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The molecular interactivities between proteins and polysaccharides exhibit a profound role in characteristics of binary hydrogels. The binary gels were characterized from the major aspects; molecular behavior, microstructure, texture, rheology, water-holding capacity (WHC), and swelling ratio (SR). Despite previous articles claiming the electrostatic interactions to be the main driving forces of gelation, it was shown that gelation of animal-derived proteins and polysaccharides are totally in line with hydrogen and hydrophobic forces. Polysaccharides unfold proteins, evidenced by increased surface hydrophobicity and fluorescence quenching. Polysaccharides modify both secondary and tertiary structures of proteins by facilitating the transition of α-helix to β-sheet along with all-gauche conformation to trans-gauche-gauche. The π-π stacking causes enhanced adhesiveness, elasticity, gel strength, springiness, resistance to fracture, WHC, and SR. Increased specific surface area and surface active energy enhance the gelation properties. Both excessive total polymer concentrations and hydrophobic interactions weaken the structure. Polysaccharide addition enhanced the gel tendency toward water, so WHC and SR increased. However, excess protein reduction abruptly reduced them. Therefore, a threshold was known for protein/polysaccharide mass ratio. In common, polysaccharide made the structure harder than single protein gel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a detailed investigation into the structural, thermal, and radiation shielding properties of a new glass composition, labeled as (50-x)B 2 O 3 + 30TeO 2 + 10Bi 2 O 3 + 10CdO + x Tm 2 O 3 (where x = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 mol %). Various radiation shielding parameters such as mass attenuation coefficient, linear attenuation coefficient, half-value layer, mean free path, effective atomic number, and absorbed equivalent dose rates for neutrons were determined through experimental measurements. The study also employed theoretical calculations to assess the exposure buildup factor and effective removal cross-section for neutrons. Additionally, the SRIM program was utilized to investigate mass stopping power and projected range for proton and alpha particles. The structural characteristics of the glasses were analyzed using XRD and FT-IR, while thermal properties were examined through Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA). FTIR analysis revealed distinctive bands corresponding to Bi—O, B—O—B, and Te—O bonds. Glass transition temperatures (T g) increased with Tm 2 O 3 content, ranging from 422 °C to 444 °C. The radiation shielding properties of bismuth boro-tellurite glasses showed that a dose of 1.2025 μSv/h emitted from a fast neutron source was absorbed by 35.1574 % in pure glass and 40.0391 % in glass doped with 5 mol% Tm 2 O 3. Incorporating Tm 2 O 3 into the glass matrix significantly improved the shielding and thermal properties, thus enhancing their potential for advanced high-energy radiation absorption. This investigation contributes to a deeper understanding of how Tm 2 O 3 enhances the structural and thermal attributes of these glasses, positioning them as promising materials for radiation shielding applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The current investigation inquiry involves silicon dioxide (SiO2) and nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles to enhance the structural and dielectric properties of a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with polyethylene glycol (PEG) combination for use in flexible pressure sensors and nanoelectrical devices. Solution casting was used to fabricate PVA-PEG-SiO2/NiO nanocomposites at various weight percentages of (SiO2/NiO) N.Ps (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8) wt%. The structural properties of PVA-PEG-SiO2/NiO nanocomposites were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and the amorphous state of the mixture consisting of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) was revealed. Furthermore, the characteristic peak of the original polymers was much smaller at higher doping concentrations. According to field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), when the weight percentage approaches 8%, the top surface of the (PVA-PEG-SiO2/NiO) N.Cs films exhibits homogenous and cohesive clumps or fragments dispersed randomly. Optical microscopy made it possible to observe that nanoparticles (SiO2/NiO) generate an integrated network inside the matrix of polymers, unlike the pure film of (PVA-PEG). The electrical properties of alternating current illustrate that as the frequency of the applied electrical field increases, the dielectric constant and dielectric loss of nanocomposites decline. Also, on the contrary, these values increase in conjunction with the increase in the concentration of nanoparticles, and the highest value is at a frequency of 100 Hz at a concentration of 8%. The (PVA-PEG) blend's dielectric constant and A.C. electrical conductivity were improved by almost 300% and 112%, respectively, at the highest addition rate (8 wt.%). The findings obtained revealed that the structural and AC electrical conductivity were enhanced by doping (PVA-PEG) with (SiO2/NiO) NPs. Findings indicated that the (PVA-PEG-SiO2/NiO) nanostructures would be excellent materials for a range of nanoelectronics industries. The results obtained showed an increase in parallel capacity. It reached 400 pf with an increase in applied pressure, as well as an increase in sensitivity to pressure of about 77.2 with the biggest percentage of weight addition of nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edible mushroom proteins hold great potential for food applications, but those extracted using the alkaline extraction–acid precipitation method typically exhibit poor solubility in neutral water, with the structural changes during acid precipitation remaining unclear. In this study, Pleurotus geesteranus protein isolate (PGPI) with high water solubility was prepared with alkaline extraction, followed by dialysis and freeze‐drying, and the effects of pH on the structural and functional properties of PGPI were systematically investigated. PGPI was enriched in essential and aromatic amino acids, and the molecular weight of bands in the sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis profile was mainly distributed below 45 kDa. The zeta potential of PGPI changed from +16.84 to 17.58 mV when the pH increased from 2 to 9, with a pI of 4.3. At pH 7, PGPI showed a size of 232.7 nm. Away from pH 7, the particle size of PGPI increased. When the pH decreased from 7 to 2, PGPI exhibited a lower α‐helix structure content and a higher β‐sheet content and a gradual decrease in fluorescence intensity. In addition, as the pH approached 4, H0 and the content of SS group increased to a peak. These results indicated that lowering the pH induced the development of more ordered protein structure, which could be the primary reason for the poor water solubility of P. geesteranus protein obtained through alkaline extraction and acid precipitation. Additionally, these structural changes result in alterations to its functional properties, including water‐holding capacity, oil‐holding capacity, foaming capacity, foaming stability, emulsion activity index, and emulsion stability index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of changing the concentrations of ZnO and TiO 2 on the (90-x-y)B 2 O 3 –5PbO–5BaO-xZnO-yTiO 2 , x = y = 10, 15, 20 and 25 mol% glasses have been investigated. Their density rises from 3.469 g/cm³ to 4.207 g/cm³. The elastic modulus of the glass samples increased from 50.970 to 73.195 GPa for Young modulus, 45.540–64.107 GPa for bulk modulus, 20.640–29.732 GPa for the shear modulus and 73.060–103.750 GPa for the longitudinal modulus respectively. This is referring to the effect of ZnO and TiO 2 on the structure of the glasses. The UV–Vis absorption behavior exhibits a decrease in the energy band gap values from 3.312 to 3.146 eV. The increase in cutoff wavelength in UV spectra is useful for many applications, such as UV shielding, where the objective is to effectively obstruct UV rays while preserving optimal visibility. The relation between the thickness of the glass and the transmission factor (TF) has been studied to evaluate their shielding behavior. The TF decreases with the increase in the thickness from 0.5 to 1 cm. Also, TF decreases with the addition of ZnO within the structure of the investigated samples. Therefore, it can be suggested that increasing the concentration of ZnO in glass samples is another good way to reduce TF values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the static and dynamic rheological properties of an ultra‐processed powdered goat milk beverage containing carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), guar gum (GG), and xanthan gum (XG), using a mixture design. Fourteen samples were evaluated, in addition to the original beverage. The flow curves classified the fluids as non‐Newtonian and characterized all the reconstituted beverages with pseudoplastic behavior, precisely due to the addition of hydrocolloids that increased the viscosity, and the fresh beverage sample showed the behavior of a dilatant fluid. The stress sweep verified the changes in the storage module (G′) and the loss module (G″), the G′ ranged from 1.97 to 20.36 (Pa) and the G″ ranged from 5.94 to 11.30 (Pa), demonstrating that there was the formation of beverages with elastic and viscous behaviors. The results showed a synergistic effect between the texture improvers, and the formulations with GG identified a greater effect on the tension. The frequency sweep tests showed that the behavior of the samples was that of a weak gel; however, when subjected to a certain frequency, the values of G′ exceeded the value of G″, becoming a sample with more elastic characteristics and consequently, presenting the behavior of a stronger gel. Finally, according to the data presented, it is assumed that formulations containing GG and xanthan gum may produce desirable consumer properties for the reconstituted goat milk drink. Samples with a higher concentration of GG exhibited improved rheological performance, characterized by greater consistency, increased resistance to tension, and higher viscosity at low frequencies. Practical Application: The powdered goat milk drink is an innovative product that meets the demands of the food industry and consumers by offering a nutritious and sustainable beverage alternative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) thin films are grown on a‐plane sapphire substrates at different temperatures, Tg, by low‐pressure chemical vapor deposition with BCl3 and NH3 as boron and nitrogen sources, respectively, and their crystallographic and luminescence properties are compared with those grown on c‐plane sapphire. A notable difference from the c‐plane sapphire is that the substrate surface is significantly nitrided during film growth at Tg higher than 1200 °C, whereas no such nitridation is observed up to 1500 °C for the growth on c‐plane sapphire. The nitridation of the substrate surface is found to cause the degradation of the film quality. However, the properties of the films grown on a‐plane sapphire at Tg lower than 1200 °C are comparable to or better than those grown on c‐plane sapphire. The h‐BN epitaxial film is grown at 1150 °C epitaxially on the a‐plane sapphire substrate with the out‐of‐plane and in‐plane relationships, {0001}$\left{\right. 0001 \left.\right}$h‐BN//{112¯0}$\left{\right. 11 \bar{2} 0 \left.\right}$sapphire and {112¯0}$\textrm{ } \left{\right. 11 \bar{2} 0 \left.\right}$h‐BN//{101¯0}$\left{\right. 10 \bar{1} 0 \left.\right}$sapphire, respectively. This study suggests that a‐plane sapphire is suitable for growing high‐quality h‐BN films at relatively low Tg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Wheat bran (WB) is a byproduct of refined wheat flour production with poor edible taste and low economic value. Herein, the WB was micronized via airflow superfine pulverization (ASP), and the effects of the ASP conditions on its particle size, nutritive compositions, whiteness, hydration characteristics, moisture distribution, microstructure, cation exchange capacity, volatile flavor components, and other characteristics were investigated. RESULTS: Reducing the rotational speed of the ASP screw and increasing the number of pulverizations significantly decreased the median particle size Dx(50) of WB to a minimum of 12.97 ± 0.19 μm (P < 0.05), increased the soluble dietary fiber content from 55.05 ± 2.94 to 106.86 ± 1.60 mg g−1, and improved the whiteness and water solubility index. In addition, the water holding capacity and oil holding capacity were significantly reduced (P < 0.05), while the cation exchange and swelling capacities first increased and then decreased. Up to about 70% of water in WB exists as bound water. As the Dx(50) of WB decreased, the content of bound and immobile water increased, while the free water decreased from 14.37 ± 1.21% to 7.59 ± 1.03%. Furthermore, WB was micronized and the particles became smaller and more evenly distributed. Using gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry, a total of 37 volatile compounds in micronized WB (including 10 aldehydes, 9 esters, 7 alcohols, and several acids, furans, ethers, aldehydes, esters, and alcohols) were identified as the main volatile compounds of WB. CONCLUSION: Collectively, ASP improved the physicochemical properties of WB. This study provides theoretical references for the use of ASP to improve the utilization and edibility of WB. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the structural properties of linear discrete‐periodic systems are investigated using fully actuated system approaches and the related criteria are presented, with emphasis on the observability and controllability criteria based on fully actuated system approaches. Both the high‐order fully measured and high‐order fully actuated models of linear discrete periodic time‐varying systems are constructed, and it is shown that a sufficient and necessary condition for the linear discrete periodic system to be observable (controllable) is that it can be equivalently transformed into a step‐forward high‐order fully measured (fully actuated) model and a step‐backward high‐order fully measured (fully actuated) model. Finally, a numerical example is offered to demonstrate the validity and feasibility of the approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Doping is a widely explored technique to modify the properties of semiconducting materials. In the case of tungsten trioxide (WO3), doping with elements such as SnO2 and SrO has garnered significant attention owing to its potential impact on structural, functional, and optical characteristics. We report on structural, functional, optical, and dielectric properties of SnO2/WO3 and SrO/SnO2/WO3 composites and, for comparison, WO3 prepared via a wet chemical method. Crystallite phases were confirmed using x-ray diffraction patterns. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and dielectric studies were employed to analyze the functional groups, dielectric constants, and losses of the SnO2/WO3 and WO3/SnO2/SrO composites. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy were used to examine the optical absorption and emission maxima, respectively. The energy bandgap was determined from the absorption spectra by using a Tauc plot. Additionally, all the prepared composites exhibited brighter and sharper narrow emissions in the photoluminescence spectra. Dielectric studies of WO3/SnO2/SrO composites revealed slightly better dielectric constants and lower dielectric losses than those of SnO2/WO3 composites. Our findings suggest that the prepared composites are suitable for use in sensor and optoelectronic device applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural, tribological, mechanical, corrosion, and other properties of materials produced by laser-based powder bed fusion additive manufacturing methods are significantly affected by production parameters and strategies. Therefore, understanding and controlling the effects of the parameters used in the manufacturing process on the material properties is extremely important for determining optimum production conditions and for saving time and materials. This study aimed to determine the optimal laser parameter values for CoCrFeMnNi high-entropy alloy powders using the selective laser melting (SLM) method. The layer thickness was kept constant during experimentation. 5 different laser powers and 10 varying laser scanning speeds were tested, with hatch spacing from 30 to 90%. After determining the optimal laser parameters for SLM, prismatic samples were fabricated in different build orientations (0°, 45°, and 90°), and subsequently, their structural, mechanical, tribological, and corrosion properties were compared. Melt pool morphology could not be obtained at 20—40 and 60W laser powers and at all laser scanning speeds used at these laser powers. At 100 W laser power, 600 mm/s laser scanning speed, and 70% hatch spacing parameters, an ultimate tensile stress of 550 MPa and elongation of 48% were obtained. Among the samples produced in different build orientations, the sample produced with a 0° build orientation exhibited the highest relative density (99.94%), the highest microhardness (201.2 HV0.1), the lowest friction coefficient (0.7025), and the lowest wear and corrosion rates (0.7875 mpy). Additionally, SLM parameters were evaluated to have a significant impact on the performance of all properties of the samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is related to the dynamics of stellar structure under the influence of modified gravity (in particular f(T) gravity, where T is associated with a torsion scalar). We contemplate non-static plane geometry equipped with fluid dissipation in the form of diffusion limit. The suitable variables to handle the analysis are explored. To comprehend the dynamics of the system, we acquire the dynamical equations with the aid of Bianchi identities. We calculate the Taub mass for our structure and develop the relations of mass in the form of collapsing velocity, derivative of proper radial, and time. The scalars to comprehend the evolution and structure are explored for non-static plane geometry. These scalars have a novel existence for this structure. We find that the homogeneous expansion and homologous ways of evolution interrelate with each other. We perform the investigation for two cases that is dissipative and non-dissipative. The nature of the fluid in the dissipative case is shear and geodesic. We calculate the variety of solutions in this case. The analysis is concluded by analyzing the stability of the vanishing YTF constraint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current investigation employs first‐principles DFT (density functional theory) calculations to examine the influence of transition metal replacements on the structural, thermodynamic, and thermoelectric properties of Cu‐based chalcogenides TMCu3Se4 (TM = Nb/Ta/V). The PBE‐generalized gradient approximation (GGA) model is utilized to compute the fundamental properties of Cu‐based chalcogenides under study. A thorough examination of the energy band structures indicates that these chalcogenides are semiconductor compounds with indirect energy bandgaps. We can infer from the calculated energy band structures that the bandgap values are 1.67, 1.77, and 1.05 eV for NbCu3Se4, TaCu3Se4, and VCu3Se4, respectively. The ZTe$$ {\mathrm{ZT}}_e $$ values for NbCu3Se4, TaCu3Se4, and VCu3Se4 are 0.661, 0.998, and 0.996, respectively. These values make them highly appropriate for usage in thermoelectric (TE) devices. The thermoelectric characteristics of pyrochlore oxides TMCu3Se4 (TM = Nb/Ta/V) suggest that these materials have promising potential for energy‐related applications. The analyzed thermodynamic properties demonstrate that the Cu0based chalcogenide materials TMCu3Se4 (TM = Nb/Ta/V) exhibit a notable level of thermal stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A solar photovoltaic (PV) cell, is an electrical device that uses the PV effect to convert light energy into electricity. The application of oyster mushroom dyes in dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) is a novel strategy to substitute the costly chemical production process with easily extractable, environmentally acceptable dyes. Both dyes of yellow and pink oyster mushrooms were extracted using the same process but dried into powder form using two techniques, warm drying and freeze drying. The characterization was carried out utilizing current-voltage (I-V) characterization for electrical properties, Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometer for optical properties, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) for the structural properties. It was found that freeze-dried pink and yellow oyster mushroom had shown the good properties for DSSC application as it produced energy bandgap which lies within the range of efficient dye sensitizer; 1.7 eV and 2.2 eV, the most uniform distribution of pores and a nearly spherical form in FESEM analysis, and AFM result obtained with the highest root mean square (RMS) roughness value (26.922 and 34.033) with stereoscopic morphologies. The data proved that mushroom dyes can be incorporated in DSSC with the optimization of drying method in the extraction process, dilution of dye and the layer of deposition on the glass substrate. The current density-voltage (J–V) characteristics of fabricated DSSC was characterized using Newport Oriel Sol3A solar simulator under AM 1.5 Sun condition (100 mW/cm2, 25 oC). From the result obtained by solar simulator, the fabricated FTO/TiO2/Pleurotus djamor dye/Pt indicated the Voc of 0.499 V and Jsc of 0.397 mA/cm2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly functional and robust biobased materials are still in research to produce valuable composites for various applications. The literature shows the gap of new raw biobased materials in market which can functionally tuned and structurally modified for development of 2d/3d architectures. Thus, in the present study, very cheap, easily available agricultural waste, pineapple leaf fiber (PL-raw) was used for the isolation of microcrystalline cellulose (PL-MCC) and further functionalized using upscaled chemical approach to carboxymethyl microcrystalline cellulose (PL-CMMCC). Very advanced techniques like Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) served to characterize the raw material, high crystalline PL-MCC, and modified carboxy methyl MCC. FTIR determined presence of different absorbed peak at approximately 1620.2 cm−1, and at 1423.8 cm−1, carboxyl groups were assigned to PL-CMMCC. On the other hand, the XRD findings verified that PL-CMMCC's crystalline structure has decreased. Analysis by SEM revealed a damaged surface morphology for PL-CMMCC. Following chemical treatments, the EDX analysis revealed that each fiber sample contained a highly pure cellulose elemental composition. Thus, results explain the utilization of agricultural waste, pineapple leaf fiber to high valuable products like highly crystalline PL-MCC, in addition further modification of PL-MCC could leads to formation of highly functional material that could be used for other applications too in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pure, Ni-doped, and Ni/Co–co-doped magnetite nanoparticles at different Co concentrations (1%, 2%, and 3%) and a constant concentration value of Ni were fabricated by the hydrothermal method. The nanoparticles were investigated by X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, a vibrating sample magnetometer, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and UV–visible spectroscopy. The X-ray diffraction showed that pure Fe3O4, Ni-Fe3O4, and 3%Ni-3%Co-Fe3O4 have cubic inverse-spinel structures, while the samples co-doped with Ni:Co (1%, 2%) revealed orthorhombic structure. The doping resulted in a reduction of the average crystalline size values from 47.755 to 9.927 nm. The morphology of all the samples was spherical, with a mean diameter in the range of 75–120 nm. The presence of Ni, Co, Fe, and O in a lattice of Ni/Co–co-doped Fe3O4 was confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. The FTIR spectrum displayed two bands at 400–50 cm−1 and 520–480 cm−1, which were present in all samples. These vibration bands correlate to the ferrite spinel lattice vibration. The UV–visible absorption spectra of doped and co-doped samples showed a blue shift in the absorption edge as compared to undoped (pure) magnetite nanoparticles. The energy gap increased with doping and co-doping, from 1.5 to 2.6 eV. The measurement of the magnetic characteristics of pure Fe3O4 (Ms = 82.7 emu g−1, Mr = 8.4 emu g−1, and HC = 60 Oe). While in the case of Ni-doped and Ni/Co–co-doped samples, all the extracted magnetic parameters declined in comparison to pure Fe3O4. Furthermore, the hemolysis assay of all samples with concentrations ranging between 100 and 800 µg/ml was used in this study. After completing the study of hemolytic activity for all samples, the results revealed that the activity was concentration-dependent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six sorghum varieties containing different amylose were selected to investigate the structural and physicochemical characteristics of starches and endosperm texture of grains. The results showed that the outer layer endosperm of sorghum grain changed from waxy to corneous, and its starch granules were more compactly packed and exhibited the spindle‐shaped holes with the increase of amylose content. Higher amylose starch granules exhibited fewer and smaller micropores on the surface and were more likely to deform and agglomerate into larger amorphous particles after heated. Amylose content of sorghum starches was negatively correlated to granule size, relative crystallinity, and the proportion of the long branch chains (DP = 25–36 and > 36), whereas positively correlated to the proportion of the short branch chains (DP = 6–12 and 13–24). Amylose content had negative correlations with To, Tp, ΔH, PV, and SDS (p <.05), positive corrections with FV, SB, and RDS (p <.05), and no correlations with Tc, HPV, BD, and RS. It could be concluded that amylose content affected the endosperm texture of sorghum grain and had strong correlations with structural and physicochemical properties of sorghum starch. These findings may help identify uses for these sorghum varieties in baijiu production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterogeneous Advanced Oxidation Processes (H-AOPs) are considered a new process for removing emerging pollutants. In this case, the high reactivity of hydroxyl radicals is used to degrade persistent organic pollutants. This review explores the state-of-the-art catalyst for hydroxyl radical generation in AOPs. As a parasite reaction, chloride ions appear in alkaline conditions and compete with the active sites. The theoretical foundation of catalyst performance is explored, focusing on the fundamental principles that govern the efficiency and mechanism of hydroxyl or chloride radical production. The synthesis and electronic modification sections explore the modifications of catalysts. It discusses key methodologies for catalyst preparation, with a particular emphasis on electronic modification that enhances both activity and stability. Finally, laboratory and pilot applications highlight the effectiveness of novel or modified catalysts in different scenarios. These last findings provide insights into the future directions for research and application, aiming to draw attention to the gap between laboratory studies and real-world implementations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preparation conditions play a key role in tailoring the properties of ceramic materials, including ferrite, to suit efficient industrial and technological applications. This manuscript is concerned with correlating the structural, spectroscopic, optical, transport, and dielectric properties of nickel zinc ferrite nanoparticles (NZNs) to the sintering temperature as an effective preparation condition controlled through the coprecipitation technique. Techniques for studying the various features of the synthesized compounds include x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and the LCR bridge. XRD data showed the as-prepared samples' single-phase inverse spinel structure and an increase in crystallinity with increasing sintering temperature. SEM images show the nanosized range with semi-spherical particles for all the NZN fabricated samples. Moreover, Raman spectroscopy results showed that the four distinct active modes (Eg, F2g(2), A1g(2), and A1g(1)) for the NZN compounds have the same lattice strain tendency. The direct and indirect optical energy gap values (2-3.82) eV of the synthesized compounds span a wide range in the visible and ultraviolet spectrum, making them candidates for optoelectronic applications. In general, sintering temperature plays an outstanding role in increasing the values of some features such as crystallite size, optical energy gap, and electrical conductivity, and correspondingly decreasing other features such as unit cell volume dissociation density, absorption bands, and dielectric parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This study investigated the impact of varying ethanol concentrations on the functionality and structure of conjugates of gallic acid (GA) and whey protein isolate (WPI). The solubility, total phenolic content, and sulfhydryl group content of the conjugates significantly decreased with increasing ethanol concentration. The structure of the conjugates was altered as indicated by changes in their infrared and fluorescence spectra. By measuring the emulsification and foaming properties, we found that ethanol improved the functional properties of the conjugates. The study examined the influence of ethanol on the conjugates of polyphenolic compounds with whey protein, broadening the scope of research on protein modification. Furthermore, it provided a scientific basis for the future development of novel functional foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper represents a study of the effect of Al-substitutions on structural, magnetic, and dielectric properties of Sr 0·8 Ce 0·2 Fe 12- x Al x O 19 (x = 0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00) ferrites synthesized in presence of yellow bell leaves extract. All samples were synthesized using the sol-gel combustion technique with the influence of green synthesis by using leaves of Tecomastans (yellow bell) plant. These samples were preheated at 550 °C for 4 h and finally calcinated at 1150 °C for 6h. These samples were characterized using XRD, FTIR spectroscopy, SEM, VSM, LCR measurements, and VNA measurements. XRD analysis confirm the formation of a magnetoplumbite M-phase (hexagonal) with a minor impurity phase of CeO 2 in all samples. Lattice parameters a and c are obtained from rietveld refinement, which are found in the range from 5.859 Å to 5.883 Å, and 22.96 Å to 23.05 Å respectively. FTIR spectra confirm the absence of organic compounds and the presence of an absorption band in the fingerprint region, which are linked to the stretching of the metal-oxygen bond at the octahedral and tetrahedral sites. The surface morphology of these samples is analyzed using SEM images. Grains with hexagonal plate shapes were observed in each sample. The average grain size varies in the range of 0.565 μm–1.455 μm. EDS data confirms the presence of desired elements in the respective sample. VSM analysis shows hard magnetic behavior in all samples. Magnetic parameters were found in the range, M s : 36.281–43.397 emu/g, M r : 12.297–19.841 emu/g, H c : 2.0987–3.814 kOe. In low-frequency (20 Hz-2 MHz) dielectric measurements, the dielectric constant is high at low frequencies, which rapidly falls as frequency increases. Loss tangent curve shows a relaxation peak for each sample above 200 kHz. AC conductivity is very low in the order of 10−5 S/m in plateau region below 2 kHz, which increases as frequency increases. Cole-Cole plot suggests the effect of grain boundary contribution is higher in non-substituted sample compared to Al-substituted samples. In high-frequency (0.2 GHz–20 GHz) measurements, the dielectric constant remains almost constant. These values are found in the range 5–7.5. Low loss tangent of 0–0.16 were observed in every sample in this frequency domain, with AC conductivity of the order of 10−2 S/m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural, mechanical and radiation shielding properties of (69-x)B 2 O 3 -20TeO 2 -10Al 2 O 3 -1HfO 2 -xPr 6 O 11 (where x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1 mol %) glass system were investigated. This study introduces a novel approach by incorporating Pr 6 O 11 into glass composition, highlighting its unique contributions to enhancing elastic properties, fracture toughness, hardness, and radiation shielding abilities. Experimental measurements were conducted within the energy range of 59.54–661.62 keV and theoretical calculations are made for MAC values. The presence of Pr 6 O 11 was noted to positively influence the gamma shielding capabilities. At 59.54 keV, the addition of 0.25 mol% Pr 6 O 11 increased the mass attenuation coefficient of the glass by 2.9 %, and the addition of 1 mol% Pr 6 O 11 increased it by 29.8 %. The addition of 0.25 mol% Pr 6 O 11 increased the fast neutron removal cross section of the glass by 4.4 %. Also, it is observed that the glass with 1 mol% Pr 6 O 11 is the best shielding material against alpha and proton particles. A significant enhancement of 24.36 % in the fracture toughness value was observed, increasing from 1.059 to 1.317 MPa m1/2 at 1 mol% Pr 6 O 11. Experimental hardness values increased from 3.374 to 3.985 GPa, resulting in an improvement of 18.11 % at 1 mol% Pr 6 O 11. The thermal stability (ΔT, °C) value demonstrated a notable increase from 85 to 106, indicating a significant 24.7 % improvement at 0.25 mol% Pr 6 O 11. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three different ionic surfactants (CTAB, SDS, and PEG) were capped synthesized ZnO-NiO nanocomposites via co-precipitation method. The primary goal of the present work is tuning the crystallite size, morphology, particle size, energy gap, and luminescence of ZnO-NiO nanocomposites under the influence of surfactant agents through powder XRD, SEM, UV–visible, and fluorescence measurements. The bi-phase crystalline structure has been identified in synthesized ZnO-NiO samples with the assistance of powder XRD analysis. The TEM image of the CTAB-capped ZnO-NiO composite revealed a uniformly dispersed spherical-like structure of the particles. Further, formations of zinc oxide–nickel oxide have also been supported by the EDX study. The optical band gap values are relatively higher (3.17 eV) in CTAB-capped ZnO-NiO composites than SDS-capped (3.12 eV), and PEG-capped (3.10 eV) through identified as UV–visible spectra. From the fluorescence spectra, strong visible emission peaks were detected at 632 nm in all synthesized ZnO-NiO nanocomposites. The second aim of the present work, in terms of the better size and optical properties of CTAB-capped ZnO-NiO composites, has been taken to further investigate photocatalytic and electrochemical properties through photocatalytic experiments and cyclic voltammetry measurements. Orange Gelb (OG), Amidoblack 10B (AB10B), and Direct Blue 71 (DB71) dyes, along with CTAB-capped ZnO-NiO nanocomposites, were employed as photocatalyst in a photocatalytic experiment under visible light illumination to test the photodegradation efficiency. Photodegradation efficiency of AB10B to be 99.145% is relatively higher than 95.92% (OG) and 94.88% (DB71) which is due to the photo absorption wavelengths of the chromophore and aromatic part of the dyes. In addition, the electrochemical oxidation peaks, current response, and corresponding potential of CTAB-capped ZnO-NiO were shifted under the influence of various scan rates using cyclic voltammetry (CV) analysis, which exhibits pseudocapacitance behavior. This work will pave the way for the synthesized sample's use in waste-water treatment and supercapacitor applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are idiomatic pairs in both English and Vietnamese. While idiomatic pairs in Vietnamese have been extensively researched from different views, it seems that there have been few thorough studies of idiomatic pairs across English and Vietnamese. This paper looks into the structural and semantic properties of idiomatic pairs in English and Vietnamese using the framework of idiom analysability (Langlotz, 2006). This is a contrastive analysis that presents the similarities and differences between English and Vietnamese idiomatic pairs in terms of structural and semantic properties, including grammatical and componential patterns, semantic compositions, and transparent-opaque components. A manual search of Giang's (2018) idiom collection yielded a corpus of 231 English and 2374 Vietnamese idiomatic pairs, which served as the data for the study. The findings of this study indicate that the biggest difference between English and Vietnamese idiomatic pairs lies in their distribution in each language. There are much more idiomatic idioms in Vietnamese than in English. Grammatically, idiomatic pairs in both languages are formed by two syntactically equivalent component parts. In Vietnamese, the components that create idiomatic pairs are even, and in English, they are odd. Semantically, the majority of English and Vietnamese idiomatic pairs are able to be analysable, and their meanings are at least motivated in some way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research introduced cubic bipolar neutrosophic sets (CBNSs), a novel framework that significantly enhanced the capabilities of bipolar neutrosophic sets (BNSs) in handling uncertainty and vagueness within data analysis. By integrating bipolarity and cubic sets, CBNSs provide a more comprehensive and accurate representation of information. We have defined key operations for CBNSs and thoroughly investigated their structural properties. Additionally, we have introduced cubic bipolar neutrosophic soft sets (CBNSSs) as a flexible parameterization tool for CBNSs. To validate the practical utility of CBNSs, we conducted a case study in decision-making. Our algorithmic approach effectively addressed the challenges posed by uncertainty and vagueness in the decision-making process. The results of our research unequivocally demonstrated the superiority of CBNSs over existing methods in terms of accuracy, flexibility, and applicability. By offering a more nuanced representation of information, CBNSs provide a valuable tool for researchers and practitioners tackling complex decision problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examines the impact of acidic and basic pH on the optical, morphological, and structural characteristics of TiO2 sol–gel thin films that are deposited using the dip-coating technique on glass substrates. All of the samples are polycrystalline and have anatase structures with preference orientation along the (101) direction, according to X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy (RS). It is observed that, for both basic and acidic pH values, crystallite size decreases as sol pH rises. All of the films' surfaces were smooth and had a uniform grain distribution, according to atomic force microscopy (AFM). The pH of the sol has an impact on the surface roughness. All films had a higher degree of transparency, according to UV-visible spectroscopy. The refractive index and the direct and indirect band gaps are two essential optical properties of thin films that are significantly influenced by the pH of the deposition medium. Measurements of photoluminescence (PL) showed a strong violet-blue emission band, the intensity of which is highly dependent on the sol's pH. In acidic media, PL decreases with increasing pH. However, in a basic environment, the PL rises sharply as the pH increases from 10 to 11 and then decreases for higher pH values. In particular, compared to the other samples, the emission intensity from the film deposited at a pH value of 10 is noticeably lower and displays unique spectral signatures. Highlights: The effects of acidic and basic pH on the structural, morphological, and optical properties of TiO2 sol–gel thin films were investigated. XRD analyses show that crystallite size decreases with increasing pH in both acidic and basic sols. Optical analysis demonstrates that TiO2 thin films deposited at acidic pH values have greater transparency than those deposited at basic pH values. Photoluminescence measurements revealed a strong correlation between sample emission and pH. The film deposited at pH 10 has significantly lower emission intensity and a distinct spectral signature than the other samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Different physical features of UT2Si2 (T = Ru, Rh, Pd) are investigated using ab initio methods. The examined lattice parameters are closely aligned with the experimental data. The negative cohesive energy ensures the chemical stability of the UT2Si2 (T = Ru, Rh, Pd). The mechanical stability of UT2Si2 (T = Ru, Rh, Pd) is ensured from the positive elastic constants. Very large bulk and Young's moduli of URu2Si2, and URh2Si2 ensures their high resistance to volume and longitudinal deformation. Whereas the lower Young's modulus (E) for UPd2Si2 suggests its heightened capacity to resist thermal shock resistance. The high machinable index of UPd2Si2 compared to URu2Si2 and URh2Si2 confirm its more damage‐tolerant and high elastic behavior and probable industrial applications. All the phases exhibit elastic anisotropy and ductile nature. Metallic features as well as mixture of covalent and ionic bonding are observed from electronic properties. Furthermore, the investigation on optical properties suggests the potential use of UT2Si2 (T = Ru, Rh, Pd) in anti‐reflection coatings, UV detectors, and optoelectronic devices due to their notable peaks in the UV energy range. The thermodynamic parameters such as Debye temperature as well as minimum thermal conductivity indicate the potential utility of these compounds in thermal barrier coating materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The (Ba 0 · 95 Ca 0.05) (Ti 0 · 95 Zr 0.05) 1-x (Zn 1/3 Nb 2/3) x O 3 BCZTxZN compounds, were created using the widely adopted solid-state method. To assess the impact of (Zn, Nb: ZN) co-substitution ions we studied the structural, vibrational, and dielectric characteristics of BCZT. The phase purity was validated by conducting Rietveld refinement of XRD data, indicating the coexistence of orthorhombic and tetragonal phases at ambient temperature in the (Ba 0 · 95 Ca 0.05) (Ti 0 · 95 Zr 0.05) 0.975 (Zn 1/3 Nb 2/3) 0.025 O 3 (BCZT25ZN) composition. Furthermore, Raman spectroscopy confirmed the observed transitions. The presence of Zn2+ and Nb5+ ions resulted in a decrease in cell parameters and cell volume. The real part of the dielectric constant and the tangent loss (tan δ) exhibited values of approximately 3380 and 0.031, respectively, for the sample (Ba 0 · 95 Ca 0.05)(Ti 0 · 95 Zr 0.05) 0.95 (Zn 1/3 Nb 2/3) 0.05 O 3 (BCZT50ZN), obtained by substituting ZN in Ba 0 · 95 Ca 0 · 05 Ti 0 · 95 Zr 0 · 05 O 3. Incorporation of ZN into Ba 0 · 95 Ca 0 · 05 Ti 0 · 95 Zr 0 · 05 O 3 presents promising prospects for using the material in various device applications, including energy storage capacitors, sensors, and actuators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bi 0. 90 Sm 0.1 Fe 0.97 Cr 0.03 O 3 @PANI core-shell structures were made by a two-step method, first, bismuth ferrite nanoparticles by hydrothermal method and then, aniline core-shell by co-precipitation method. The bismuth ferrite (BFO) XRD pattern showed no impurities of Sm, Cr, or their compounds in the samples, indicating that Sm+3 and Cr+3 had been replaced in the BFO structure. The XRD pattern of the Bi 0. 90 Sm 0.1 Fe 0.97 Cr 0.03 O 3 @PANI core-shell shows all peaks of Bi 0. 90 Sm 0.1 Fe 0.97 Cr 0.03 O 3 composition with lower intensity, as a result, the Bi 0. 90 Sm 0.1 Fe 0.97 Cr 0.03 O 3 composition is phase single. This lower intensity is attributed to the presence of amorphous polyaniline in the core-shell structure. Since there is in the FT-IR spectrum of the Bi 0. 90 Sm 0.1 Fe 0.97 Cr 0.03 O 3 @PANI core-shell, characteristic peaks of both polyaniline and bismuth ferrite simultaneously so, the FT-IR spectrum of the Bi 0. 90 Sm 0.1 Fe 0.97 Cr 0.03 O 3 @PANI core-shell is a perovskite structure. The synthesized samples exhibit weak magnetic properties and behave as a paramagnetic material. The absorption capability of core-shell compared to core nanoparticles has increased in the visible region, and this enhancement is attributed to the influence of the presence of polyaniline. All the peaks in the UV–visible absorption spectrum characterize the nano-sized bismuth ferrite and polyaniline in the UV–visible spectrum of the core-shell. The intensity of the photoluminescence spectrum in the doped sample is significantly higher compared to the core-shell sample. This indicates a much faster recombination rate in the doped nanoparticles compared to the core-shell nanocomposite. The doping of the core with Cr and Sm elements, as well as the coating of the core with a polymeric shell, has led to an increase in the degradation rate of the red dye. We also found that shell thickness plays a vital role in dye degradation efficiency and photocatalytic performance. The Bi 0. 90 Sm 0.1 Fe 0.97 Cr 0.03 O 3 @PANI core-shell exhibits significant photocatalytic activity under visible light. The photocatalytic studies show that the best sample is Bi 0.9 Sm 0.1 Fe 0.97 Cr 0.03 O 3 @PANI core-shell with aniline concentration of 0.2 mL and a pH = 2 which was able to destroy 100 % of Congo red dye molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this groundbreaking study, we unveil the remarkable structural, electronic, and optical Properties of the newly discovered double perovskite material, K2AgBiI6, presenting a paradigm shift in materials science. The unique crystal structure and diverse atomic interactions inherent in this double perovskite make it an up-and-coming candidate for various technological applications, particularly in photovoltaics; owing to its stability and resistance to heat and humidity, we aim to shed light on the extraordinary potential of K2AgBiI6. Our study provides valuable insights for researchers engaged in tailored material design. We anticipate that the exceptional electronic properties of K2AgBiI6 will not only redefine the boundaries of materials engineering but also catalyze unprecedented advances in sustainable technology. Employing the powerful computational tool CASTEP, we conducted detailed electronic structure calculations within the framework of Density Functional Theory (DFT) to unravel the electronic properties of the double perovskite K2AgBiI6. Our investigation thoroughly explored structural properties, band structure, total density of states (DOS), and partial density of states (PDOS). Furthermore, we systematically examined the influence of different exchange-correlation functionals, including LDA, GGA, and m-GGA, on the electronic and optical features of the material by presenting a comparative analysis of these approximations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lanthanide-doped β-Ca2SiO4 has been regarded as a promising material for use in light-emitting diode (LED) phosphors. Nevertheless, the performance of these luminescent materials activated by lanthanide ions depends strongly on the host matrix. The challenge lies in controlling the phase under ambient conditions in a material that exists in five polymorphic forms. Herein, we report the synthesis of β-Ca2SiO4 containing Ce and Eu ions via the Sol–Gel method. The pure and doped samples were characterized using thermogravimetric (TG) and differential thermal (DT) analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Rietveld–XRD analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), photoluminescence (PL), and defect calculations. XRD analyses show the predominant formation of the β-phase. Morphological analyses by SEM show smaller particle sizes in Ce- and Eu-doped β-Ca2SiO4 than pure samples. This result suggests that Ce3+ is more efficient at stabilizing the β-Ca2SiO4 polymorph. The PL emission of the β-Ca2SiO4:Eu, excited at 393 nm, provides evidence about the existence of two nonequivalent sites, with one of them evolving to a high symmetry site and the other one remaining in a low symmetry. PL results are corroborated by defect calculations in which it is evident that both Eu3+ and Ce3+ ions prefer to be incorporated into the two Ca2 sites compensated by a Ca1 vacancy, including a probable change in the coordination number of the Eu3+ ion. The abrupt distortion of one of the Eu3+ sites is accompanied by the high 5D0 → 7F4 transition. Also, we present XANES and XPS analyses combined with defect calculations for Eu2+ and Ce4+ ions to discuss the likely coexistence of valency states in the host matrix. Lastly, the results offer insights into improving the performance of phosphor-converted white LEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, NiO-added NiCo 2 O 4 composite samples were prepared using three distinct synthesis methods to study the impact of synthesis technique and NiO addition on the electrochemical performance of NiCo 2 O 4. The chosen methods, sol-gel, co-precipitation, and ultrasonication, represent a range of approaches that yield different particle structures and morphologies. The structural and morphological studies of composite samples were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), respectively. XRD analysis revealed the crystalline composition, revealing the presence of two distinct phases: NiO and NiCo 2 O 4. The Rietveld analysis of the composite samples supports the dual phases in the samples. FESEM analysis confirms the change in size and shape of the particles with the synthesis procedure. Optical properties, measured via UV–visible absorbance spectra, demonstrated that the energy gap varied with the synthesis method. The sol-gel samples exhibited the highest energy gap at 2.20 eV. The magnetic properties were measured using the vibration sample magnetometer (VSM), and the results confirm that the synthesis procedure influences magnetic loops and coercivity. The electrochemical performance of the samples in a 3 M potassium hydroxide electrolyte revealed that the co-precipitation method produced the highest capacitance of 398 Fg-1 at a 10 mV/s sweep rate, indicating superior energy storage capacity compared to pure NiCo 2 O 4. Adding NiO phase to the NiCo 2 O 4 matrix is believed to enhance electrochemical performance by creating additional charge at the grain boundaries, leading to a synergistic effect and improved electron and ion transport. The exceptional electrochemical performance of these composite materials suggests that the synthesis methods and the addition of NiO play a critical role in determining the overall efficiency and applicability of battery-type supercapacitors. These findings pave the way for further research into optimizing synthesis parameters to enhance energy storage capacity and inspire the development of advanced spinel metal oxide composite electrodes for supercapacitors and other energy storage applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural, mechanical, optical, thermo-physical, and electronic properties of the monoclinic XGaH 5 (X = Ba, Ca, and Mg) used as hydrogen storage material were investigated in detail using the ab initio technique. Gravimetric hydrogen densities (5.1 wt % for the MgGaH 5 , 4.4 wt % for the CaGaH 5 , and 2.38 wt % for the BaGaH 5), hydrogen desorption temperatures (29.05 K for the MgGaH 5 , 175.56 K for the CaGaH 5 , and 218.36 K for the BaGaH 5) and enthalpies of formation (−0.039 eV/atom for the MgGaH 5 , -0.237 eV/atom for the CaGaH 5 and -0.296 eV/atom for the BaGaH 5) of these compounds were also calculated. As a result of electronic band structure calculations, band gap values for BaGaH 5 , CaGaH 5 , and MgGaH 5 were obtained as 3.08 eV, 4.05 eV, and 3.61 eV, respectively. It is clear from the high band gap values that all three materials have insulator character. The second-order independent elastic constant values, which provide information about the hardness and mechanical stability of the materials, were calculated. The elastic constant values showed that XGaH 5 is mechanically stable. Hardness parameters such as bulk modulus, shear modulus, B/G ratio (1.19 for the MgGaH 5 , 1.11 for the CaGaH 5 , and 1.68 for the BaGaH 5), Young's modulus, and Poisson's ratio were also calculated using elastic constant values. According to the B/G ratio, all three structures were found to be brittle materials. From Poisson's ratio (0.17 for the MgGaH 5 , 0.15 for the CaGaH 5 , and 0.25 for the BaGaH 5), the atoms in XGaH 5 compounds are connected by covalent bonds. Besides, the formation enthalpies of the materials were calculated, and it was concluded that all three compounds could be synthesized in the laboratory. In addition, some optical properties of XGaH 5 such as dielectric function, conductivity, reflectivity, and absorption were also calculated. Finally, thermo-physical properties were calculated for XGaH 5 compounds. • First-principles calculations to investigate XGaH 5 materials for hydrogen storage applications. • XGaH 5 (X = Ba, Ca, and Mg) compounds are found to be mechanically stable and brittle. • The desorption temperature values for MgGaH 5 , CaGaH 5 , and BaGaH 5 are 29.05 K, 175.56 K, and 218.36 K, respectively • MgGaH 5 5.1 wt % has a higher gravimetric hydrogen densities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our investigation focused on an in-depth examination of the physical properties of KZnH3 and NaZnH3, with lattice parameters of 4.04 and 3.72 Å, respectively. Both compounds exist stably in a cubic structure and exhibit metallic behavior with no band gap. At the Fermi level, the total and partial densities of states exhibit a significant conductivity, confirming the metallic behavior. These materials have brittle and anisotropic properties. Because of their greater bulk modulus, average shear modulus, and Young's modulus, NaZnH3 appears harder compared to KZnH3. Optical properties indicate significant absorption and optical conductivity in the energy spectrum of 6–9 eV. NaZnH3 has a greater static refractive index and reflectivity as compared to KZnH3. The research on hydrogen storage suggests that both of these materials can store hydrogen, however, NaZnH3 is a more promising candidate due to its higher hydrogen storage capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study employs density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics to meticulously investigate the structural and electronic properties of ternary chalcogenide compounds, specifically (GeTe4)1-x Inx, and (GeTe5)1-x Inx across a range of compositions ( x = 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 at %). Utilizing the local density approximation within the framework of first-principles calculations, we comprehensively analyze the pair correlation function, static structural factor, electronic density of states, and electronic band gap energy. Our results reveal a notable decrease in the energy band gap of Germanium-Tellurium with the incorporation of Indium atoms. The structural changes observed in the Ge-Te matrix with Indium doping, as evidenced by the changes in the pair correlation function and static structure factor, are consistent with and supportive of the observed decrease in the band gap energy. This phenomenon is primarily attributed to the significant contribution of Indium atoms to the conduction band edge, offering new insights into the material's electronic behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aims to produce nanocomposites of spinel materials using the sol-gel and hydrothermal techniques creating a new nanocomposite structure with upgraded characteristics. The impact of CuCo2O4 content (x; 0, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20) on the structural, linear/ nonlinear optical and photoluminescent features of (1-x)ZnMn2O4/(x)CuCo2O4 (ZMO/CCO) has been investigated. The X-ray measurements gathered by SESAME synchrotron diffractometer were used to investigate the structural properties. Rietveld refinement analysis reveals that ZnMn2O4 (ZMO) possesses a spinel tetragonal phase, while the composed samples have two phases of ZMO and CuCo2O4 (CCO). The structure and chemical bonding were investigated by FTIR and Raman spectrophotometry techniques. UV-vis diffuse reflectance measurements manifested that the absorption of ZMO is highly enhanced upon composing with CCO. The linear/nonlinear optical and photoluminescent (PL) features of the sample have been investigated. The Kubelka-Munk method was applied to determine the optical energy gap. It was found that the optical band gap varies from 1.86 eV (x = 0) to 1.38 eV (x = 0.15). Several empirical models were applied to explore the refractive index behavior. The CIE chromaticity diagram for (1-x)ZnMn2O4/(x)CuCo2O4 nanocomposites has been investigated. Significant enhancement in the linear/nonlinear optical and PL has been achieved, which nominates the produced nanocomposites for new optical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preparation process of resistant starch III (RS3) has attracted widespread attention, but its milling method is often overlooked. This study examines two milling methods for RS3: shear milling (SM) and vibration milling (VM). Manual milling (MM) is used as a control. The particle size, morphology, crystallinity, gelatinization characteristics, and in vitro digestibility of milled RS3 are analyzed. The particle size of the VM‐samples ranged from 71.92 to 107.69 µm, which is lower than SM‐samples. Scanning electron microscopy shows that SM‐RS3 appears as pellets, while VM‐RS3 is mostly coarse flakes. From the results of RVA and DSC, VM destroys more starch than SM. The crystallization peak of VM‐samples disappears, and the retention of SM‐samples is well. The values of R 1047/1022 and R 995/1022 cm−1 indicate that the crystal order and double helix structure of RS3 are destroyed after multiple VM shocked compared with SM. In vitro digestion experiment, resistant starch content of SM‐samples is about 30%, while VM‐samples are much less than SM. These findings suggest that the choice of milling methods has a significant impact on the structure and physicochemical characteristics of RS3, and it is an important step in preparing RS3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Roots and tuberous plants are vital food crops used as food supplements in many parts of the tropics. Being a major food item, starch is used in food products as thickeners, adsorbent, film forming agent. Starch, naturally, possess certain limitations & starch modifications can overcome the limitations, thereby increasing its versatility and meeting the needs of consumer. Current study focuses on comparative analysis between modified Elephant Foot Yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius) starch using physical methods (heat treatment method, annealing and gelatinization‐retrogradation) and to study the effect of modification on physico‐chemical, functional, structural and thermal properties. Results reveal that all physically modified starches positively altered the functional and physiological characteristics of native yam starch. However, maximum restriction in swelling power (2.54 %), solubility (2.47 %), moisture content (1.96 %), water absorption capacity (1.41 g/mL) is observed in heat moisture treated (HMT) starch. These HMT modified starches can be used in the manufacturing of baked and dairy products having reduced glycemic index, can be used as a packaging material for coating of fruits and vegetables. Henceforth, suitable and relevant application of modified starches of desired physical and functional features may be produced for industrial utilisation, or as additives fulfilling specific purposes in foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large, immovable rammed earth buildings in UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites are at serious risk of disaster due to environmental changes. In this study, the rammed earth city walls (REWs) located in the Ancient City of Ping Yao, a World Cultural Heritage site, affected by heavy precipitation in early October 2021, were used as the research object. The study aimed to specify the details of deterioration through multiple indicator data collection, semi-quantitatively evaluate the degree of deterioration of REWs, and investigate the causes of typical deterioration in REWs with different spatial distributions under the influence of heavy precipitation. Based on the current research and experimental data, and considering the mode of action and form of deterioration, a classification system for the landslide-like collapses of REWs under the influence of precipitation was constructed. Factors such as the influence of heavy precipitation and the REWs' intrinsic features resulted in significant variations in structural properties and deterioration development of REWs with different spatial distribution characteristics. Finally, based on the research in this paper and the conservation ideology of cultural relics that respects the original and minimizes intervention, we propose protection recommendations for the daily management and conservation of the REWs to provide guidance for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In view of the environmental problems resulting from plastic‐based packaging, gelatin film production from alternative, sustainable sources are extremely important. The objective of this study was to utilise a major source of collagen derived from poultry waste to produce and characterise turkey skin gelatin films (TGF). TGFs were produced at different glycerol concentrations (20%, 30% and 40%) via solvent casting technique. TGFs characteristics were also compared with the bovine gelatin films (BGF). The thermal structural development of TGF solutions to form a film network was not affected by the glycerol content in the temperature sweep test. This property was determined earlier and at higher temperatures in TGF (22 °C–23 °C) than in BGF (19 °C). As the glycerol ratio increased, the moisture content increased from 14.80% to 22.46%, while the thickness (36 μm) and density (1.134–1.247 g cm−3) of TGFs remained constant due to the compact structures. The water vapour transmission rates of TGFs and BGF were similar (P >0.05), ranging from 0.48 to 0.53 g mm m−2 h−1 kPa−1. Lower solubility was found for TGF20 (44.78%) and TGF30 (63.59%) films compared to BGF30 (63.59%). TGF20 exhibited the highest tensile strength and lowest elongation at break values. TGF40 and BGF30 demonstrated the highest flexibility and extensibility (P >0.05). In XRD analysis, TG40 demonstrated a less amorphous film structure compared to BG30, since the increased interaction due to glycerol provided a more ordered polymeric structure. TG20 and TG30 showed lower decomposition rates and higher residue levels, indicating their higher thermal stability. Thus, gelatin films based on turkey skin could be the alternative natural biodegradable films with suitable glycerol content for desired mechanical, barrier and thermal properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiation shielding materials are essential for balancing the benefits and risks of ionizing radiation. In this prospective, we have prepared a series of glasses with composition (70-x)B 2 O 3 –15BaO–10PbO–5WO 3 -xBi 2 O 3 (where x = 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 mol %) for varying concentrations of Bi 2 O 3 using melt-quenching method. Their physical, thermal, structural, mechanical, optical, and radiation shielding properties were evaluated. XRD scans confirm the amorphous nature of prepared glasses. As Bi 2 O 3 content increases from 0 to 20 mol%, the density of the glasses rises from 3.155 to 4.578 g/cm3. Thermal studies show enhanced properties when substituting B 2 O 3 with Bi 2 O 3. FTIR studies reveal the presence of BO 3 , BO 4 , BiO 3 , and BiO 6 structural units in the glasses. Mechanical properties, evaluated by Makishima–Mackenzie model, decrease as Bi 2 O 3 concentration rises. Optical absorption studies suggest decreasing band gap energy (2.908–2.254 eV for indirect transitions), implying the possibility of the non-bridging oxygen formation. In the context of radiation shielding, mass attenuation coefficients (MAC) of the produced glasses were determined both experimentally and by using the Phy-X/PSD program, and their agreement validates the accuracy of the experimental findings. Additionally, various other shielding parameters such as linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), half value layer (HVL), tenth value layer (TVL), mean free path (MFP), and effective atomic number (Z eff) have been evaluated and interpreted. The results indicate that the substitution of Bi 2 O 3 directly impacts the shielding ability of the glasses. The BBi-20 glass sample, containing 20 mol% of Bi 2 O 3 , emerges as the superior candidate for shielding, showing the highest MAC (0.1284 and 0.0986 cm2/g at the energies 0.511 MeV and 0.662 MeV respectively), LAC, and Z eff , along with minimum HVL, TVL, and MFP values. Comparison of MAC values with standard shielding materials confirms the potential of the produced glasses for gamma shielding applications, highlighting their promising structural and optical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthesis of ternary nanocomposites of BiFeO 3 -Graphene-KNbO 3 through simple solution method has been made at various concentrations of graphene ranging 0.025–0.1 % mole fraction. The obtained nanocomposite powders with varying content of graphitic phase were subjected to different characterization techniques such as XRD, Raman, SEM/EDX/Elemental mapping, HR-TEM, UV–Vis–NIR spectroscopy, dielectric and photodegradation measurements. All above studies have provided the collective impression of the existence of all entities in the prepared ternary composites. Dielectric studies revealed that progressive loading of graphene content led to the increased pathway for the conduction of electrons in the sample. However, the loading of graphene at appropriate concentration has brought out increased dye degradation capacity of BiFeO 3 -Graphene-KNbO 3 ternary nanocomposites towards methylene blue dye. The results obtained from various studies have been discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polypropylene multifilament yarns produced with flame-retardant (FR) additives have a significant place in the technical textile market. Determination of the technical performances of these multifilaments is very important. In addition, effects of the additive in the filament structure on the thermal and structural properties of the filament must be examined. In this study, new polypropylene polymer (PP) filament yarns having FR properties were produced and their thermal properties and crystallization data were determined and results are interpreted. Thermal properties and crystallization data of the PP multifilament yarns were determined by DSC analysis. Further, values of crystalline region ratio were determined and thermogram graphs of all samples were interpreted. As can be seen from the graphs, PP filaments had two consecutive melting points because PP has a double melting peak due to its structural character. Also, it has been observed that there is a direct proportionality between the melting enthalpy values of PP filaments and crystalline region ratios (%). The melting point was not significantly affected by the amount of FR additive. The addition of FR granule to PP filament further increases the enthalpy (∆Hm) required to melt the filament but there was no effect on melting temperature due to loading of FR additive to the PP filament yarns. Also, mechanical properties (tenacity and breaking elongation) and unevenness values were determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the use of nano ferrites with the chemical formula Mg0.8Zn0.2SmxFe2−xO4 (x = 0.0, 0.005, 0.01, 0.015, 0.02, and 0.025) prepared through the citrate-gel auto-combustion (CGAC) method. The analysis of nanoparticles with a cubic spinel structure involved the use of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and various imaging techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM & EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and UV–visible absorption spectroscopy. The crystallite size ranges from 96.4 to 719.0 nm, and the lattice parameter a (Å) ranges from 8.44 to 8.38, decreasing with the size of the nano ferrites. FTIR spectrometer frequency ranges from 559.5 to 772.0 was confirmed. We analyzed the material's thermo-electric and electrical properties, finding a Curie temperature range of 423–613 and activation energy values of 0.002–0.001 for both EP and EF. We used a VSM to assess retentivity value, magnetization, coercivity, and hysteresis loops, yielding valuable insights into the material's properties. The conduction in the present ferrites was majorly due to the grain boundary mechanism, which was confirmed through impedance analysis. Ferrite samples exhibit a high dielectric constant and low dielectric loss, rendering them the optimal option for electromagnetic devices functioning at high frequencies. The study also highlighted the importance of the Mg–Zn–Sm nanoparticle structural DC resistivity and DC conductivity, as well as the VSM room temperature. Spinel ferrite is a versatile material that can be used in magnetic memories, high-frequency, and electronic devices due to its unique properties like DC electrical resistivity and conductivity. In the case of the inverse spinel structure of magnesium iron oxide, the octahedral site is preferred by magnesium cations with a higher probability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzes the lattice dynamics of HgS under various pressures using ab initio self-consistent calculations based on the plane-wave method (PW) and generalized gradient approximation (GGA). The static study, performed by enthalpy calculations, predicts that the transition from the cinnabar phase (α-HgS) to the zinc-blende B3 (β-HgS) or wurtzite (2H) structures occurs at very low pressures, at 0.65 or 0.70 GPa, respectively. Furthermore, the transition from β-HgS to the rocksalt (B1) phase occurs at 7 GPa, and at high pressure, specifically at 110 GPa, HgS can adopt the CsCl (B2) phase. The mechanical study confirms the stability of the β and 2H phases at 0 GPa. Phonon calculations corroborate the results of the static and mechanical studies regarding stability ( α → 0.7 GPa 2 H → 0.9 GPa β) , and the results indicate that the instabilities of the transverse acoustic (TA) modes, induced by the application of pressures of 10.5 GPa, 21 GPa, and 190 GPa, are responsible for the observed phase transitions in part of the Brillouin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to explore the impacts of various ultrasonic powers (0, 300, 500, 700, and 900 W) on the structure and functional attributes of the myofibrillar protein (MP) of Tenebrio molitor. As the ultrasonic intensity escalated, the extraction efficiency and yield of the MP rose, while the particle size and turbidity decreased correspondingly. The reduction in sulfhydryl group content and the increase in carbonyl group content both suggested that ultrasonic treatment promoted the oxidation of the MP to a certain extent, which was conducive to the formation of a denser and more stable gel network structure. This was also affirmed by SEM images. Additionally, the findings of intrinsic fluorescence and FTIR indicated that high-intensity ultrasound significantly altered the secondary structure of the protein. The unfolding of the MP exposed more amino acid residues, the α-helix decreased, and the β-helix improved, thereby resulting in a looser and more flexible conformation. Along with the structural alteration, the surface hydrophobicity and emulsification properties were also significantly enhanced. Besides that, SDS–PAGE demonstrated that the MP of T. molitor was primarily composed of myosin heavy chain (MHC), actin, myosin light chain (MLC), paramyosin, and tropomyosin. The aforementioned results confirmed that ultrasonic treatment could, to a certain extent, enhance the structure and function of mealworm MP, thereby providing a theoretical reference for the utilization of edible insect proteins in the future, deep-processing proteins produced by T. molitor, and the development of new technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the structural properties of CoFe2-xMoxO4 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4) ferrites were investigated. Polycrystalline samples were prepared by chemical method and characterized by the X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. X-ray diffraction patterns show that all samples have a cubic spinel structure, and the lattice parameter a decreases monotonically with increase in Mo concentration. Scanning electron micrographs indicate that most of the particles are in the range of 400–850-nm size. The saturation magnetization, Ms, values of Mo-doped samples are larger than the parent compound with a maximum value of 106 emu/g for x = 0.2 sample. In general, in the absorption spectrum, a decrease in absorbance is observed with increasing wavelength. This phenomenon occurs because only photons with energy greater than the material's energy gap at the absorption edge are able to interact with the material, leading to the formation of electron pairs. It can be seen that the absorbance increases slightly with increasing Mo ratio. The thickness of the film is 500 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, cadmium sulfide (CdS) thin films with different concentration of cadmium chloride and thiourea were deposited on glass substrates using the spray pyrolysis technique. The structural, morphological and optical properties of synthesized thin films were characterized via XRD, SEM, AFM, FTIR and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The X-Ray diffraction patterns show that the structure of the CdS thin films changes from amorphous to crystalline by increasing the concentration of precursors. The surface morphology and topography of the films were studied using SEM and AFM images. The elemental composition of the films was investigated and analyzed by EDX test. The formation of CdS phase also confirmed by FTIR analysis. The optical analysis showed that the absorption and energy gap of the films are influenced by both the structure and size of the particles, which depend on the concentration of precursors. The results of this study show that the concentration of precursors in the spray solution has a significant effect on the properties of CdS thin films prepared by spray pyrolysis technique. The concentration 2 × 10–4 has crystalline size 56 nm, but the concentration 2 × 10–2 has crystalline size 31 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]