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Biochar modification can enhance the properties associated with porosity and functional groups and has been identified as an effective way to improve adsorption capacity. Modified corncob biochars pretreated by different contents of MgCl2 are obtained through slow pyrolysis; then, this work explores the adsorption abilities towards heavy metals. After modification, biochars mainly impregnate carbon surface with Mg(OH)2 and MgO particles. The best mass ratio of magnesium (Mg)/feedback is 15% for modified biochar, and 15%Mg-BC has much higher (2.36–9.34 times) metal sorption capacity than pristine biochar. Batch adsorption experiments show that copper (Cu(II)) and lead (Pb(II)) on adsorbents follow a pseudo-second-order model and cadmium (Cd(II)) follows an intraparticle diffusion model. The adsorption isotherm of Cu(II) fits well with the Langmuir model, and Pb(II) and Cd(II) fit with the Freundlich model. In the binary system, modified biochar still effectively removes metals, but the sorption capacity of metals decreases rapidly because of competitive sorption. The main adsorption mechanisms of metals include surface precipitation, cation π-banding, complexation, and ion exchange. The results show that Mg-modified biochar may be an environmentally friendly material for reducing the water pollution of heavy metals.

We present results of long-term photometric monitoring of SS433 which proves a secular evolutionary increase of the orbital period of SS433 at a rate of (1. 14 ± 0. 25) × 1 0 − 7 s s−1. Using a physical model of non-conservative mass transfer in SS433 through a supercritical accretion disc around the compact companion, we reliably confirm that the binary mass ratio in SS433, q = M X / M V is ≳ 0. 8. For an optical star mass M V ∼ 10 M ⊙ the compact object in SS433 is a black hole with mass M B H ≳ 8 M ⊙ . We discuss evolutionary implications of the found orbital period increase in SS433 – a secular change in the orbital separation and a size of the Roche lobe of the optical star. We show that for the mass-loss rate M ̇ V ∼ 1 0 − 4 − 3 × 1 0 − 5 M ⊙ per year and an optical star mass M V ∼ 10 − 15 M ⊙ the found orbital period increase implies the corresponding orbital separation increase while the Roche lobe size can shrink or expand around a mean constant value depending on the optical star mass-loss rate which may be modulated with the precessional period. • Orbital period of SS433 increases at a rate of about 10−7 s/s. • Measured orbital period increase implies the binary mass ratio in SS433 q=M x /M v >0.8. • The compact object in SS433 is a black hole with M x >8 solar masses. • For characteristic optical star mass-loss rate the orbital separation in SS433 increases. • Roche lobe of the optical star can be almost constant due to mass-loss variations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Categorized as a Biopharmaceutics Classification System Class II drugs, atorvastatin (ATV) exhibits low aqueous solubility and bioavailability thus presenting an obstacle and great challenge to formulation researchers. Numerous studies are available in regard to the solubility enhancement of ATV, but very few actually describe this phenomenon in terms of thermodynamics and the solute-solvent interaction. Arginine (ARG) is an amino acid that has been reported to enhance the solubility of the highly insoluble wheat protein gluten through hydrogen bonding and π electron-cation interaction. To our knowledge, ARG has never been investigated as a solubility enhancement agent of aqueous insoluble drugs. Thus, this study aimed to elucidate the solute-solvent and solute-cosolute interactions and derive thermodynamic parameters that bolstered the solubility of ATV in the presence of ARG. We examined the electrolytic conductance and densities of ATV-ARG binary system covering the temperature ranging from 298.15 K to 313.15 K. Conductometric and volumetric parameters such as limiting molar conductance, association constants, limiting partial molar volumes, and expansibility values were calculated. Additionally, thermodynamic parameters (ΔG0, ΔH0, ΔS0, and Es) involved in the association process of the solute in the aqueous solution of ARG were also determined.

Proper remediation of aquatic environments contaminated by toxic organic dyes has become a research focus globally for environmental and chemical engineers. This study evaluates the adsorption potential of a polymer-based adsorbent, thiourea-modified poly(acrylonitrile-co-acrylic acid) (T-PAA) adsorbent, for the simultaneous uptake of malachite green (MG) and methylene blue (MB) dye ions from binary system in a continuous flow adsorption column. The influence of inlet dye concentrations, pH, flow rate, and adsorbent bed depth on adsorption process were investigated, and the breakthrough curves obtained experimentally. Results revealed that the sorption capacity of the T-PAA for MG and MB increase at high pH, concentration and bed-depth. Thomas, Bohart-Adams, and Yoon-Nelson models constants were calculated to describe MG and MB adsorption. It was found that the three dynamic models perfectly simulate the adsorption rate and behavior of cationic dyes entrapment. Finally, T-PAA adsorbent demonstrated good cyclic stability. It can be regenerated seven times (or cycles) with no significant loss in adsorption potential. Overall, the excellent sorption capacity and multiple usage make T-PAA polymer an attractive adsorbent materials for treatment of multicomponent dye bearing effluent in a fixed-bed column system.

This study investigated a new area of improving the adsorption capacity of clay using corn cob as an alternative means of clay modification to the more expensive and complicated chemical treatment techniques. Kaolinite Clay (KC), Calcined corncob-kaolinite Combo (CCKC), and Corncob (CC) adsorbents were utilized. The adsorbents were characterized by Fourier Transform-Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analyzer. Batch adsorption methodology was used to investigate the effect of pH, initial metal concentration, adsorbent dose, and contact time on adsorption of Pb (II) and Cd (II). A slight increase in BET surface area of 29.31 m2/g for CCKC from 14.12 m2/g for raw KC was achieved. The trend of metal adsorption on the adsorbents was in the order CC>CCKC>KC. The Langmuir isotherm was found to present the best fit for the unmodified adsorbents while the Freundlich was applicable for CCKC indicating multilayer heterogeneous surface. The pseudo second order kinetic model was found to be suitable in the kinetic analysis. Thermodynamic studies revealed a spontaneous physical adsorption process of metal ions on CCKC. The combo adsorbent showed highest percentage desorption (>70%) of Cd and Pb ions in both acid and basic media compared to the other adsorbents. The results of the study established the efficiency of calcined corn cob kaolinite combo as suitable adsorbent for metal ions.

The Chociwel region is part of the Szczecin Trough and constitutes the northeastern segment of the extended Szczecin-Gorzów Synclinorium. Lower Jurassic reservoirs of high permeability of up to 1145 mD can discharge geothermal waters with a rate exceeding 250 m3/h and temperatures reach over 90°C in the lowermost part of the reservoirs. These conditions provide an opportunity to generate electricity from heat accumulated in geothermal waters using binary ORC (Organic Rankine Cycle) systems. A numerical model of the natural state and exploitation conditions was created for the Chociwel area with the use of TOUGH2 geothermal simulator (i.e., integral finite-difference method). An analysis of geological and hydrogeothermal data indicates that the best conditions are found to the southeast of the town of Chociwel, where the bottom part of the reservoir reaches 3 km below ground. This would require drilling two new wells, namely one production and one injection. Simulated production with a flow rate of 275 m3/h, a temperature of 89°C at the wellhead, 30°C injection temperature and wells being 1.2 km separated from each other leads to a small temperature drop and moderate requirements for pumping power over a 50 years’ time span. The ORC binary system can produce at maximum 592.5 kW gross power with the R227ea found as the most suitable working fluid. Geothermal brine leaving the ORC system with a temperature c. 53°C can be used for other purposes, namely mushroom growing, balneology, swimming pools, soil warming, de-icing, fish farming and for heat pumps.

Abstract Stationary axisymmetric binary configurations of unequal Kerr sources with a massless strut among them are developed in a physical representation. In order to describe interacting black holes, the axis conditions in the most general case are solved analytically deriving the corresponding 5-parametric asymptotically flat exact solution. In addition, we obtain concise formulas for the black hole horizons, the interaction force, as well as the thermodynamical characteristics of each source in terms of physical Komar parameters: mass M i , angular momentum J i , and coordinate distance R , where such parameters are part of a cubic equation which can be interpreted as a dynamical law for interacting black holes with struts. Some limits are obtained and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this research work is to examine the influence of combined use of various types of sand on the fresh and hardened properties of SCC. The types of sand used are crushed sand (CS), river sand (RS) and dune sand (DS). In addition, binary or ternary system mixture of these sands were also used. SCC mixes were made with constant content of cement and marble powder waste. In this investigation, the flow ability was evaluated by slump flow, L-Box, J-ring V-funnel tests for SCC. The resistance to segregation was measured by GTM sieve stability test. Compressive strength was also determined at age of 28 and 90 days. The experimental results indicate that, there is an improvement in the fresh and strength properties of SCC when using binary mixtures of CS and RS. However, there is a decrease in workability and strength using binary system of CS+DS and RS+DS especially for higher DS content up to 50%. This effect was also observed with SCC containing ternary system (CS+RS+DS). Based on the results obtained of this investigation, CS and DS may provide a readily available alternative material to ordinary fine aggregates in concrete applications with competitive cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this study, two novel binary systems of ionic liquids (ILs) {1-cyanopropyl-3-methyl-imidazolium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide ([C 3 CNmim][FSI]), or 1-cyanopropyl-3-methyl-imidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate ([C 3 CNmim][CF 3 SO 3 ]) + acetonitrile (AN)} are prepared over the whole concentration. Densities (ρ), electrical conductivities (σ), dynamic viscosities (η), and surface tensions (γ) of pure ILs and two binary systems were measured at temperatures from 288.15 to 323.15 K at 101 kPa within the whole composition range. The thermodynamic parameters of pure ILs such as coefficient of thermal expansion (α), standard molar entropy (S 0), and lattice energy (U POT) were estimated. The excess molar volumes (V E) were obtained from the experimental densities and fitted to Redlich–Kister (R–K) polynomial equation. The dependence of the transport properties (viscosity and conductivity) on temperature can be described by the Vogel–Fulcher–Tamman (VFT) equation. In order to obtain information about interactions between AN molecules and selected ILs, the density functional theory (DFT) calculations combining the COSMO–RS methodology were employed. The hydrogen bonds formation between components of the mixtures was discussed from the calculation results and the variations in the infrared (IR) spectrum. Highlights • Two novel binary systems were prepared and the physicochemical properties were measured. • Excess properties were estimated to discuss intermolecular interactions. • The density functional theory calculations were employed. • The infrared spectrum comparisons were used to describe intermolecular interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In present study, Zinc Ferrite-Alginate beads (ZFN-Alg beads) were prepared and characterized by Fourier Transform-Infra Red (FT-IR); X-Ray Diffraction (XRD); Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM); Energy Dispersive Spectra (EDS); Thermogravimetric-Differential Thermal analysis (TG-DTA); Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and pH point zero charge (pH PZC) method. The adsorption of Pb(II) and Cu(II) ions on ZFN-Alg beads as function of contact time, varying pH, adsorbent dose, initial concentration at different temperatures were investigated in single as well as binary system through batch mode. The adsorption kinetic data of Pb(II) and Cu(II) ions in both type of systems was well followed by the Lagergren pseudo second order model. Among different isotherm models, the equilibrium data was well correlated by Langmuir isotherm model in single as well as binary system. In single system, the maximum adsorption capacities of Pb(II) and Cu(II) ions for ZFN-Alg beads were 108.8, 106.6 mg/g and for binary system were 68.6 and 48.0 mg/g, respectively. For both types of systems, the calculated adsorption thermodynamic parameters indicated that the adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic in nature. The regeneration performance of ZFN-Alg beads was examined in both types of systems up to five cycles. The results revealed that ZFN-Alg beads were retained around 80% regeneration efficiency even after five successive cycles in both types of systems. The present study concluded that magnetic biopolymer beads might be suitable and cost effective alternative for removal of Pb(II) and Cu(II) metal ions from single as well as binary system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The iron-aluminum (Fe-Al) hydroxides adsorbent with high efficiency for removal Cr(VI) and As(III) was facilely synthesized via coprecipitation method and applied for individual and competitive adsorption. Fe-Al hydroxides were characterized by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to reveal the microstructure of adsorbent and adsorption mechanism. A series of batch experiments were conducted with different parameters (pH, adsorbent dosage, and initial concentration) to determine the optimum condition. The maximum capacity of the Fe-Al hydroxides for Cr(VI) was 33.64 mg/g at pH 5.0 using 1.4 g/L adsorbent and 80 mg/L of initial concentration; and As(III) was 8.12 mg/g at pH 6.0 with 1.4 g/L adsorbent and 16 mg/L of initial concentration, respectively. In the single component system, the adsorption of both Cr(VI) and As(III) better fitted with Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic model. In the binary system, the results showed that the extended Freundlich isotherm model (EFIM) was suitable for evaluating adsorption equilibrium data with reasonable regression coefficients. The desorption studies showed the best recovery of heavy metals in NaOH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The three binary Tb/Er‐rich transition metal compounds Tb3Pd2 (triterbium dipalladium), Er3Pd2 (trierbium dipalladium) and Er6Co5–x (hexaerbium pentacobalt) crystallize in the space groups Pbam (Pearson symbol oP20), P4/mbm (tP10) and P63/m (hP22), respectively. Single crystals of Tb3Pd2 and Er6Co5–x suitable for X‐ray structure analysis were obtained using rare‐earth halides as a flux. Tb3Pd2 adopts its own structure type, which can be described as a superstructural derivative of the U3Si2 type, which is the type adopted by Er3Pd2. Compound Er6Co5–x belongs to the Ce6Co2–xSi3 family. All three compounds feature fused tricapped {TR6} (R = rare‐earth metal and T = transition metal) trigonal prismatic heterometallic clusters. R3Pd2 is reported to crystallize in the U3Si2 type; however, our more detailed structure analysis reveals that deviations occur with heavier R elements. Similarly, Er6Co5–x was assumed to be stoichiometric Er4Co3 = Er6Co4.5. Our studies reveal that it has a single defective transition‐metal site leading to the composition Er6Co4.72(2). LMTO (linear muffin‐tin orbital)‐based electronic structure calculations suggest the strong domination of heteroatomic bonding in all three structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the interaction of aluminum phthalocyanine chloride (AlClPc) with double-stranded DNA. Absorption and fluorescence spectra, resonance light scattering, and circular dichroism were evaluated in water and water/ethanol mixtures with different concentrations of DNA or AlClPc. AlClPc showed a high ability to bind to DNA in both water and 4/6 water/ethanol mixture (v/v), with a majority of monomeric and aggregated initial forms of AlClPc, respectively. In this interaction, AlClPc bound preferentially to the grooves of DNA. The monomeric/aggregate state of AlClPc in DNA was dependent on the AlClPc/DNA ratio. At low concentrations of AlClPc, the interaction of AlClPc with few DNA sites caused a curvature in the DNA structure that provided a favorable environment for the intercalation of AlClPc aggregates. Increase in AlClPc concentration induced interactions with a high number of binding sites on DNA, which prevented bending and therefore aggregation of AlClPc molecules throughout the double-stranded DNA. These results are relevant to the understanding of the behavior and interaction of AlClPc with double-stranded DNA in the design of novel drug delivery systems for clinical application in photodynamic therapy as a new approach to treat skin or oral cancer, scars, or wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the observed 18 pairs of double neutron star (DNS) systems, we find that DNS mass distribution is very narrow and its mean value (about 1.34 solar mass) is less than the mean of all measured pulsars of about 1.4 solar mass. To interpret the special DNS mass characteristics, we analyze the DNS formation process, via the phases of HMXBs, by investigating the evolution of massive binary stars. Moreover, in DNSs, two classes of NSs are taken into account, formed by supernova (SN) and electron capture (EC), respectively, and generally the NS mass by SN is bigger than that by EC. Quantitatively, with various initial conditions of binary stars, the observed special DNS distribution can be satisfactorily explained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the possible changes in the autonomous learning of first academic term students of Computer Science Engineering from the application of the theory of learning by discovery, specifically in the assimilation, appropriation, application and feedback of the binary numerical system. The methodology used corresponds to the framework of qualitative educational research, articulated with a simple, individual and multiple case study. The research begins with the announcement of the learning theory to be used and ends with the evaluation and feedback between teacher and students based on the quality-quantitative results obtained. The Excel spreadsheet was used as a support tool and the group was segmented so that comparative criteria could be established between the traditional teaching methodology of the binary system and the methodology based on learning by discovery. The results show a more significant and meaningful learning on the part of the group to which the theory of learning by discovery was applied. In the same way, it was noted greater academic independence on the part of this subgroup of students and a greater confidence in relation to the approach of unknown topics but framed within the disciplinary knowledge proper to Computer Science Engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work new experimental data on (solid + liquid) phase equilibria of nine binary mixtures composed of bromide-based ILs, namely: 1-ethyl-1-methylmorpholinium bromide, [EMMOR][Br], 1-butyl-1-methylmorpholinium bromide, [BMMOR][Br] and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide, [BMIM][Br] with diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol and sulfolane are presented. One of the tested IL, [BMIM][Br] has been synthesized and the structure was confirmed by NMR technique. The experimental SLE data for the tested binary systems have been determined using dynamic method. NRTL and Wilson equations were used to correlate the experimental data. Additionally, the basic characterization of pure ILs have been done; temperature and enthalpy of melting have been determined using DSC technique. The density and dynamic viscosity of pure organic solvents have been determined at wide temperature range. The influence of IL’s structure on mutual solubility with diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol and sulfolane is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Refractive indices (nD), viscosities (η) and densities (p) were deliberated for the binary mixtures created by dipropyl amine with 1-octanol, 1-heptanol, 1-hexanol, 1-pentanol and tert-pentyl alcohol at temperature 298.15 K over the perfect installation extent. The function of Redlich-Kister were used to calculate and renovated of the refractive index deviations (ΔnD), viscosity deviations (ηE), excess molar Gibbs free energy (ΔG*E) and excess molar volumes(VmE). The standard errors and coefficients were respected by this function. The values of ΔnD, ηE, VmE and ΔG*E were plotted against mole fraction of dipropyl amine. In all cases the obtained ηE, ΔG*E, VmE and ΔnD values were negative at 298.15K. Effect of carbon atoms number in the chain of alcohol and hydroxyl groups' position on molecular interactions in these mixtures has also been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of synthesized cast and electrospun polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan/zinc oxide/aminopropyltriethoxylsilane (PVA/chitosan/ZnO-APTES) nano-adsorbents were compared in removal of Cd(II) and Ni(II) ions from wastewater. The adsorbents were characterized by SEM, BET, FTIR and TGA analyses. Furthermore, the swelling investigations were carried out to study the adsorbent stability in aqueous solution. The effect of several parameters such as contents of ZnO-NH2, contact time, initial Cd(II) and Ni(II) concentration and temperature on the adsorption capacity was investigated in a batch mode. In comparison with cast adsorbent, nanofiber adsorbent indicated the better adsorption performance. The experimental data well fitted the double-exponential kinetic model. In single metal ion system, the maximum adsorption capacity of nanofiber for Cd(II) and Ni(II) ions is estimated to be 1.239 and 0.851 mmol/g, respectively, much higher than qm of cast adsorbent for Cd(II) (0.625 mmol/g) and Ni(II) (0.474 mmol/g) ions. Thermodynamic parameters were investigated to identify the nature of adsorption process. In binary system of Cd(II)-Ni(II) ions, the inhibitory effect of competitive Cd(II) ion on the Ni(II) adsorption was greater than the inhibitory effect of competitive on the Cd(II) adsorption. The selectivity adsorption of both nanofiber and cast adsorbents was in order of Cd(II) > Ni(II). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present paper is to remove Congo red (CR) from wastewater onto Barbary fig skin (BFS) using binary sorption system (CR/Zn++) at ambient temperature and study the variance of contact time and sorption capacity to that of the singular system. The SEM images, the iodine value (436 mg/g) and the specific surface area (368.49m2/g) show that the used sorbent has a high surface area. The characterization of the surface sorbent by 13CNMR, energy-dispersive X-ray, FTIR spectroscopy and Boehm titration test shows the availability of carbonyl, carboxyl, ester and hydroxyl functional groups on this surface as. The Boehm titration test indicates the presence of these functions with almost equivalent amounts (acid groups = 047 meq g-1, basic groups = 0.52 meq g-1). The study of the sorption kinetics indicates a gain of 45 min of contact time in the binary system. The sorption isotherms are very well described by the Langmuir model. According to the Langmuir model, the maximum sorption capacity for CR in binary system (Qmax=161.21mg/g) is higher than in singular system (Qmax=151.51mg/g). These results show that the sorption of CR onto BFS presents a synergistic phenomenon, not competitive sorption in an aqueous solution which already contains Zn++ (multi-solute system CR/Zn++). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Higher education (HE) systems around the world have experienced profound structural changes, particularly since the late 1960s to early 1970s, essentially driven by the need to expand access to tertiary education. This has resulted in a diversity of HE institutions (HEI) with different roles, missions and statuses, as well as academic staff with diverse perspectives and motivations. The present study is based on a survey undertaken in Portugal by a trade union, which aimed to collect faculty perspectives on a proposed HE reform sent out for public discussion by the government. Questions addressed the reorganization of the HEI network, the internal restructuring of HEI, the funding system and the binary divide of HEI (universities and polytechnics). The survey results showed a disparity of faculty perspectives about the proposed reform, closely related to the diversity of HEI. Respondents from lower academic categories and from smaller HEI were more opposed to reorganizing the HEI network. This reorganization was more widely accepted by university staff, who were also more in favour of a binary system than were polytechnic respondents. Although there was general agreement about the need to change the funding system, polytechnic respondents were strongly against a funding differentiation between universities and polytechnics. Despite an overall reformist trend, the enthusiasm for reforms declined substantially when the questions had a direct reference to the respondent’s region or institution. It is argued that HE expansion has driven the diversification of HEI, leading to a range of perspectives about the HE system and the way it should be changed. These conclusions may contribute to insights into other HE systems around the world where institutional diversification has been sought by public policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand the nature of molecular aggregation between two solvents, excess properties (e.g. excess molar volume (VEM), excess Gibb's free energy of activation viscous flow (∆G*E) and viscosity deviation of binary mixtures) are therefore needed. Thus, in the current study, the refractive index (nD), viscosity (η), and density (ρ) of binary mixtures were measured for tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (THFA) with ethanol, 2-propanol and 2-butanol at 298.15K. Moreover and based on experimentally obtained results, the VEm, the refractive index deviation (∆nD), excess molar viscosity (ηE) and ∆G*E were calculated. To correct and fit the experimental VEm, ηE and ∆nD deviations, Redlich-Kister equation was used. The molecular interaction in binary mixtures was found to explain the variability of physical properties with the composition of the mixtures. In light of obtained results, factors influencing the molecular interactions (e.g. the length of the carbon chain and the position of hydroxyl groups in targeted alcohol) have been also discussed. In all cases the obtained VEm, ηE, ∆G*E and ∆nD values were negative at 298.15K except for the binary system (THFA + 2- butanol) where the results indicate the positive deviation in refractive indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phases of thin films may remarkably differ from that of bulk. Unlike to the comprehensive data files of Binary Phase Diagrams [1] available for bulk, complete phase maps for thin binary layers do not exist. This is due to both the diverse metastable, non-equilibrium or instable phases feasible in thin films and the required volume of characterization work with analytical techniques like TEM, SAED and EDS. The aim of the present work was to develop a method that remarkably facilitates the TEM study of the diverse binary phases of thin films, or the creation of phase maps. A micro-combinatorial method was worked out that enables both preparation and study of a gradient two-component film within a single TEM specimen. For a demonstration of the technique thin Mn x Al 1− x binary samples with evolving concentration from x  = 0 to x  = 1 have been prepared so that the transition from pure Mn to pure Al covers a 1.5 mm long track within the 3 mm diameter TEM grid. The proposed method enables the preparation and study of thin combinatorial samples including all feasible phases as a function of composition or other deposition parameters. Contrary to known “combinatorial chemistry”, in which a series of different samples are deposited in one run, and investigated, one at a time, the present micro-combinatorial method produces a single specimen condensing a complete library of a binary system that can be studied, efficiently, within a single TEM session. That provides extremely high throughput for TEM characterization of composition-dependent phases, exploration of new materials, or the construction of phase diagrams of binary films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyg X-3 is actively studied in the entire range of the electromagnetic spectrum from the radio band to ultrahigh energies. Based on the detection of ultrahigh-energy gamma-ray emission, it has been suggested that Cyg X-3 could be one of the most powerful sources of charged cosmic-ray particles in the Galaxy. We present the results of long-term observations of the Cygnus Х-3 region at energies 800 GeV-100 TeV by the SHALON mirror Cherenkov telescope. In 1995 the SHALON observations revealed a new Galactic source of very high energy gamma-ray emission coincident in its coordinates with the microquasar Cyg X-3. To reliably identify the detected source with Cyg X-3, an analysis has been performed and an orbital period of 4.8 h has been found, which is a signature of Cyg X-3. A series of flares in Cyg X-3 at energies >800 GeV and their correlation with the activity in the X-ray and radio bands have been observed. The results obtained in a wide energy range for Cyg X-3, including those during the periods of relativistic jet events, are needed to find the connection and to understand the different components of an accreting binary system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]