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Corrosion resistance has become an important factor to consider in integrated computational materials engineering, yet generating science-based indicators of corrosion resistance for hypothetical materials remains challenging. We explore the quantitative relations between work function and corrosion potential, taking a theoretical approach that considers the relation between these thermodynamic and kinetically-determined variables. The work function is a fundamental thermodynamic property of a metallic surface in isolation, whereas the corrosion potential is kinetically determined as the potential at which the rates of anodic and cathodic processes active on the metal surface are equal. The latter quantity is therefore time dependent, as well as dependent on the material, surface preparation, ageing/history and the environment. Reasoning from Mixed Potential Theory, we develop a rationale for the correlation between the corrosion potential and the electronic work function. Two distinct Born-Haber cycles for the anodic dissolution reaction are analyzed to allow calculation of a related quantity, the ionic work function, which embodies the energy of desorption for metal cations from an electrode. The ionic work function is not only highly correlated with, but of similar magnitude to the cation hydration energy. The theoretical analysis provided herein establishes the significance of not only the electronic work function, but also the ionic work function, cation hydration energy, cohesive energy and the ionization potential as co-descriptors for the corrosion resistance of candidate corrosion resistant metal alloys, with the role of the environment to be considered in future work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development and pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) are closely related to the redox imbalance caused by the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) in the inflammatory microenvironment. Herein, we developed Pd/CoPcS-Ti 3 C 2 Tx nanozymes combining cobalt sulfonated phthalocyanine (CoPcS) and titanium carbide (Ti 3 C 2 Tx) nanosheets by noncovalent π-π conjugation for loading of ultrafine Pd nanoclusters, as the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) mimics for OA therapy. The electron donor CoPcS-Ti 3 C 2 Tx facilitated electron transfer to Pd, effectively modulating the d-band center of Pd close to the Fermi energy level, which enhanced the adsorption energy of free radicals and decreased reaction energy barriers. As expected, Pd/CoPcS-Ti 3 C 2 Tx nanozymes had a lower electron escape work function than Ti 3 C 2 Tx, with improved photothermal conversion efficiency (49.1%) and enzyme catalytic activity. Experiments in vitro demonstrated that the SOD/CAT-mimicking Pd/CoPcS-Ti 3 C 2 Tx antioxidant system effectively eliminated ROS and RNS, inhibited inflammatory factors, restored mitochondrial function, and prevented energy deficiency, leading to a reduction in chondrocyte apoptosis. Particularly, near-infrared (NIR) radiation further enhanced the effects. In vivo studies proved the potent preventative effect of Pd/CoPcS-Ti 3 C 2 Tx on OA progression as well as its biosafety. This study is expected to provide a promising strategy for designing highly active nanozymes for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. • Developed CoPcS-Ti 3 C 2 Tx with Pd to mimic SOD/CAT, scavenge ROS/RNS, and incorporate NIR to delay OA progression. • CoPcS-Ti 3 C 2 Tx shifted Pd D-band closer to Fermi level, enhancing radical adsorption and lowering energy barrier. • Pd/CoPcS-Ti 3 C 2 Tx had lower work function, improving photothermal conversion and enzyme activity. • Pd/CoPcS-Ti 3 C 2 Tx inhibited inflammation, prevented energy deficiency, regulated Ca2+ uptake, reducing chondrocyte apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the entry into force of the new version of the Law of Commercial Arbitration, various amendments have emerged which have advantages and may have disadvantages, one of the main changes - the expanded list of measures of protection. Arbitration is a peaceful way of resolution of disputes, but the Institute for Interim Measures needs to be used in order for the arbitral award to be made. This article discusses specifics of application of interim measures in arbitration. The application of interim measures by the arbitral tribunal may have adverse consequences for the defendant. Therefore, this article will also discuss the possible damages resulting from the application of interim measures in arbitration, indemnity and compensation institute. An analysis of the case law provides conclusions as to whether an intermediate search and a balance of interests are maintained. The findings will also be made or the arbitral tribunal will grant the interim measures without the determination of the state court. In order to discuss in detail the peculiarities of the application of interim measures in arbitration, not only the legal acts and case law of the Republic of Lithuania are reviewed, but also the case law of foreign courts on this issue is analyzed. Problems arising from application of interim measures in national and foreign arbitration courts were also discussed. The analysis of the scientific literature provided preconditions for the formulation of questions, the answers to which would provide a deeper analysis of the scientific problem of this article. According to the results of scientific literature analysis, the general interview questions were formulated in order to get the in-depth insights of the experts about peculiarities of application of interim measures in arbitration. The 5 experts Arbitration specialists perform work functions in the arbitral tribunal were selected and interviewed using the interview method. According to the survey, four out of five respondents consider that it is not necessary for the legislature, in order to address the issue that the arbitral tribunal does not have the possibility to apply coercive procedural measures in the absence of an interim injunction, to allow the claimant to apply for excessive coercive measures. in an arbitration case, in parallel to bring a civil action before a court of general jurisdiction, requesting the use of coercive procedural measures [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An innovative multiplexer (MUX) architecture is designed based on side-contacted field-effect diode (S-FED). • Performance parameters of the S-FED-based MUX are analyzed and compared with the CMOS-based one. • S-FED-based MUX inverter and transmission gate reveal superior noise-immunity. • Average power consumption is lower in the S-FED-based MUX in spite of its smaller size. • Propagation delay increment emerges at far lower supply power in the S-FED-based MUX. Designing a high-quality switch block ensures the efficient data transmission in digital circuits and systems. In this paper, an innovative 2:1 multiplexer is successfully designed based on the previously proposed side-contacted field-effect diodes (S-FEDs) at 180 nm SOI technology node. Optimization of the reservoir thickness and gate work function of the S-FED satisfy high I ON / I OFF ratio and noise-immunity. DC, AC, and transient mixed-mode simulations are employed to scrutinize and compare performance of constituent logic gates based on the S-FED and CMOS. Simulation results demonstrate superior noise margins up to 100 mV for the S-FED-based inverter compared with the CMOS-based counterpart. Furthermore, the S-FED-based transmission gate with switching frequency of 38.9 GHz can act as a high-speed alternative for the CMOS-based one. Both multiplexer architectures configured by the S-FED and CMOS are compared in terms of performance parameters. In this regard, average power consumption and PDP quantities for the S-FED-based multiplexer reveal significant reductions by about 2 and 3 orders of magnitude, respectively, compared with the CMOS-based one. In addition, propagation delay time increases drastically with scaling power supply in the CMOS-based multiplexer; while, this increase is suppressed for the S-FED-based version. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Turkish Culture & Haci Bektas Veli Research Quarterly is the property of Turkish Cultur & Haci Bektas Veli Research Quarterly and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

With the introduction of new clinical trial transparency regulations around the world, transparency functions have had to adapt to a range of reporting requirements. In 2007, the FDA Amendments Act (FDAAA) estab - lished requirements for trial sponsors to reveal trial results to participants and patients, physicians, and independent researchers. Since then, more requirements have emerged, including anonymisation and publication policies introduced by the EMA and Health Canada. Going beyond regulatory compli - ance, transparency leaders have launched voluntary data-sharing initiatives to enable researchers' access to structured individual patient data. With this move toward greater transparency and the drive for more data, transparency functions working with the clinical trials environment need a broader toolkit of capabilities, including anonymisa - tion, to protect participants' privacy. The authors explored these emerging trends in a webinar for FDANews on July 23, 2020 (https://www.fdanews.com). FDANews has an 80,000-person database, mainly from the clinical trial space. This article summarises the webinar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Construction is regarded as an essential industry, at least in a limited capacity, in many states, and it is currently challenged to keep workers safe on the jobsite. Social distancing, the first line of defense, requires workers to be a minimum of 6 ft (2 m) apart. But construction, especially concrete construction, often requires teams to be much closer together for some work functions, so other measures become important. Work on construction sites is being made safer through health screening, respirators and other face coverings, and frequent cleaning, among other things. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The paper traces the origins of the 1.5 degree special report. • Science has had a role in transforming 1.5 degrees to a symbol of climate action. • The IPCC has been challenged through undertaking this special report. • SR15 may herald the ways that the IPCC evolves for the post-Paris era. The role of the IPCC as a boundary, or hybrid organization, between science and policy has been well-documented. Much of this research focuses on the role that the IPCC has had in shaping policy outcomes, or how its limitations have potential impacts in uptake and political acceptability of its knowledge claims. Less has been said on its role as an organizer of scientific research. This paper takes the IPCC 1.5 degree Special Report (SR15), requested by the UNFCCC in conjunction with the Paris Agreement in 2015, as a case of how the politics of climate change framed specific work of the IPCC. We argue that this led to 1.5 becoming a boundary object shared by the policy and scientific communities. The paper draws on interviews with SR15 authors, alongside document analysis to trace the origins of the report, and explores what role science had in the transformation of 1.5 degrees from an unrealistic political target to a symbol of climate action. We highlight how 1.5 degrees' substantive scientific meaning has arisen through political negotiation, demonstrating the complexities of the relationship between science and policy, and the role of the IPCC in these processes. The writing of SR15 may herald the ways that the IPCC evolves its function and work for the post-Paris era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Polimery is the property of Industrial Chemistry Research Institute and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

To understand the mechanism of repassivation, a key process that controls the performance of corrosion resistant alloys (CRAs), it is useful to obtain some fundamental parameters that describe the atomistic processes. Oxygen and chlorine adsorption energies were systematically calculated with density functional theory for Ni-22Cr alloys with seven different solute elements: Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ru and W. All elements other than Cu enhance both O and Cl adsorption to alloy surfaces. Cr has the strongest effect among these elements. Surface configurations that give stronger O adsorption also tend to give stronger Cl adsorption. While this makes it difficult to differentiate the effect of these solute elements on the oxidation/repassivation tendency of alloys, these fundamental properties provide the foundation for higher scale models that could be used to study the oxidation process during corrosion and potentially inform the design of CRAs. Bader charge analysis reveals a strong relationship between the adatom adsorption energy and the Bader charges of both O and Cl adatom. The work function of alloy surfaces is increased by O while decreased by Cl, suggesting that Cl adsorption can have an intrinsic negative impact on corrosion resistance by decreasing the barrier to electron transfer. © 2020 The Electrochemical Society (“ECS”). Published on behalf of ECS by IOP Publishing Limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrating proactivity and creativity literatures, we argue that people can perform more creatively at work when they proactively manage their levels of vitality. Proactive vitality management is defined as individual, goal‐oriented behavior aimed at managing physical and mental energy to promote optimal functioning at work. We hypothesize that this process may be facilitated by being aware of one's own state and by support from others. A total of 242 employees participated in a weekly diary study for three consecutive weeks, yielding 610 observations. Results of multilevel analyses show that participants reported more creative work performance during weeks in which they had proactively used vitality management. In addition, in line with our predictions, self‐insight and social support for creativity in the workplace acted as cross‐level moderators and strengthened the relationship between proactive vitality management and creativity. We conclude that a proactive approach regarding physical and mental energy is an important bottom‐up strategy that may foster creativity in work settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Educação is the property of EDIPUCRS - Editora Universitaria da PUCRS and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article is devoted to the development of conceptual issues of the methodology for forming the readiness of miners for effective and safe activities in extreme situations in mines. The improvement of the efficiency of miners' training is based on using the capabilities of digital educational technologies and the developed training complex. The article defines the competency structure of workers in hazardous industries, ensuring that they perform working functions in extreme situations and reduce the risk of their life and health in case of accidents. The problem factors in the system of professional retraining are researched. The psychological and pedagogical conditions for the success of the use of the training complex are determined. The main approaches to the formation of the content of theoretical and practical training are formulated. The structure of the training complex for the training of miners is described; the process of its adjustment and functioning is considered. The key stages of the developed methodology for the formation of readiness of miners for activities in emergency situations in mines are considered. Training, using the proposed methodology and training complex, has significantly improved the application of self-rescuers, which is confirmed by an increase in the time indicator of the protective effect of the breathing apparatus used by students after training on simulators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Chemical Industry / Hemijska Industrija is the property of Association of Chemical Engineers and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Today as in the past, artists often produce works of art to foster civic agendas of one sort or another, sometimes affirming and sometimes critiquing contemporary attitudes. To what degree is engaging with civically inflected art likely to have the desired impact? We develop an analogy between the work of Ellen Winner and colleagues questioning the impact of studying art on performance in other academic areas. We suggest that, in many cases of civically inflected art, transfer of the desired message is implausible, recognizing difficulties of changing people's minds in general, of how art specifically might do so, and how superficially art is often engaged. We urge that civically impactful encounters with art, which certainly occur, require not just a landing pad character—the impact deriving from imbibing the work—but rather a launching pad character—the work functioning as a starting point for discussion, reflection, and exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ingress of chloride into α-Al2O3(0001) and Al(111) was calculated by first-principles theory calculations by considering Cl insertion into Al or O vacancies within α-Al2O3(0001) or into vacancy or interstitial sites within Al(111). For α-Al2O3, the formation of an O vacancy is energetically more favorable than of an Al vacancy. The insertion of Cl into an O vacancy is also more favorable than into an Al vacancy. A high energy-barrier has been derived for Cl transport within the neighboring O vacancies. In addition, the work function decreases with Cl ingress into the interior of the oxide. For Al(111), Cl insertion into either an Al vacancy or an interstitial site is less favorable compared to the insertion into α-Al2O3. The work function only changes slightly with Cl insertion into an Al vacancy.Moreover, the pre-inserted Cl reduces the energy-barrier for further Cl ingress into α-Al2O3, whereas Cl tends to stay in the sub-surface layer of Al(111), suggesting Cl accumulation at the Al2O3/Al. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy (SKPFM) is used in corrosion studies to quantify the relative nobility of different microstructural features present within complex metallic systems and thereby elucidate possible corrosion initiation sites. However, Volta potential differences (VPDs) measured via SKPFM in the literature for metal alloys exhibit large variability, making interpretation and application for corrosion studies difficult. We have developed an improved method for referencing SKPFM VPDs by quantifying the closely relatedwork function of the probe relative to an inert gold standard whosemodifiedwork function is calculated via density functional theory (DFT). By measuring and tracking changes in the probe vs. gold VPD, this method compensates for some of the complex effects that cause changes in an individual probe's work function. Furthermore, it provides a path toward direct, quantitative comparison of SKPFM results obtained by different researchers. Application of this method to a Cu-Ag-Ti eutectic braze of a steel sample imaged with multiple SKPFM probes of differing compositions led to enhanced repeatability both within and among probe types, as well as enabled the calculation of modified work function values for each of the microstructural constituents present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Salud Uninorte is the property of Fundacion Universidad del Norte and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim of this contribution is to provide a state-of-the-art concerned with the mental representation of counterfactual thinking. Counterfactuals are defined from the perspective of cognitive psychology as reasoning processes that consider alternative situations to a factual situation. That is, counterfactual thoughts are conditional thoughts that negate a given fact. Therefore, the key problem of counterfactual mental representation is the representation of negation, its mental modeling and derived inferences. In this context, four prominent findings and three main open issues are revised. Our main conclusion states that counterfactual representation is a function of working memory load and probably operates on the basis of an abstraction gradient. That is, iconic representations might suffice for lower loads and abstract representations might be required for higher working memory loads. Suggestions for a research agenda on counterfactuals are presented. Such agenda is concerned with further theoretical developments and experimental adjustments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Previous studies suggest that the level of clinical insight in schizophrenia patients is related to working memory functions. However, these studies were not specifically concerned with the components of working memory and had not focused in detail on working memory functions. For this reason, the current study investigated the relationship between clinical insight and working memory components in patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Method: The patient group was evaluated by using the Scale for Assessment of Negative Symptoms, the Scale for Assessment of Positive Symptoms, and the Scale to Assess Unawareness of Mental Disorder to measure clinical insight. Moreover, all participants underwent a "Situation Awareness" test in order to measure working memory functions. Based on published data, the first stage of this test was accepted to measure the "visual spatial sketchpad" component of working memory, and the second stage was accepted to measure the "episodic buffer" (bound information storage) component. The functions of these components were measured separately as top-down and bottom-up cognitive processes. Results: The episodic buffer function (managed by the bottom-up cognitive process) was related with clinical insight. This relationship also continued after correcting for the effect of positive symptoms on insight. The patients performed worse than the controls in terms of visual spatial sketchpad function, which was managed by both top-down and bottom-up cognitive processes. The patients performed worse than the controls in terms of both top-down and bottom-up cognitive processes and visual spatial sketchpad function. Furthermore, the patients were also worse than the controls in terms of episodic buffer function (managed by top-down cognitive processes). Conclusion: Clinical insight may be associated with binding function (associated with episodic buffer function) managed by bottom-up cognitive processes in patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Further studies are necessary to confirm this novel finding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work a comparative study of work function readout based CO gas sensing using metal oxide nanoparticles at room temperature is presented. The gas sensing measurements were recorded with the help of Kelvin probe that can measure the change in work function of the sensitive layers when exposed to CO. We detected the enhancement in the CO gas sensing properties of n- type nanocrystalline CeO 2 by the introduction of p- type CuO nanoparticles at room temperature. Moreover the inclusion of temperature ( T = 100̊C), induced a relatively negative impact in the gas sensing properties of the investigated nanoparticles. The combination of n- and p- type mixed metal oxides has a huge potential to obtain relatively stable gas sensitive layers that can be successfully implied towards low power consuming CO gas sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Possibility for nanoring structures to be used in drug recognition. • The Raman activity achieved from FPD-nanorings is higher than FPD's Raman activity. • Nanorings serve as a work function as well as an electronic type sensor. • Strong attractive NCIs and weak NCIs with traces of strongly repulsive effects observed. In this study, pristine C 12 , Al 6 N 6 , Al 6 P 6 , B 6 N 6 and B 6 P 6 nanoclusters (NCs) were used as platforms for the adsorption of 5-fluoro-1H-pyrimidine-2,4-dione (FPD). The binding resulting energy interactions and electronic properties were explored through density functional theory (DFT) calculations we well as quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) calculations. The adsorption energies for FPD adsorption at these materials allow for prediction of future experimental parameters. The molecules C 12 , Al 6 N 6 , Al 6 P 6 , B 6 N 6 and B 6 P 6 NCs afforded values of −96.38, −279.59, −278.44, −204.29 and −97.12 kcalmol−1, respectively whereas with water as solvent the corresponding values are −66.39, −60.81, −55.10, −7.35 and −149.28 kcal/mol. The charge redistribution by the molecules and FPD adsorption between FPD and nanoclusters induces the dipole moment. The shift in the frontier molecular orbial's (FMOs) energies changes conductivity and work function. The Al 6 P 6 nanocluster for FPD can be used as an electronic sensor, according to our findings. IR and Raman spectra of NCs are realistic considering the system at hand. They confirm the dynamic stability of the molecules under consideration and a chemisorption process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied growth process of TiO 2 nanotubes and investigated their gas sensing properties using two different approaches such as chemoresistive and Kelwin probe methods. The morphology and the crystal structure of the samples were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and micro-Raman spectroscopy. Morphological analysis showed that well-aligned and highly ordered nanotubes were obtained by means of electrochemical anodization method. Structural investigations showed the nanotubes were crystallized in the anatase phase after the post-growth annealing. The functional properties of obtained structures were investigated towards different gases in a wide range of operating temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The detection of CO 2 , based on metal oxide nanoparticles has a lot of potential due to their higher surface area and easy implementation in microsystem devices. In this work, we investigated semiconducting copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) with respect to different conditions affecting the stability and sensitivity of the CO 2 response. The adsorption induced changes have been recorded through work function (WF) based alterations using Kelvin probe measurements. It is shown that an optimized CO 2 -sensing behavior for CuO-NPs by using combined effect of humidity and temperature is achievable and can play a pivotal role towards the development of low cost CO 2 gas sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article assesses the combined influence of information integration and automated data analytics on project performance. To this end, retrospective data on 78 completed projects, with a total installed value of $8 billion, was collected. The data collection effort characterized, for each project, the level of internal and external information integration. Information integration was assessed as the seamlessly interoperable sharing of data produced from a work function with other functions/stakeholders so that no manual data transfer was required. Also, the level of automated data analytics, understood as the full automation of the data analysis function after input data are entered, was also characterized on a project basis. Then, non-parametric statistical techniques were used to assess the impact of such functions on cost and schedule performance. The statistical analysis was also stratified by project type, e.g. greenfield and brownfield, additions, and modifications or shutdowns. Overall, projects with a sophisticated degree of information integration and automated data analytics can control their projects with more reliable information and in a proactive manner so that informed decisions can be timely made on behalf of the project and the organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we propose ceria (CeO 2 ) as a sensing layer material for CO 2 in low power consumption work function (ΔΦ) readout gas sensors at ambient temperature. The influence of precipitation agent and synthesis method on the sensing performance was tested with a Kelvin Probe setup. Microwave-assisted synthesis and ammonia as a precipitation agent yielded the most sensitive material. The influence of particle size and structure as obtained from SEM are discussed. First results indicate that only nano-ceria shows a sensitive response towards CO 2 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The detection of CO 2 , based on metal oxide nanoparticles has a lot of potential due to their higher surface area and easy implementation in microsystem devices. In this work, we investigated semiconducting copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) with respect to different conditions affecting the stability and sensitivity of the CO 2 response. The adsorption induced changes have been recorded through work function (WF) based alterations using Kelvin probe measurements. It is shown that an optimized CO 2 -sensing behavior for CuO-NPs by using combined effect of humidity and temperature is achievable and can play a pivotal role towards the development of low cost CO 2 gas sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied growth process of TiO 2 nanotubes and investigated their gas sensing properties using two different approaches such as chemoresistive and Kelwin probe methods. The morphology and the crystal structure of the samples were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and micro-Raman spectroscopy. Morphological analysis showed that well-aligned and highly ordered nanotubes were obtained by means of electrochemical anodization method. Structural investigations showed the nanotubes were crystallized in the anatase phase after the post-growth annealing. The functional properties of obtained structures were investigated towards different gases in a wide range of operating temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Patients often keep their cell phones on and nearby during root canal therapy. Cell phones release electromagnetic interference, which might disturb electronic working length measurements. The purpose of this ex vivo study was to determine the effect of a cell phone (Apple iPhone 5 [Apple, Cupertino, CA] or KP100 [LG, Seoul, Korea]) placed into direct contact with an electronic apex locator (EAL) (Dentaport Root ZX module [J Morita Corp, Tokyo, Japan] or Propex II [Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland]) on working length determination. Methods Twenty-six human premolars without fractures or carious lesions were used; previously cleaned; and observed under magnification (×15) in order to check for the presence of only 1 apical foramen, the absence of apical resorption, an “open” apex, and accessory canals. The working length measurement was performed with a #15 K-file in the presence of 2.6% sodium hypochlorite under 4 conditions: (1) visually, under the microscope until the file tip reached the canal terminus; (2) electronically, without the cell phone in proximity; (3) electronically, with the cell phone in standby mode placed in physical contact with the EAL; and (4) electronically, with the cell phone activated by a call in the same position. The experimental model for electronic working length determination was a screw top plastic container filled with a saline solution. The measurements were repeated 3 times per canal under each condition. Scores of 1 to 3 categorized the stability of the readings as follows: (1) good stability; (2) unstable reading with minor difficulties determining the working length; and (3) major difficulties or impossible to determine the working length. A 2-way repeated measures analysis of variance (way 1: cell phone type and way 2: EAL model) was performed, and a second repeated measures analysis of variance was performed to seek a difference among the 4 working length determination conditions. Results Neither the cell phone type nor the EAL affected the measurements (not significant). The electronic working length measurements gave the same results as the visual examination, and this length was not influenced by direct contact with a cell phone (not significant). It was also possible to determine the electronic working length under all the experimental conditions. Conclusions Within the limitations of the present study, it can be concluded that patients can keep their cell phones on during root canal therapy without any adverse effect on electronic working length determination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present investigations on gasochromic color dyes as gas sensitive gate materials for field-effect transistor (FET) based gas sensors. Therefore the work function of two color dyes N’,N’,N,N-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine (TMPD) and bromphenolblue (BPB) were characterized using a Kelvin probe. TMPD is selective to NO2 and shows changes in the output of the Kelvin probe of 50 mV during exposure to 0.5 ppm NO2. BPB is an indicator for ammonia. Even 3 ppm NH3 cause a change of 10 mV. In addition, the gasochromic materials are highly selective to only one gas. The results show, that these dyes are suitable as sensitive gate materials and offer the possibility to build a low-power FET, detecting NO2 and NH3 in air at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are porous crystalline materials that are supposed to be good candidates for sensitive and selective gas sensing as they feature wide geometrical and chemical variety and are known for the capability of reversible gas adsorption. In this work Cu-BTC MOF was investigated with mass sensitive and work function based read-out focusing on the gas sensing performance of organic vapors with the same length of their organic carbon chain but different type and position of their functional group for the first time. Based on the simultaneous evaluation of both read-outs a differentiation between C3 molecules is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, an efficient reduced graphene-oxide/zinc-oxide (rGO/ZnO) nano-photocatalyst was synthesized via an eco-friendly hydrothermal method to degrade organic dye under visible light exposure and analyzed with Scanning Kelvin Probe (SKP). Prepared samples were characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and UV-Visible absorption spectrophotometer. Structural, morphological, and topological studies revealed the crystal growth of ZnO nanoparticles on rGO as evidenced from XRD, FESEM, and TEM images. UV-Vis studies show the decrease in bandgap energy of rGO/ZnO after the heterostructure formation. UV results confirm the enhanced photodegradation of RhB aqueous solution under visible light. The work function (ɸ) of rGO, ZnO, rGO/ZnO is determined in dark and light conditions by using Scanning Kelvin probe microscopy and discussing their contribution to the photocatalytic process. The novelty of this work is the SKP technique which was used to analyze the degradation mechanism of RhB in the presence of rGO/ZnO catalyst. It is a new way to find out the carrier transport mechanism at the surface of materials with the recorded work function mapping. Photocatalytic activity of rGO/ZnO has shown the maximum degradation of 97% for RhB (pH 7). Our results indicate that more electrons have moved at the catalyst surface and reacted with organic impurities due to larger surface area, which is responsible for suppressing the recombination of photo-induced carriers. [Display omitted] • Facile synthesis and photocatalytic activities of nanostructured rGO/ZnO photocatalyst were investigated. • Exfoliated few-layer rGO nanosheets were obtained with the help of a probe sonicator. • The bandgap of rGO/ZnO nanocomposite was decreased after coupling of rGO nanosheets. • Surface electronic properties and work function were determined by scanning Kelvin probe (SKP) spectroscopy. • rGO/ZnO nanocomposite has shown an enhanced photocatalytic activity with degradation efficiency (97%) for Rhodamine B dye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this work we investigate the online -server problem where each request has a penalty and it is allowed to reject the requests. The goal is to minimize the sum of the total distance moved by the servers and the total penalty of the rejected requests. We extend the work function algorithm to this more general model and prove that it is -competitive. We also consider the problem for special cases: we prove that the work function algorithm is 5-competitive if and -competitive for any if the metric space is the line. In the case of the line we also present the extension of the double-coverage algorithm and prove that it is -competitive. This algorithm has worse competitive ratio than the work function algorithm but it is much faster and memoryless. Moreover we prove that for any metric space containing at least points no online algorithm can have smaller competitive ratio than , and this shows that the work function algorithm has the smallest possible competitive ratio in the case of lines and also in the case . [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To improve the photoeatalytic efficiency of TiO2 for amoxicillin removal, a series of precious metals catalysts (M/TiO2, M = Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Ir, Pt or Au) were prepared by light deposition method. The synergistic photocatalytic activity of M/TiO2 with KBrO3 for degradation of amoxieillin (20 mg/L) in aqueous solution was researched under UV light (365 nm). The effects of metal loading, catalyst concentration, KBrO3 concentration and pH on the photoeatalytie activity of Rh/TiO2 with KBrO3 were explored. The results show that the photoeatalytie activity of M/TiO2 is closely related to its work function and KBrO3 has a greatly synergistic role on M/TiO2. Under the conditions of 0.1% Rh loading, Rh/TiO2 concentration of 0.15 g/L, KBrO3 concentration of 0.5 mmol/L and reaction liquid pH value at 5, the amoxicillin can be degradated completely within 90 min. Furthermore, the results of kinetic study show that the degradation reaction can be expressed by the first-order reaction kinetic model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Cathinone drug strongly adsorbs on a MgO nanocage with adsorption energy of −36.21 kcal/mol. • Cathinone drug significantly increases the MgO nanocage electrical conductivity. • MgO nanocage is both a work function type and an electronic sensor for cathinone. • Recovery time of cathinone drug desorption from the MgO surface is short (∼29.63 ms). We performed density functional theory calculations to investigate the adsorption of cathinone (CA) drug on a pristine magnesium oxide (MgO) nanocage to find a proper sensor. All of the calculations were performed at M06-2X level of theory. The CA drug adsorbs on the MgO nanocage via a strong donor-acceptor interaction, releasing an energy of about −36.21 kcal·mol−1. By the CA adsorption, the HOMO-LUMO energy gap of MgO nanocage significantly decreases which increases the electrical conductivity. The change of electrical conductivity of MgO can be converted to an electrical signal which helps to detect the drug presence. Also, in the presence of a CA molecule, the work function of MgO nanocage decreases significantly. We conclude that the MgO nanocage is both a work function type and an electronic sensor for CA drug detection. We found that the recovery time of CA desorption from the MgO surface is short (∼29.63 ms). Our results pay the way for application of MgO nanostructures in drug recognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Three protease-resistant bioorganic 304 stainless steel surfaces were created through the reaction of synthetic peptides consisting of the d-enantiomeric isomer (d-K122-4), the retro-inverso d-enantiomeric isomer (RI-K122-4), and a combination of the two peptides (D+RI) of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa PilA receptor binding domain with steel surfaces. The peptides used to produce the new materials differ only in handedness of their three-dimensional structure, but they reacted with the steel to yield materials that differed in their surface electron work function (EWF) while displaying an identical chemical composition and equivalent surface adhesive force properties. These surfaces allowed for an assessment of the relative role of surface EWF in initial biofilm formation. We examined the ability of various bacteria (selected strains of Listeria monocytogenes, L. innocua, Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis) to initiate biofilm formation. The D-K1224 generated surface displayed the lowest EWF (classically associated with greater molecular interactions and more extensive biofilm formation) but was observed to be least effectively colonized by bacteria (>50% decrease in bacterial adherence of all strains). The highest surface EWF with the lowest surface free energy (RI-K122-4 generated) was more extensively colonized by bacteria, with the binding of some strains being equivalent to unmodified steel. The D+RI generated surface was least effective in minimizing biofilm formation, where some strains displayed enhanced bacterial colonization. Fluorescent microscopy revealed that the D and RI peptides displayed similar but clearly different binding patterns, suggesting that the peptides recognized different sites on the steel, and that differential binding of the peptides to the steel surfaces influences the binding of different bacterial strains and species. We have demonstrated that stainless steel surfaces can be easily modified by peptides to generate surfaces with new physiochemical properties. The D-K122-4-modified surface substantially decreases biofilm formation compared to the RI-K122-4 and D+RI surfaces. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Oxygen (O2) annealing processes of metal electrode in rapid thermal annealing (RTA) and furnace were applied to modify surface properties including work function and bonding state without change in bulk properties. The Mo/Ti (50/3 nm) and Cu/Ti (50/3 nm) films were annealed at different temperature in RTA and furnace, and the film properties of them were characterized with various analytical tools to optimize annealing condition. At high annealing temperature, both Mo/Ti and Cu/Ti films were fully oxidized and bulk properties of them such as resistivity, crystallinity and morphology also changed. But the metal electrode annealed at specific annealing temperature showed distinctive behavior that the binding energy and work function only changed without change in bulk properties. During annealing process, the oxidation reaction is gradually proceed when the oxygen gas of sufficient energy contact metal atom at surface region and diffuses from surface region to bulk region of metal film. For one example, the work function of Mo/Ti film annealed at 300°C in RTA increased from ~4.6 eV to ~5.2 eV, but the bulk properties such as sheet resistance (~31.6 Ω/ ⇔), roughness (0.951 nm) and crystallinity were maintained to similar characteristics with those of as-deposited Mo/Ti film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]