Spray pyrolytically grown NiAlOx cermets for solar thermal selective absorbers: spectral properties and thermal stability

After deposition of NiAlOx thin films on stainless-steel substrates by the spray pyrolysis technique, various properties of the films were investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV–visible reflectance spectrophotometry, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Optical quantities were determined using reflectance spectra in the relevant spectrum region. At first the optimal substrate temperature was selected and then different nickel to aluminium ratios were examined to find the efficient solar absorber. The SEM revealed changes in morphology due to different molar ratios. The XRD of the selected sample showed a mixture of nickel and nickel oxide phases with the strong presence of substrate peaks and without the presence of alumina phase while in the EDX test the peaks corresponding to O, Al and Ni appeared. Long-term thermal stability study was performed by means of performance criterion concept.     

Cu<Superscript>2+</Superscript> and Al<Superscript>3+</Superscript> co-substituted cobalt ferrite: structural analysis,morphology and magnetic properties

Cu–Al substituted Co ferrite nanopowders, Co_1?x Cu _x Fe_2?x Al _x O₄ (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.8) were synthesized by the co-precipitation method. The effect of Cu–Al substitution on the structural and magnetic properties have been investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) are used for studying the effect of variation in the Cu–Al substitution and its impact on particle size, magnetic properties such as M _s and H _c . Cu–Al substitution occurs and produce a secondary phase, α-Fe ₂ O ₃. The crystallite size of the powder calcined at 800 ^°C was in the range of 19–26 nm. The lattice parameter decreases with increasing Cu–Al content. The nanostructural features were examined by FESEM images. Infrared absorption (IR) spectra shows two vibrational bands; at around 600 (v ₁) and 400 cm ^?1 (v ₂). They are attributed to the tetrahedral and octahedral group complexes of the spinel lattice, respectively. It was found that the physical and magnetic properties have changed with Cu–Al contents. The saturation magnetization decreases with the increase in Cu–Al substitution. The reduction of coercive force, saturation magnetization and magnetic moments are may be due to dilution of the magnetic interaction.     

Understanding the effect of <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-type and <Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-type doping in the channel of graphene nanoribbon transistor

In this paper, device performance of graphene nanoribbon field effect transistor (GNRFET) with different doping concentrations in different parts of the channel is reported. The study is performed by using atomistic simulations based on self-consistent solution of Schrodinger’s and Poisson’s equation within the non-equilibrium Green’s function formalism. The transfer and output characteristics suggest that device performance with n-type doping in the channel is better with smaller supply voltage compared to higher supply voltage. On increasing the n-type doping concentration, we obtained better on-current and output characteristics in comparison with undoped and p-type doped channel GNRFET. Further, we introduced step-doping profile in the graphene nanoribbon (GNR) channel and found that the device gives better on-current and good saturation condition when compared to undoped or uniformly-doped channel.     

Ideal shear strength and deformation behaviours of L1<Subscript>0</Subscript> TiAl from first-principles calculations

The stress–strain relationships for four different shear processes of L1 ₀ TiAl have been investigated from first-principles calculations, and the peak shear stresses in these slip systems were obtained. By analysing the structural unit cell, bond length and charge density, the deformation modes under shear were elaborately discussed. Both of the peak shear stresses and the charge density indicate that the ideal shear strength of L1 ₀ TiAl occurs in the \(\boldsymbol {\langle \! 11\bar {2} ]\{111\}}\) direction. It is shown that some bonds are enormously stretched accompanying with depletion of charge density as the strain increase. The density of states was studied in detail. It is indicated that strong hybridization exists between Ti 3 d and Al 2 p, and the structural stability would be lowered with increase of the strain.     

Identifying factors causing cost overrun of the construction projects in India

Delay and cost overrun are common phenomena in projects worldwide. However, these are especially severe in developing countries. In India as per MOSPI report, 235 projects out of 410 were severely affected cost overrun due to certain factors. A short questionnaire was conducted with 15 prominent factors responsible for cost overrun and forwarded to 190 constructional professionals across India. Total 85 responses were received and it was analyzed using various statistical tools such as analysis of variance (ANOVA) and factor analysis tool using SPSS. In this study, top three factors affecting cost overruns were identified such as price escalation of raw material, delay in planned activity and lack of co-ordination between construction parties which could be significantly responsible for cost overnun of construction project in India. Factor analysis method was also carried out to group the factors into three components of overall questionnaire. These components, such as client control component, project management component, and contractor control component, would be useful to the various parties involved in the construction activities. This paper also provides suggestive frameworks which have been framed after discussing with large number of construction professionals or expert.     

The SCD – Stem Cell Differentiation ESA Project: Preparatory Work for the Spaceflight Mission

Due to spaceflight, astronauts experience serious, weightlessness-induced bone loss because of an unbalanced process of bone remodeling that involves bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), as well as osteoblasts, osteocytes, and osteoclasts. The effects of microgravity on osteo-cells have been extensively studied, but it is only recently that consideration has been given to the role of BMSCs. Previous researches indicated that human BMSCs cultured in simulated microgravity (sim-μg) alter their proliferation and differentiation. The spaceflight opportunities for biomedical experiments are rare and suffer from a number of operative constraints that could bias the validity of the experiment itself, but remain a unique opportunity to confirm and explain the effects due to microgravity, that are only partially activated/detectable in simulated conditions. For this reason, we carefully prepared the SCD – STEM CELLS DIFFERENTIATION experiment, selected by the European Space Agency (ESA) and now on the International Space Station (ISS). Here we present the preparatory studies performed on ground to adapt the project to the spaceflight constraints in terms of culture conditions, fixation and storage of human BMSCs in space aiming at satisfying the biological requirements mandatory to retrieve suitable samples for post-flight analyses. We expect to understand better the molecular mechanisms governing human BMSC growth and differentiation hoping to outline new countermeasures against astronaut bone loss.     

Dynamics of Plug Formation in a Circular Cylinder Under Low Bond Number Conditions: Experiment and Simulation

The goal of the current study is to investigate the dynamics of two phase interface under a low Bond number condition. Silicone oil is injected into a cylinder under a Bond number of about 0.47 via a side tube forming a T-junction with the former. The time evolution of the interface of silicon oil in a cylinder is captured using a high speed camera. The volume at which the plug is formed is then determined using an image processing tool to analyze the captured images. A numerical simulation is carried out where fluid is injected into a cylinder, under a less than unity Bond number condition, via a side tube. Numerical and experimental results are then compared.     

Effects of temperature and dispersants on the phases and morphology of Ag–Cu nanoparticles

Ultrafine Ag–Cu nanoparticles (NPs) have been synthesized by a rapid one-step reduction within only 10 min. Effects of temperature and dispersants on the phases and morphology of Ag–Cu NPs were investigated. Results showed that citric acid exhibited an advantageous nature to avoid the formation of Cu₂O and form uniform morphology over PVP. The average particle size of the Ag–Cu NPs synthesized simply in ice-cubes bath could be controlled in 8.6 nm about a quarter of that synthesized at room temperature. The synthesized Ag–Cu NPs presented alloy states near the eutectic composition of 72:28. Due to the lower Ostwald ripening rate and citric acid protection, smaller Ag–Cu NPs were achieved in ice-cube bath. Results also showed that the ultrafine Ag–Cu NPs could be expected to sinter at about 330 °C which was much lower than the eutectic temperature (779 °C) of bulk Ag–Cu alloy. The ultrafine Ag–Cu NPs could be applied as potential die attach materials for SiC power devices.     

Elastic and viscoelastic mechanical properties of brain tissues on the implanting trajectory of sub-thalamic nucleus stimulation

Corresponding to pre-puncture and post-puncture insertion, elastic and viscoelastic mechanical properties of brain tissues on the implanting trajectory of sub-thalamic nucleus stimulation are investigated, respectively. Elastic mechanical properties in pre-puncture are investigated through pre-puncture needle insertion experiments using whole porcine brains. A linear polynomial and a second order polynomial are fitted to the average insertion force in pre-puncture. The Young’s modulus in pre-puncture is calculated from the slope of the two fittings. Viscoelastic mechanical properties of brain tissues in post-puncture insertion are investigated through indentation stress relaxation tests for six interested regions along a planned trajectory. A linear viscoelastic model with a Prony series approximation is fitted to the average load trace of each region using Boltzmann hereditary integral. Shear relaxation moduli of each region are calculated using the parameters of the Prony series approximation. The results show that, in pre-puncture insertion, needle force almost increases linearly with needle displacement. Both fitting lines can perfectly fit the average insertion force. The Young’s moduli calculated from the slope of the two fittings are worthy of trust to model linearly or nonlinearly instantaneous elastic responses of brain tissues, respectively. In post-puncture insertion, both region and time significantly affect the viscoelastic behaviors. Six tested regions can be classified into three categories in stiffness. Shear relaxation moduli decay dramatically in short time scales but equilibrium is never truly achieved. The regional and temporal viscoelastic mechanical properties in post-puncture insertion are valuable for guiding probe insertion into each region on the implanting trajectory.     

Surface characterization and biological properties of regular dentin,demineralized dentin,and deproteinized dentin

Bone autografts are often used for reconstruction of bone defects; however, due to the limitations of autografts, researchers have been in search of bone substitutes. Dentin is of particular interest for this purpose due to high similarity to bone. This in vitro study sought to assess the surface characteristics and biological properties of dentin samples prepared with different treatments. This study was conducted on regular (RD), demineralized (DemD), and deproteinized (DepD) dentin samples. X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used for surface characterization. Samples were immersed in simulated body fluid, and their bioactivity was evaluated under a scanning electron microscope. The methyl thiazol tetrazolium assay, scanning electron microscope analysis and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were performed, respectively to assess viability/proliferation, adhesion/morphology and osteoblast differentiation of cultured human dental pulp stem cells on dentin powders. Of the three dentin samples, DepD showed the highest and RD showed the lowest rate of formation and deposition of hydroxyapatite crystals. Although, the difference in superficial apatite was not significant among samples, functional groups on the surface, however, were more distinct on DepD. At four weeks, hydroxyapatite deposits were noted as needle-shaped accumulations on DemD sample and numerous hexagonal HA deposit masses were seen, covering the surface of DepD. The methyl thiazol tetrazolium, scanning electron microscope, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses during the 10-day cell culture on dentin powders showed the highest cell adhesion and viability and rapid differentiation in DepD. Based on the parameters evaluated in this in vitro study, DepD showed high rate of formation/deposition of hydroxyapatite crystals and adhesion/viability/osteogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells, which may support its osteoinductive/osteoconductive potential for bone regeneration.