Amorphization and nanocrystal formation in a Pd–Ni–Cu–P alloy after cooling under different conditions

Structure formation during solidification of a Pd–Ni–Cu–P melt is studied. It is demonstrated that changes in the heat transfer conditions lead to a nonlinear change in the characteristics of the structure. The article presents the regimes of cooling the samples and the results of their structure and composition studies. It is found that a decrease in the cooling rate of the alloy leads to an increase in the size, proportion and composition of nanoinclusions in an amorphous matrix. X-ray diffraction method, electron probe microanalysis, transmission microscopy and scanning calorimetry are used for samples characterization. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Transport phenomena in complex systems (part 2)’.

An Alternative Approach to Geometric Harmonization of the Great Mosque in Córdoba

This research constitutes an alternative to proportional composition studies of the original Great Mosque and its four extensions in Córdoba, based on diagonals of a square and rectangles in ratio 1:√2 and 1:√3 (Fernández-Puertas, 2000, 2008). The method for this alternative research consists of graphic analyses by iteration of hypothetical products of the golden section in AutoCAD 2D software conducted on architectural drawings of the original Great Mosque and its four extensions, in reconstruction, according to measurements from the relevant literature. The alternative method insists on geometric harmonization derived from only one starting length in all drawings of same scale. It resulted in the production of a single harmonization pattern based on the golden section, with an additional sequence of a√2/Φn, successively developed for the original monument and its four extensions. It also includes otherwise excluded basic composition elements (minarets) and reveals otherwise hidden proportional qualities. The alternative approach enabled a deduction of algebraic expressions having only one variable for all drawings of the same scale. Their arithmetic values and deviations from real dimensions are calculated. Geometric harmonization by golden section with another starting length is applied to the drawing of the elevation at a different scale.

Resources for the Teaching of Aging to Undergraduates: An Annotated Bibliography

There is no doubt that agism is an important topic of study, especially in academic circles, as we aim to build towards a more inclusive and equitable environment for those whom we benefit. In the succeeding annotated bibliography, a list of resources that can aid in the teaching of aging to undergraduates, particularly, although not exclusively, in the context of general education or humanities coursework, and specifically, in the discipline of composition studies is put forward. These resources include content on why agism is important as a topic, its importance in the university classroom, and ideas as to how this can be done most effectively. To achieve this, this annotated bibliography draws from evidence in research related to gerontology, educational psychology, and social justice pedagogy, amongst other areas. It is hoped that this paper can serve as a guide to academics interested in educating and empowering their students to become more aware of this major form of discrimination

Anti-Caking Coatings for Improving the Useful Properties of Ammonium Nitrate Fertilizers with Composition Modeling Using Box–Behnken Design

Granular fertilizers (especially those based on ammonium nitrate (AN)) tend to agglomerate during storage. The aims of this research were to develop effective anti-caking coatings for ammonium nitrate fertilizers while improving the quality of fertilizers and to optimize the composition of effective anti-caking coatings. The influence of the composition of the prepared organic coatings on the effectiveness of preventing the caking of fertilizers was studied by response surface methodology (RSM) using Box–Behnken design (BBD). Additionally, the effect of the developed anti-caking agents on the quality of fertilizers was determined by measuring the crushing strength of the granules. The prepared coatings included fatty amine, stearic acid, surfactant, and paraffin wax. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was used to analyze these coatings. The morphology of the fertilizers were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Composition studies, based on statistical assessment, showed the coating components had a varying influence on preventing the caking of fertilizers after granulation and after 30 days of storage. The results demonstrated that increasing the content of fatty amines and reducing surfactant in the composition of coating had positive effects on caking prevention. In this study, more effective and economically viable anti-caking coatings were developed. In addition, the present work could serve as a basis to further improve anti-caking coatings.

Descriptive Study of Gut Microbiota in Infected and Colonized Subjects by Clostridiodes difficile

Clostridiodes difficile can lead to a range of situations from the absence of symptoms (colonization) to severe diarrhea (infection). Disruption of gut microbiota provides an ideal environment for infection to occur. Comparison of gut microbiota of infected and colonized subjects could provide relevant information on susceptible groups or protectors to the development of infection, since the presence of certain genera could be related to the inhibition of transition from a state of colonization to infection. Through high-throughput sequencing of 16S rDNA gene, we performed alpha and beta diversity and composition studies on 15 infected patients (Group CDI), 15 colonized subjects (Group P), and 15 healthy controls (Group CTLR). A loss of alpha diversity and richness and a different structure have been evidenced in the CDI and P groups with respect to the CTRL group, but without significant differences between the first two. In CDI and P groups, there was a strong decrease in phylum Firmicutes and an expansion of potential pathogens. Likewise, there was a loss of inhibitory genus of C. difficile germination in infected patients that were partially conserved in colonized subjects. Therefore, infected and colonized subjects presented a gut microbiota that was completely different from that of healthy controls, although similar to each other. It is in composition where we found that colonized subjects, especially in minority genera, presented differences with respect to those infected.