Conduction mechanism in (ZnO/PVC) polymer nanocomposite

The electrical conductivity of ZnO nanoparticle doped PVC polymer of different concentrations and thickness has been investigated as a function if applied electric field and temperature. The LnJ versus E1/2 plot for the pure sample shows transition field but for highly doped sample, the plot shows curvature for both low and high field, i.e., there is no transition field. This nonlinearity of the plot is due to space charge built up in the sample. The value of β is calculated from the slope of LnJ versus E1/2 plot and compared with the theoretical value. The result shows the Poole-Frenkel mechanism of conduction is operative.

Applicability of Infrared Thermography for the Detection of Phase Transitions in Metal Alloys

This work aims at assessing the applicability of a screening-oriented device dedicated to the establishment of increasingly complex phase diagrams of phase change materials. A thermography-based method has recently been proven to allow the detection of phase transitions of organic materials for multiple samples at a time. The phase transition detection capability of the infrared thermography method is here evaluated for metal systems based on well-referenced materials commonly employed in DSC calibration (pure sample of Gallium and a mixture of Gallium and Indium). The detected transitions are compared to literature data and DSC measurements. All transitions documented in the literature could be retrieved by thermography, and liquidus transitions are validated with DSC measurements. The encouraging nature of the results is discussed, and avenues for improving the method are considered.

Adsorption kinetics and equilibria of two methanol samples with different water content on activated carbon

To investigate the influence of fluid purity on the adsorption properties, adsorption kinetics and adsorption equilibria of two methanol samples with different water content on an activated carbon were studied. The purity of the methanol samples was 98.5% and 99.9%. Measurements were conducted at 298 K and 318 K using a magnetic suspension balance and cover a wide p/p0 range. To determine effective diffusion time constants and mass transfer coefficients, adsorption kinetics were evaluated using an isothermal and a nonisothermal Fickian diffusion model, and the linear driving force model. The pressure dependence of the kinetic parameters was studied and discussed. A small influence of sample purity on the adsorption equilibria was observed, as the purer methanol sample showed slightly higher equilibrium loadings than the less pure sample. However, significantly faster adsorption kinetics were observed for the purer sample at all temperature and pressure conditions. Compared to the less pure sample, the determined effective diffusion time constants and the mass transfer coefficients were up to 98% and 35% higher, respectively.

A Novel Route towards Sustainable Synthesis of Graphene

Graphene is a wonder material having diverse, unique properties. It is used in many applications spanning from optoelectronics to tailored semiconductor electronics. There exist many routes of synthesis for this material. Amid them, exfoliation is generally preferred. In this report, an unconventional route of exfoliation is executed. Here, graphene is exfoliated from the used mosquito repellent rods, and correspondingly, its properties are studied. Accordingly, the attained yields are characterized through Raman Spectroscopy and FTIR. It is observed a good match of the as-exfoliated graphene with that of the pure sample. The reported synthesis results in a higher yield with immense potential to be implemented in mass production by better controlling surfactants.

Training of Jump Over the Bar 30 cm high with Burdened 1 kg To Eksplosion Power Leg Muscles

The power of leg muscles plays a very important role in the sport of volleyball. Based on preliminary research conducted at Junior high school Negeri 5 Mengwi, it was found that the explosive power of volleyball extracurricular participants was still in the low category. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of jumping a 30 cm bar with a weight of 1 kg on the explosive power of the leg muscles. The research applied was experimental research using experimental research design randomize pre and post test group design. The pure sample in the study amounted to 34 people consisting of 17 people in the control group and 17 people in the treatment group. Based on the discussion, it was found that training to jump a bar as high as 30 cm with a load of 1 kg can increase the explosive power of the leg muscles by 8.80 cm or 20.91%. So it can be concluded that training to jump a bar as high as 30 cm with a load of 1 kg can increase the explosive power of the leg muscles.

Crystal structure of bis{(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)dihydro[3-(pyridin-2-yl)pyrazol-1-yl]borato}iron(II)

The structure determination of [Fe(C13H15BN5)2] was undertaken as part of a project on the modification of the recently published spin-crossover (SCO) complex [Fe{H2B(pz)(pypz)}2] (pz = pyrazole, pypz = pyridylpyrazole). To this end, a new ligand was synthesized in which two additional methyl groups are present. Its reaction with iron trifluoromethanesulfonate led to a pure sample of the title compound, as proven by X-ray powder diffraction. The asymmetric unit consists of one complex molecule in a general position. The FeII atom is coordinated by two tridentate N-binding {H2B(3,5-(CH3)2-pz)(pypz)}− ligands. The Fe—N bond lengths range between 2.1222 (13) and 2.3255 (15) Å, compatible with FeII in the high-spin state, which was also confirmed by magnetic measurements. Other than a very weak C—H...N non-classical hydrogen bond linking individual molecules into rows extending parallel to [010], there are no remarkable intermolecular interactions.

Spectroscopic QUasar Extractor and redshift (z) Estimator squeze – I. Methodology

ABSTRACT We present Spectroscopic QUasar Extractor and redshift (z) Estimator squeze, a software package to classify quasar spectra and estimate their redshifts. squeze is a random forest classifier operating on the parameters of candidate emission peaks identified in the spectra. We test the performance of the algorithm using visually inspected data from BOSS as a truth table. Only 4 per cent of the sample (∼6800 quasars and ∼11 520 contaminants) is needed for converged training in recommended choices of the confidence threshold (0.2 < pmin < 0.7). For an operational mode that balances purity and completeness (pmin = 0.32), we recover a purity of $97.40\pm 0.47{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ ($99.59\pm 0.06{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ for quasars with z ≥ 2.1) and a completeness of $97.46\pm 0.33{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ ($98.81\pm 0.13{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ for quasars with z ≥ 2.1). squeze can be used to obtain an ≈100 per cent pure sample of z ≥ 2.1 quasars (with ≈97 per cent completeness) by using a confidence threshold of pmin = 0.7. The estimated redshift error is $1500{\rm \, km\,s^{ -1}}$ and we recommend that squeze be used in conjunction with an additional step of redshift tuning to achieve maximum precision. We find that squeze achieves the necessary performance to replace visual inspection in BOSS-like spectroscopic surveys of quasars with subsequent publications in this series exploring expectations for future surveys and alternative methods.

Crystal structure, synthesis and thermal properties of bis(4-benzoylpyridine-κN)bis(isothiocyanato-κN)bis(methanol-κN)iron(II)

In the crystal structure of the title compound, [Fe(NCS)2(C12H9NO)2(CH4O)2], the FeII cations are octahedrally coordinated by two N atoms of 4-benzoylpyridine ligands, two N atoms of two terminal isothiocyanate anions and two methanol molecules into discrete complexes that are located on centres of inversion. These complexes are linked via intermolecular O—H...O hydrogen bonds between the methanol O—H H atoms and the carbonyl O atoms of the 4-benzoylpyridine ligands, forming layers parallel to (101). Powder X-ray diffraction proved that a pure sample was obtained but that this compound is unstable and transforms into an unknown crystalline phase within several weeks. However, the solvent molecules can be removed by heating in a thermobalance, which for the aged sample as well as the title compound leads to the formation of a compound with the composition Fe(NCS)2(4-benzoylpyridine)2, which exhibits a powder pattern that is similar to that of Mn(NCS)2(4-benzoylpyridine)2.

The determinants of conventional banks profitability in developing and underdeveloped OIC countries

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of internal and external variables on the profitability of conventional banks operating on developing and underdeveloped countries, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) states. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, the author uses ordinary least squares fixed-effects model on an unbalanced panel data set of all conventional banks operating in OIC countries (52 countries included from 57) over the period 1989-2008, 686 banks. Findings The results suggest that equity, foreign ownership, off-balance sheet (OBS) activities, real gross domestic product growth, real interest rate and concentration foster banks’ profitability. In addition, the results showed that the banking sector development and loans will increase banks’ profitability in the long run in the countries of the studies. In contrast, the study reported that deposits lower profitability. The study also revealed that GDP per capita, market capitalization and banks size have no impact on profitability. Practical implications The findings of this study have considerable policy implications. First, policymakers need to regulate nontraditional activities to avoid any financial crisis because banks in OIC countries are heavily engaged in nontraditional activities to boost its profit. Second, policymakers are advised to improve the deposit insurance system to insure the stability of the financial system as well as improving banks’ profitability. Third, policymakers need to improve the efficiency of the stock market, maintain small banking system and encourage foreign investments in the banking system. Originality/value The paper adds to the literature on the commercial bank’s profitability determinants. In particular, such study has not been conducted on OIC countries, and the study included all mainstream banks and incorporated the effect of deposit insurance system so far. Also, pure sample of conventional banks used as many conventional banks in OIC countries have Islamic windows or offer Islamic products. In addition, this study investigated the effect of OBS activities on net interest margin (NIM) because the studies that explored this interrelationship are limited especially for developing and under developed countries. The results showed that OBS activities contributed significantly and positively to return on assets and NIM. Moreover, this paper used a pure sample of conventional banks to avoid any biasness; see data section. Moreover, this study gives an idea about the economic situation and financial conditions of OIC countries during the period of the study.