hemicyanine dye
Authors: Gao Zhong-Zheng , Kan Jinglan , Tao Zhu , Bian Bing , Xiao Xin
Published: August 2018

The effect of inverted curcurbit[7]uril (iQ[7]) on the binding mode of 2-(4-(dimethylamino)styryl)-1-methylpyridinium (DASPMI) was determined in this study.
Green silver nanoparticles as a multifunctional sensor for toxic Cd(ii) ions
Authors: Aravind Archana , Sebastian Maria , Mathew Beena
Published: August 2018

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using Allium sativum (AS) extract. The AgNP-AS was able to detect Cd(ii) ions with various techniques such as optical, fluorescence and electrochemical sensing. The limit of detection was found to be 0.277 μM. Silver nanoparticles were able to quantify Cd(ii) ions from environmental samples. The antibacterial activity of AgNP-AS was explored towards waterborne bacteria.
Plasmon–plasmon coupling probed by ultrafast, strong-field photoemission with <7 Å sensitivity
Authors: Budai Judit , Pápa Zsuzsanna , Márton István , Wróbel Piotr , Stefaniuk Tomasz , Márton Zsuzsanna , Rácz Péter , Dombi Péter
Published: August 2018

Coupling of propagating and localized plasmons on nanostructured surfaces is evidenced by photoelectron spectroscopy, which provides high-sensitivity probing of near-fields.
Coaxial-nanostructured MnFe2O4 nanoparticles on polydopamine-coated MWCNT for anode materials in rechargeable batteries
Authors: Kim Hyeongwoo , Lee Jong-Won , Byun Dongjin , Choi Wonchang
Published: August 2018

A PDA coating layer increased the dispersibility of MWCNT in solution and enhanced the adhesion ability of the interface between oxides and MWCNT during co-precipitation. MnFe2O4@PDA-coated MWCNT coaxial nanocables showed stable long-term cyclability and excellent rate capability.
TricarbocyanineN-triazoles: the scaffold-of-choice for long-term near-infrared imaging of immune cellsin vivo
Authors: Mellanby Richard J. , Scott Jamie I. , Mair Iris , Fernandez Antonio , Saul Louise , Arlt Jochen , Moral Monica , Vendrell Marc
Published: August 2018

TricarbocyanineN-triazoles are first described as rationally-designed structures to overcome the limitations of NIR dyes for long-termin vivoimaging.
Correction: Freeze-extrusion for controllable assembly of 3-dimensional ultra-fine and amorphous fibrous matrices: potential applications in sorption
Authors: Mu Bingnan , Li Wei , Xu Helan , Xu Lan , Yang Yiqi
Published: August 2018

Correction for ‘Freeze-extrusion for controllable assembly of 3-dimensional ultra-fine and amorphous fibrous matrices: potential applications in sorption’ by Bingnan Mu et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2018, 6, 10320–10330.
Changes in the Synchrony of Multimodal Communication in Early Language Development
Authors: Murillo Eva , Ortega Carlota , Otones Alicia , Rujas Irene , Casla Marta
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The aim of this study is to analyze the changes in temporal synchrony between gesture and speech of multimodal communicative behaviors in the transition from babbling to two-word productions.

Method

Ten Spanish-speaking children were observed at 9, 12, 15, and 18 months of age in a semistructured play situation. We longitudinally analyzed the synchrony between gestures and vocal productions and between their prominent parts. We also explored the relationship between gestural–vocal synchrony and independent measures of language development.

Results

Results showed that multimodal communicative behaviors tend to be shorter with age, with an increasing overlap of its constituting elements. The same pattern is found when considering the synchrony between the prominent parts. The proportion of overlap between gestural and vocal elements at 15 months of age as well as the proportion of the stroke overlapped with vocalization appear to be related to lexical development 3 months later.

Conclusions

These results suggest that children produce gestures and vocalizations as coordinated elements of a single communication system before the transition to the two-word stage. This coordination is related to subsequent lexical development in this period.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.6912242
Second order sliding mode observer of linear induction motor
Authors: Zhang Lei , Obeid Hussein , Laghrouche Salah , Cirrincione Maurizio
Published: August 2018

This study proposes a second‐order sliding‐mode observer (SOSMO) of the linear induction motor to deal with the sensorless problem, considering the influence of the end effects. The proposed SOSMO required only the measured voltages and currents to provide flux, motor speed and speed‐depended parameter estimation simultaneously. The stability of the system and the error convergence of the flux and the speed have been proved. The performance of the proposed observer is verified by hardware‐in‐the‐loop test system. Furthermore, a comparative study with model reference adaptive system and Luenberger observer is presented.
A scenario‐based robust investment planning model for multi‐type distributed generation under uncertainties
Authors: Ehsan Ali , Yang Qiang , Cheng Ming
Published: August 2018

This paper presented a scenario‐based robust distributed generation investment planning (DGIP) model, which considered the uncertainties of wind turbine (WT) generation, photovoltaic (PV) generation and load demand. The robust economic model aims to maximize the net present value (NPV) from the distribution network operator's (DNO's) perspective. The uncertainties are described by an uncertainty matrix based on a heuristic moment matching (HMM) method that captures the stochastic features, i.e. expectation, standard deviation, skewness and kurtosis. The notable feature of the HMM method is that it diminishes the computational burden considerably by representing the uncertainties through a reduced number of representative scenarios. The uncertainty matrix is integrated with deterministic power flow equations to formulate a cost‐benefit analysis based robust DGIP model with the objective of maximizing the DNO's net present value. The effectiveness of the proposed DGIP model is firstly verified in a 53‐bus distribution test feeder, and then its scalability is further validated in a 138‐bus distribution network. The numerical results confirm that the proposed DGIP solution is more robust for all representative network scenarios against the deterministic solution.
Fast implementation of characteristic mode tracking
Authors: Li Weiwen , Zhu Jianbin , Xu Biao , Zeng Zhijie
Published: August 2018

Characteristic mode (CM) theory provides a physical and intuitive guidance for discussing electromagnetic radiating or scattering issues and is a useful tool for the antenna design. The effective mode sorting is the key to the CM analysis. However, due to the mode degeneration or mode swapping in the observed frequency range, the mode tracking must be performed to obtain the correct mode sorting. Current mode tracking algorithms are mainly based on the correlation of eigenvectors, but they are computationally expensive and time‐consuming. Here, the eigenvector number is limited by selecting the eigenvalues, to speed up the tracking realisation. At the same time, the factors affecting the correctness of the mode tracking are discussed, including the selected eigenvalue number and the mesh fineness. Some numerical examples are given to verify the reliability of the improved algorithm.
Internal UHF antenna for partial discharge detection in GIS
Authors: Bin Feng , Wang Feng , Sun Qiuqin , Lin Shu , Xie Yaoheng , Fan Min
Published: August 2018

A compact ultra‐high‐frequency (UHF) antenna is developed in this work. First, by means of shifting symmetrical octagonal monopole into asymmetrical one, the impedance matching performance of antenna at high frequencies is improved; then, by cutting the radiation patch and ground plane in part, the antenna is reduced by 37.9% in size while maintaining its bandwidth; finally, a Γ‐shaped slot on the ground plane is utilised to create an additional resonance, decreasing the low cutoff frequency without enlarging the antenna volume. The proposed antenna only occupies 124 mm × 77 mm × 1.6 mm and achieves 3:1 voltage standing wave ratio from 575 MHz to more than 4.5 GHz, along with simple structure, good radiation patterns, moderate peak gain, and strong pulse handling capability. Furthermore, the electrical dimension, ratio bandwidth, and bandwidth dimension ratio are compared with those of existing broadband antennas. The partial discharge (PD) experiments have been carried out for four typical insulation defect models in gas‐insulated switchgear (GIS), and the results demonstrate that it is more sensitive to PD signals arising from floating metal, free metal particle, and void in the epoxy resin as compared to the disc coupler.
Performance analysis of a new OCFHC/QCC vis‐a‐vis synchronous PC/OOC code using photon count approach
Authors: Yadav Ajay , Kar Subrat , Jain Virander Kumar
Published: August 2018

In this study, the performance of one‐coincidence frequency hopping code/quadratic congruence code (OCFHC/QCC) has been analysed and compared with an existing code. The error probabilities of an eight‐user optical code division multiple access (OCDMA) system are and for the synchronous prime code/optical orthogonal code (PC/OOC) and OCFHC/QCC, respectively, at the received power level −15 dBm and data rate 1 Gbps. The improvement in the performance is of the order of which becomes better if the received power level increases beyond −15 dBm. In addition, the effect of variation in code weight, code length and number of wavelengths of the OCFHC/QCC code on the performance of the OCDMA system is also studied. OCFHC/QCC has a simple design methodology, flexibility in choosing the number of wavelengths, large cardinality and superior performance than the synchronous PC/OOC. Furthermore, the performance of the OCFHC/QCC is also analysed in the atmospheric channel. Based on the analysis, it is concluded that this code should be preferred for local area network, multicode keying, and wireless optical communication.
Partial discharge localisation methodology for power transformers based on improved acoustic propagation route search algorithm
Authors: Wang Yan‐Bo , Fan Yu‐Hang , Qin Shao‐Rui , Chang Ding‐Ge , Shao Xian‐Jun , Mu Hai‐Bao , Zhang Guan‐Jun
Published: August 2018

The localisation of partial discharge (PD) sources using the acoustic emission (AE) technique hasattracted increasing research attention. The complicated propagation routes andwave‐type conversion in power transformer can induce considerable localisationerror. In this paper, the catadioptric phenomenon of AE wave propagation isexplained in detail. With the incident angle varying, the wave type of thedirect wave in tank wall could convert and the velocity will change accordingly.A transformer model is established in which each node refers to a suspected PDposition and a shortest route search algorithm is proposed to calculate theshortest path between two nodes in this model. However, the fastest route ismost significant to PD localisation rather than the shortest route when TDOAmethod is used. As a result, an improved propagation route search (IPRS)algorithm, which can recreate the propagation process and calculate the fastestAE routes, is proposed to localise the PD origin. To verify the feasibility ofthe IPRS algorithm, localisation experiments were performed in 35 and 110 kVtransformers, respectively. Compared with other present localisation methods,such as the Chan algorithm, the genetic algorithm and the imperial competitivealgorithm, the proposed algorithm can effectively reduce localisation error.
Feature extraction using frequency spectrum and time domain analysis of vibration signals to monitoring advanced ceramic in grinding process
Authors: Junior Pedro O.C. , Aguiar Paulo R. , Foschini Cesar R. , França Thiago V. , Ribeiro Danilo M.S. , Ferreira Fabio I. , Lopes Wenderson N. , Bianchi Eduardo C.
Published: August 2018

New alternatives for monitoring the ceramic grinding process have been studied. Monitoring vibration signals is one of the most successful methods because some characteristics that describe the behaviour and influence of the process on ground parts are only noticeable by studying such signals. This study aims to monitor the finishing of advanced ceramics during the surface grinding process via digital processing of the vibration signals. Experimental tests were performed using a surface tangential grinding machine with a diamond grinding wheel and alumina (Al2O3) test specimens. The vibration signal was measured by an accelerometer and recorded by an oscilloscope at a 2 MHz sampling rate. The tests were conducted at different depths of cut for two workpiece speeds (vw) under mild and severe machining conditions. Confocal microscopy and surface roughness Ra measurements were performed after grinding each workpiece to classify the samples. Digital signal processing was performed to achieve feature extraction. A frequency range of 800 Hz–2 kHz was most strongly related to the post‐grinding ceramic condition. A correlation was found between vibration and integrity of the ceramic workpiece because the vibration signal was proportional to the surface roughness for each cutting depth used. To support the conclusion presented, a statistical analysis through variance by analysis of variance was performed.
Effect of precipitated phase on dislocation activity under high‐frequency impacting and rolling
Authors: Zhang Huijing , Qiu Xiaoming , Xu Desheng , Liu Yu , Zhao Xiaohui
Published: August 2018

Al–Mg–Si alloy was treated through high‐frequency impacting and rolling. Microstructures of different deformation layers were observed by transmission electron microscopy. The interaction mechanism between precipitated phase and dislocations for different deformation layer was studied. A detailed schematic of coordinated deformation dislocation mechanism around precipitated phase was established. Results show that lots of coordinated deformation dislocations are formed around the precipitated phase which is far away from the treated surface. With the decrease of distance from the treated surface, dislocation motion is blocked and dislocation lines gradually intersect, which speed up the segmentation and refinement of grains.
Effective design technique for improvement of electrostatics behaviour of dopingless TFET: proposal, investigation and optimisation
Authors: Aslam Mohd. , Sharma Dheeraj , Soni Deepak , Yadav Shivendra , Raad Bhagwan Ram , Yadav Dharmendra Singh , Sharma Neeraj
Published: August 2018

Rapid tunnelling junction formation is a much crucial issue with conventional sub‐nanometre tunnel field‐effect transistor (TFET) to obtain improved electrostatics characteristics. This task becomes more problematic and complicated for dopingless TFET as a result of wide tunnelling barrier at channel/source junction. In this regard, a new approach has been employed by implanting the metal angle (MA) inside the dielectric layer near channel/source joint to obtain enhanced electrical behaviour of the proposed structure. Employment of MA of small work‐function increases electron density at channel/source interface to have improved electron tunnelling rate. Work‐function optimisation of MA on RF/DC parameters is analysed in device optimisation part of this work. Simultaneously length optimisation of MA is also presented in the device optimisation section to ease the complex fabrication steps. In addition to these, circuit level performance of proposed and conventional structures is also analysed in this study.
Fibered visible interferometry and adaptive optics: FRIEND at CHARA
Authors: Martinod M. A. , Mourard D. , Bério P. , Perraut K. , Meilland A. , Bailet C. , Bresson Y. , ten Brummelaar T. , Clausse J. M. , Dejonghe J. , Ireland M. , Millour F. , Monnier J. D. , Sturmann J. , Sturmann L. , Tallon M.
Published: August 2018

Aims. In the context of the future developments of long baseline interferometry at visible wavelengths, we have built a prototype instrument called Fibered spectrally Resolved Interferometer – New Design (FRIEND) based on single mode fibers and a new generation detector called Electron Multiplying Charge-Coupled Device (EMCCD). Installed on the Center for High Angular Resolution Astronomy (CHARA) array, it aims to estimate the performance of a fibered instrument in the visible when coupled with telescopes equipped with adaptive optics (AO) in partial correction.

Methods. We observed different sequences of targets and reference stars to study the compensation of the birefringence of the fibers, the coupling efficiency in various conditions of correction, and to calibrate our numerical model of signal-to-noise ratio (S/N). We also used a known binary star to demonstrate the reliability and the precision of our squared visibility and closure phase measurements.

Results. We firstly present a reliable and stable solution for compensating the birefringence of the fibers with an improvement of a factor of 1.5 of the instrumental visibility. We then demonstrate an improvement by a factor of between 2.5 and 3 of the coupling efficiency when using the LABAO systems in closed loop. The third results of our paper is the demonstration of the correct calibration of the parameters of our S/N estimator provided the correct excess noise factor of EMCCD is correctly taken into account. Finally with the measurements of the angular separation, difference of magnitude and individual diameters of the two components of ζ Ori A, we demonstrate the reliability and precision of our interferometric estimators, and in particular a median residual on the closure phase of 1.2°.
Detection of the Milky Way spiral arms in dust from 3D mapping
Authors: Rezaei Kh. Sara , Bailer-Jones Coryn A. L. , Hogg David W. , Schultheis Mathias
Published: August 2018

Large stellar surveys are sensitive to interstellar dust through the effects of reddening. Using extinctions measured from photometry and spectroscopy, together with three-dimensional (3D) positions of individual stars, it is possible to construct a three-dimensional dust map. We present the first continuous map of the dust distribution in the Galactic disk out to 7 kpc within 100 pc of the Galactic midplane, using red clump and giant stars from SDSS APOGEE DR14. We use a non-parametric method based on Gaussian Processes to map the dust density, which is the local property of the ISM rather than an integrated quantity. This method models the dust correlation between points in 3D space and can capture arbitrary variations, unconstrained by a pre-specified functional form. This produces a continuous map without line-of-sight artefacts. Our resulting map traces some features of the local Galactic spiral arms, even though the model contains no prior suggestion of spiral arms, nor any underlying model for the Galactic structure. This is the first time that such evident arm structures have been captured by a dust density map in the Milky Way. Our resulting map also traces some of the known giant molecular clouds in the Galaxy and puts some constraints on their distances, some of which were hitherto relatively uncertain.
Breaking degeneracies in modified gravity with higher (than 2nd) order weak-lensing statistics
Authors: Peel Austin , Pettorino Valeria , Giocoli Carlo , Starck Jean-Luc , Baldi Marco
Published: August 2018

General relativity (GR) has been well tested up to solar system scales, but it is much less certain that standard gravity remains an accurate description on the largest, that is cosmological, scales. Many extensions to GR have been studied that are not yet ruled out by the data, including by that of the recent direct gravitational wave detections. Degeneracies among the standard model (ΛCDM) and modified gravity (MG) models, as well as among different MG parameters, must be addressed in order to best exploit information from current and future surveys and to unveil the nature of dark energy. We propose various higher-order statistics in the weak-lensing signal as a new set of observables able to break degeneracies between massive neutrinos and MG parameters. We have tested our methodology on so-calledf(R) models, which constitute a class of viable models that can explain the accelerated universal expansion by a modification of the fundamental gravitational interaction. We have explored a range of these models that still fit current observations at the background and linear level, and we show using numerical simulations that certain models which include massive neutrinos are able to mimic ΛCDM in terms of the 3D power spectrum of matter density fluctuations. We find that depending on the redshift and angular scale of observation, non-Gaussian information accessed by higher-order weak-lensing statistics can be used to break the degeneracy betweenf(R) models and ΛCDM. In particular, peak counts computed in aperture mass maps outperform third- and fourth-order moments.
The LOFAR Two-metre Sky Survey
Authors: Duncan K. J. , Sabater J. , Röttgering H. J. A. , Jarvis M. J. , Smith D. J. B. , Best P. N. , Callingham J. R. , Cochrane R. , Croston J. H. , Hardcastle M. J. , Mingo B. , Morabito L. , Nisbet D. , Prandoni I. , Shimwell T. W. , Tasse C. , White G. J. , Williams W. L. , Alegre L. , Chyży K. T. , Gürkan G. , Hoeft M. , Kondapally R. , Mechev A. P. , Miley G. K. , Schwarz D. J. , van Weeren R. J.
Published: August 2018

The LOFAR Two-metre Sky Survey (LoTSS) is a sensitive, high-resolution 120–168 MHz survey of the Northern sky. The LoTSS First Data Release (DR1) presents 424 square degrees of radio continuum observations over the HETDEX Spring Field (10h45m00s < right ascension <  15h30m00s and 45°00′00″ < declination < 57°00′00″) with a median sensitivity of 71 μJy beam−1 and a resolution of 6″. In this paper we present photometric redshifts (photo-z) for 94.4% of optical sources over this region that are detected in the Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System (Pan-STARRS) 3π steradian survey. Combining the Pan-STARRS optical data with mid-infrared photometry from the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, we estimate photo-zs using a novel hybrid photometric redshift methodology optimised to produce the best possible performance for the diverse sample of radio continuum selected sources. For the radio-continuum detected population, we find an overall scatter in the photo-z of 3.9% and an outlier fraction (|zphot−zspec|/(1 + zspec) > 0.15) of 7.9%. We also find that, at a given redshift, there is no strong trend in photo-z quality as a function of radio luminosity. However there are strong trends as a function of redshift for a given radio luminosity, a result of selection effects in the spectroscopic sample and/or intrinsic evolution within the radio source population. Additionally, for the sample of sources in the LoTSS First Data Release with optical counterparts, we present rest-frame optical and mid-infrared magnitudes based on template fits to the consensus photometric (or spectroscopic when available) redshift.
Setting and infrastructure at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Authors: Uzochukwu Godfrey A.
Published: August 2018

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (N.C. A&T) is an important intellectual and cultural center, and it contributes significantly to improving the quality of life globally. Campus setting and infrastructure provide basic information of the university’s consideration towards green environment. Type of higher education institution, climate, campus site, campus setting, campus area, campus ground floor of buildings, campus buildings area, parking area, campus smart buildings, ground cover, drainage systems for reducing soil erosion and runoff, number of students including online students, number of academic faculty and staff and university budget for sustainability have made N.C. A&T attractive and the university of choice globally for 11,177 students in 2017. The University has one campus site and one university research and training site. Academic buildings occupy about 39% of main campus area. Buildings account for 40% of the energy and 72% of the electricity used in the United States. Buildings also account for 16% of United States water consumption, 40% of all material flows and produce up to 40% of waste in landfills depending on the region. N. C. A&T is committed to providing more spaces for greenery and safeguarding the environment, as well as developing of sustainable energy solutions.
Making an urban university ‘green’: uniting administration and students towards synergy.
Authors: Fedorov Aleksandr , Zakablukovskiy Evgeny , Galushkina Anna
Published: August 2018

The authors study a case of increasing the environmental sustainability of Minin University. Specific obstacles found on the path of the ‘green’ development of urban universities is analyzed. Objective reasons for difficulties include the geographical position of the university, absence of traditional campus system, buildings’ age and condition, limited availability of financial resources and legal grounds for restructuring of buildings; centralized sewerage, heating and water supply as well as waste disposal; plus, the relatively low level of environmental culture of the population. Even when an urban university ‘inherits’ these issues from the city itself, the authors see a real opportunity to improve the environmental sustainability of the university by implementing a system that includes environmental projects by the university administration blended with student initiatives. The university administration prepares the application for the ‘green’ rating, administers a contest of student projects and the allocation of resources for those, as well as the renovation and restructuring of university premises. Students are responsible for planning relevant student associations’ agenda, generating ideas, participating in project workgroups, planning and driving environmental events. The authors conclude that it is possible to obtain a synergetic effect of the upstream development of the environmental sustainability of the university.
Industrial revolution 4.0: Universiti Malaysia Sabah perspective
Authors: Mudin D Kamarudin D , How Siew Eng , Rahman Md Mizanur , Ibrahim Pungut , Jopony Marcus
Published: August 2018

Industrial Revolution 4.0 or IR 4.0 is getting the attention of Higher Learning Institutions throughout the world. In the case of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), “transformation towards University/Industry 4.0” has been identified as one of the nine key result areas (KRAs) in the Strategic Plan 2018-2020. The transformation framework focusses on three areas namely Teaching and Learning 4.0, Smart Eco-UMS 4.0 and Research 4.0. Various initiatives have been planned for each area, some of which are currently being implemented. Previously, under the Strategic Plan 2013-2017, UMS gave great attention on developing and promoting UMS as an eco-campus in line with UMS aspiration to be the reference of eco-campus or green campus in the region. This will be further enhanced under Smart Eco-UMS 4.0 in line with the United Nation sustainable development goals. One of the related initiatives is Smart Energy. Through the initiatives under the UMS Ecocampus Plan 2013-2017, a total reduction of 44.50 % in energy consumption was recorded between 2014-2017 compared to 2013 and with 29 % reduction in carbon footprint from 2014-2017. The commitment towards an ecocampus has significant impacts on lowering energy usage and reducing carbon footprint. We believe that the smart energy initiative will further contribute to another level of energy saving and carbon footprint reduction towards reducing the impacts of climate change.
Current practices of waste management at Universitas Diponegoro campus, Indonesia
Authors: Utama Yos Johan , Ambariyanto A , Syafrudin  , Samudro Ganjar
Published: August 2018

The existence of waste is one of the problems faced by the community, including in the college of higher education. Waste is produced not only from personal consumption, but also from other activities including office operations and research activities in laboratories and other personal activities. This condition is also related to increasing the existing activities on the campus of Universitas Diponegoro UNDIP, resulting in increasing waste. Related to this UNDIP gives serious attention to develop integrated waste management system. It is also related to the desire of UNDIP to be a sustainable university, where the principles of greenmetrics are always applied in the management of the environment. This article provides an overview of the curent practices of waste management at UNDIP’s campus.
Toward integrated and sustainable waste management system in University of Malaya: UM zero waste campaign
Authors: Yusoff Sumiani
Published: August 2018

With the escalated increase in municipal solid waste (MSW) generation in Malaysia reaching a shocking 38,000 ton/day in 2017, a sustainable waste management system is much desired. Nationwide, there are 176 landfills but only 8 are sanitary landfill with the rest are open dumpsites. In the campus of University of Malaya, UM Zero Waste Campaign (UM ZWC) was introduced in 2011 to start a long-term campaign to achieve an integrated and sustainable waste management model and ultimately a zero-waste campus. Since year 2015, UM ZWC is fully funded by Sustainability Science Research Cluster of UM (Susci) as one of the living labs of UM as well as by JPPHB under the RMK-11 budget. UM ZWC operating projects including in house composting center, food waste segregation scheme, research composting emission and waste characterization, anaerobic digestion (AD), used clothes collection program, wood waste separate collection, e-waste collection and drop-off recycling collection were initiated under the campaign. Since the inception of the project in 2011 until December 2017, almost over 620 tons of solid waste has been diverted from disposal in landfill with composting, AD, recycling, re-use and energy recovery. A roadmap of UM ZWC was drawn up in 2013, with a goal to achieve 60% landfill diversion by year 2040. In the next 5-10 years, UM ZWC plays a vital role to formalize the recycling collection in UM and further increase the organic waste recycling with green waste shredding and composting. Besides environmental benefits (pollution prevention and carbon emission reduction), UM ZWC brings various benefits such as academic research opportunities for UM, contribute in UM LCCF (Low carbon city framework) target and serve as platform to improve students soft skills and entrepreneur skill. Multi stakeholders participation, support form top management and industrial collaboration are the key factors that are able to drive the development of a sustainable waste management model in UM campus.
Bringing sustainability to the heart of a university through teaching, research and service
Authors: Gençtürk Esra , Mengüç M. Pinar
Published: August 2018

In this short paper, we summarize our targeted efforts at Ozyegin University in Istanbul, Turkey for establishing a sustainable research, teaching and learning environment. The University is striving to have highest level impact on sustainable education, energy, architecture, built environment, business and life-long learning practices. The strategic plan of the University puts the principles of sustainability at the cornerstone of its efforts, with the aim to aspire not only our students and staff, but also the community at large.
Influence of B2O3on viscosity and structure of low MgO slag containing titanium
Authors: Fan Xiaoyue , Zhang Jianliang , Jiao Kexin , Xu Renze , Wang Kaidi
Published: August 2018

The viscous behavior of CaO–SiO2–15.2 wt% Al2O3–4.8 wt% MgO–TiO2–B2O3slags is studied. The effect of the TiO2and B2O3on the viscosity and apparent activation energy, as well as the effect of B2O3on structure is investigated through Raman spectroscopy. The viscosity and apparent activation energy of CaO–SiO2–15.2 wt% Al2O3–4.8 wt% MgO–TiO2are decreased with increased TiO2content, which can be explained by the network modifier role that TiO2acts in slags. The addition of B2O3can reduce the viscosity of CaO–SiO2–15.2 wt% Al2O3–4.8 wt% MgO–TiO2–B2O3slags, and it brings about a turning point on apparent activation energy curves. Raman spectroscopy shows that B2O3acts as acidic oxide and increases the degree of polymerization of slags. However, with the addition of B2O3, the appearance of two dimensional [BO3] structure units and the low strength energy of B–O bonds can reduce the viscous resistance in molten slags and decrease the viscosity.
Efficacy of Interceptor® G2, a new long-lasting insecticidal net against wild pyrethroid-resistant Anopheles gambiae s.s. from Côte d’Ivoire: a semi-field trial
Authors: Camara Soromane , Ahoua Alou Ludovic Phamien , Koffi Alphonsine Amanan , Clegban Yao Cyntia Muriel , Kabran Jean-Paul , Koffi Fernand Mathieu , Koffi Kouakou , Pennetier Cédric
Published: August 2018

Background: The widespread insecticide resistance in malaria vector populations is a serious threat to the efficacy of vector control tools. As a result, the World Health Organization (WHO) supports the development of alternative tools that combine several insecticides with the aim of improving vector control and the management of insecticide resistance. In the present study, a long-lasting insecticidal net treated with a mixture of chlorfenapyr and alphacypermethrin was evaluated against wild pyrethroid-resistant Anopheles gambiae s.s in M’bé, Côte d’Ivoire. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) bottle tests were carried out with resistant An. gambiae s.s. of M’bé and the susceptible strain, to assess the resistance level to chlorfenapyr and alphacypermethrin. Results: CDC bottle bioassays revealed a high level of resistance of An. gambiae s.s. population from M’bé to alphacypermethrin, whereas they revealed low resistance to chlorfenapyr. In experimental huts, Interceptor® G2 that was unwashed or washed 20 times killed 87% and 82% of An. gambiae s.s., respectively, whereas Interceptor® LN that was either unwashed or washed 20 times killed only about 10% of the mosquitoes. The blood-feeding inhibition induced by Interceptor® was not significantly different compared to untreated nets, whereas Interceptor® G2 that was unwashed or washed 20 times induced 42% and 34% inhibition of blood-feeding, respectively. Conclusion: Interceptor® G2 met the WHOPES criteria to undergo a phase III study. Investigation of its efficacy at a community level and the conduct of randomized controlled trials dealing with epidemiological outputs are warranted in order to study the potential of Interceptor® G2 to better protect communities.