Study of Magnetic Properties of Fe-Doped CuO: Monte Carlo Simulations

Using Monte Carlo simulations, we are studying the magnetic properties of Fe-doped CuO thin films. The total magnetizations and the susceptibilities are studied as a function of the effect doping, external magnetic field, and exchange coupling. The critical temperature is discussed as a function of the effect of iron concentration. On the other hand, we investigate the effect of increasing temperatures on the coercive field for a constant value of exchange coupling and a fixed concentration. The coercive magnetic field is found to decrease with increasing temperature values until reaching its null value. The effect of increasing the exchange coupling amount on the saturation magnetic field H _s is illustrated. A linear growth of the saturation magnetic field is found as a function of the exchange coupling interaction. To complete this study, we presented and discussed the magnetic hysteresis cycle loops.     

A short note on the effect of sample size on the estimation error in Cp

Process capability indices such as C_p are used extensively in manufacturing industries to assess processes in order to decide about purchasing. In practice, the parameter for calculating C_p is rarely known and is frequently replaced with estimates from an in-control reference sample. This article explores the optimal sample size required to achieve a desired error of estimation using absolute percentage error of different C_p estimates. Moreover, some practical tools are created to allow practitioners to find sample size in different situations.     

The bipartite edge frustration of graphs under subdivided edges and their related sums

The bipartite edge frustration of a graph G, denoted by φ(G), is the smallest number of edges that have to be deleted from G to obtain a bipartite spanning subgraph of G. This topological index is related to the well-known Max-cut problem, and has important applications in computing stability of fullerenes. In this paper, the bipartite edge frustration of an infinite family of fullerenes is computed. Moreover, this quantity for four classes of graphs arising from a given graph under different types of edge subdivisions is investigated.     

Development of broadband forward‐wave directional couplers loaded by periodic patterned ground structure

In this paper two wideband Forward‐Wave Directional Couplers (FWDCs) with 0 dB and 3 dB coupling level are proposed. Using periodic patterned ground structure in a microstrip coupled lines by a new unit cell; even‐ and odd‐mode characteristic impedances of the couplers are equal over a wide frequency range. Moreover, it provides a constant phase difference between even and odd‐modes. The proposed cell is modeled using the equivalent circuit model and a design procedure is introduced for designing FWDCs for an arbitrary value of coupling level. The introduced couplers are numerically investigated and a prototype of both couplers is made. It is shown that for 0 dB coupling level, the measured coupling is 0.85 dB with 1 dB flatness over fractional bandwidth of 96% bandwidth. In case of 3 dB coupling, the measured coupling level is 3.5 dB at 7.42 GHz with 1 dB flatness over fractional bandwidth of 67.1%.     

An intelligent decision support system for forecasting and optimization of complex personnel attributes in a large bank

Developing decision support system (DSS) can overcome the issues with personnel attributes and specifications. Personnel specifications have greatest impact on total efficiency. They can enhance total efficiency of critical personnel attributes. This study presents an intelligent integrated decision support system (DSS) for forecasting and optimization of complex personnel efficiency. DSS assesses the impact of personnel efficiency by data envelopment analysis (DEA), artificial neural network (ANN), rough set theory (RST), and K-Means clustering algorithm. DEA has two roles in this study. It provides data to ANN and finally it selects the best reduct through ANN results. Reduct is described as a minimum subset of features, completely discriminating all objects in a data set. The reduct selection is achieved by RST. ANN has two roles in the integrated algorithm. ANN results are basis for selecting the best reduct and it is used for forecasting total efficiency. Finally, K-Means algorithm is used to develop the DSS. A procedure is proposed to develop the DSS with stated tools and completed rule base. The DSS could help managers to forecast and optimize efficiencies by selected attributes and grouping inferred efficiency. Also, it is an ideal tool for careful forecasting and planning. The proposed DSS is applied to an actual banking system and its superiorities and advantages are discussed.     

The Effect of Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy to the Head and Neck Region on the Oral Innate Immune Response and Oral Microbiome: A Prospective Cohort Study of Head and Neck Tumour Patients

Neutrophils, also known as polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), form a significant component of the innate host response, and the consequence of the interaction between the oral microbiota and PMNs is a crucial determinant of oral health status. The impact of radiation therapy (RT) for head and neck tumour (HNT) treatment on the oral innate immune system, neutrophils in particular, and the oral microbiome has not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize RT-mediated changes in oral neutrophils (oPMNs) and the oral microbiome in patients undergoing RT to treat HNTs. Oral rinse samples were collected prior to, during and post-RT from HNT patients receiving RT at Dental Oncology at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. The oPMNs counts and activation states were analysed using flow cytometry, and the oral microbiome was analysed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Statistically significant (p < 0.05) drops in oPMN counts and the activation states of the CD11b, CD16, CD18, CD64 and H3Cit markers from pre-RT to post-RT were observed. Moreover, exposure to RT caused a significant reduction in the relative abundance of commensal Gram-negative bacteria and increased the commensal Gram-positive microbes. Ionizing radiation for the treatment of HNTs simultaneously decreased the recruitment of oPMNs into the oral cavity and suppressed their activation state. The oral microbiome composition post-RT was altered significantly due to RT which may favour the colonization of specific microbial communities unfavourable for the long-term development of a balanced oral microbiome.     

Determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Olive and Refined Pomace Olive Oils with Modified Low Temperature and Ultrasound-Assisted Liquid–Liquid Extraction Method Followed by the HPLC/FLD

The cleanup method of modified low temperature was compared with the standardized method of modified ultrasound-assisted liquid–liquid (UALL) extraction for the analysis of 15 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in olive oil and refined pomace olive oil. The modified UALL extraction consisted in purification on C₁₈ reversed-phase, Florisil-bonded-phase and NH₂ cartridges, and modified low-temperature extraction was followed by alumina-N and NH₂ solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridges. Both methods are followed by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. The chromatograms of the final extracts showed lower interferences in both of the methods. The solvent consumption and cost for the modified UALL method were higher than those of the modified low temperature, and also, it needed more equipment, but its analysis time was less. The limit of detection and limit of quantitation of the modified UALL method were 0.16–0.97 and 0.57–2.93 μg kg^?1, respectively, and for the modified low temperature, they were 0.09–1.97 and 0.29–5.99 μg kg^?1, respectively. The PAH recoveries for the modified UALL extraction method ranged from 75.0 to 111.0 % (RSD?=?3–8 %), and for the modified low temperature, they ranged from 81.5 to 113.8 % (RSD?=?3–10 %).     

Assessment of in vitro antioxidant, antibacterial and immune activation potentials of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Phyllanthus niruri

BACKGROUND: Recently much attention has been paid to biologically active plants because of their low production cost and fewer adverse effects compared with chemical drugs. In the present investigation the bioactivity of Phyllanthus niruri ethanol and aqueous extracts was evaluated in vitro. RESULTS: The ethanol extract of P. niruri showed a high level of flavonoid content (123.9 ± 0.002 mg g^?1), while the aqueous extract showed the highest 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH; IC₅₀6.85 ± 1.80 µmol L^?1) and 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (ABTS; 46.44 ± 0.53 µmol L^?1) free radical scavenging activities with high phenol content (376 ± 0.02 mg g^?1) and elevated levels of ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP; 23 883 ± 0.019 mmol g^?1) with excellent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (20 mm inhibition zone) and Streptococcus agalactiae (12 mm inhibition zone), respectively, in addition to the best immune activation potential of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (450.5%). CONCLUSIONS: It is clear from our results that both extracts of P. niruri has excellent bioactivity roles via elevated levels of antibacterial, antioxidant and percentage of peripheral blood mononuclear cell proliferation, which could lead to the development of medications for clinical use. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Comparing the Effects of Microwave and Conventional Heating Methods on the Evaporation Rate and Quality Attributes of Pomegranate (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Punica granatum</Emphasis> L.) Juice Concentrate

Pomegranate juice was concentrated by conventional heating and microwave heating at different operational pressures (12, 38.5, and 100 kPa), and their effects on evaporation rate and quality attributes of concentrated juice were investigated. The final juice concentration of 40° Brix was achieved in 140, 127, and 109 min at 100, 38.5, and 12 kPa, respectively, by using conventional heating. Applying microwave energy decreased required times to 118, 95, and 75 min. The changes in color, anthocyanin content, and antioxidant capacity during concentration processes were investigated. L*, a*, and b* parameters were measured to estimate the intensity of color loss. All Hunter color parameters decreased with time. Results showed that the degradation of color, anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity were more important in conventional heating compared to microwave heating method. Degradation rates increases by increasing process pressure. A first-order kinetics model was applied to modeling changes in total solid content, anthocyanin content, and antioxidant capacity.