Study of band offsets at the Cu2SnS3/In2O3: Sn interface using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

Cu2SnS3 thins films were deposited onto In2O3: Sn coated soda lime glass substrates by spin coating technique. The films have been structurally characterized using x-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The morphology of the films was studied using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). The optical properties of the films were determined using UV-vis-NIR spectrophotometer. The electrical properties were measured using Hall effect measurements. The energy band offsets at the Cu2SnS3/In2O3: Sn interface were calculated using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The valence band offset was found to be -3.4 +/- 0.24 eV. From the valence band offset value, the conduction band offset is calculated to be -1.95 +/- 0.34 eV. The energy band alignment indicates a type-II misaligned heterostructure formation.

Spin-glass state in nanoparticulate (La0.7Sr0.3MnO3)(1-x) (BaTiO3)(x) solid solutions: Experimental and density-functional studies

We report the transition from robust ferromagnetism to a spin- glass state in nanoparticulate La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 through solid solution with BaTiO3. The field- and temperature-dependent magnetization and the frequency-dependent ac magnetic susceptibility measurements strongly indicate the existence of a spin- glass state in the system, which is further confirmed from memory effect measurements. The breaking of long-range ordering into short-range magnetic domains is further investigated using density-functional calculations. We show that Ti ions remain magnetically inactive due to insufficient electron leakage from La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 to the otherwise unoccupied Ti-d states. This results in the absence of a Mn-Ti-Mn spin exchange interaction and hence the breaking of the long-range ordering. Total-energy calculations suggest that the segregation of nonmagnetic Ti ions leads to the formation of short-range ferromagnetic Mn domains.

Localized Charge Carrier Transport Properties of Zn1-x Ni (x) O/NiO Two-Phase Composites

We report the localized charge carrier transport of two-phase composite Zn1-x Ni (x) O/NiO (0 a parts per thousand currency sign x a parts per thousand currency sign 1) using the temperature dependence of ac-resistivity rho (ac)(T) across the N,el temperature T (N) (= 523 K) of nickel oxide. Our results provide strong evidence to the variable range hopping of charge carriers between the localized states through a mechanism involving spin-dependent activation energies. The temperature variation of carrier hopping energy epsilon (h)(T) and nearest-neighbor exchange-coupling parameter J (ij)(T) evaluated from the small poleron model exhibits a well-defined anomaly across T (N). For all the composite systems, the average exchange-coupling parameter (J (ij))(AVG) nearly equals to 70 meV which is slightly greater than the 60-meV exciton binding energy of pure zinc oxide. The magnitudes of epsilon (h) (similar to 0.17 eV) and J (ij) (similar to 11 meV) of pure NiO synthesized under oxygen-rich conditions are consistent with the previously reported theoretical estimation based on Green's function analysis. A systematic correlation between the oxygen stoichiometry and, epsilon (h)(T) and J (ij)(T) is discussed.

Ionothermal Synthesis of High-Voltage Alluaudite Na2+2xFe2-x(SO4)(3) Sodium Insertion Compound: Structural, Electronic, and Magnetic Insights

Exploring future cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries, alluaudite class of Na2Fe2II(SO4)(3) has been recently unveiled as a 3.8 V positive insertion candidate (Barpanda et al. Nat. Commun. 2014, 5, 4358). It forms an Fe-based polyanionic compound delivering the highest Fe-redox potential along with excellent rate kinetics and reversibility. However, like all known SO4-based insertion materials, its synthesis is cumbersome that warrants careful processing avoiding any aqueous exposure. Here, an alternate low temperature ionothermal synthesis has been described to produce the alluaudite Na2+2xFe2-xII(SO4)(3). It marks the first demonstration of solvothermal synthesis of alluaudite Na2+2xM2-xII(SO4)(3) (M = 3d metals) family of cathodes. Unlike classical solid-state route, this solvothermal route favors sustainable synthesis of homogeneous nanostructured alluaudite products at only 300 degrees C, the lowest temperature value until date. The current work reports the synthetic aspects of pristine and modified ionothermal synthesis of Na2+2xFe2-xII(SO4)(3) having tunable size (300 nm similar to 5 mu m) and morphology. It shows antiferromagnetic ordering below 12 K. A reversible capacity in excess of 80 mAh/g was obtained with good rate kinetics and cycling stability over 50 cycles. Using a synergistic approach combining experimental and ab initio DFT analysis, the structural, magnetic, electronic, and electrochemical properties and the structural limitation to extract full capacity have been described.

Liquid phase epitaxy growth of AlxGayIn1-x-yPzAs1-zGaAs with direct band gap up to 2.0 eV

III-V pentenary semiconductor AlGaInPAs with a direct band gap of up to 2.0 eV has been grown successfully on GaAs substrates by liquid phase epitaxy;(LPE). With the introduction of the energy bowing parameters of quaternaries, the theoretical calculations agree well with the measured PL peak energy data from pentenary samples.

Investigation of kerosene combustion characteristics with pilot hydrogen in model supersonic combustors

Experimental investigations on the ignition and combustion stabilization of kerosene with pilot hydrogen in Mach 2.5 airflows were conducted using two test combustors, with cross sections of 30.5 x 30 and 51 x 70 mm, respectively. Various integrated modules, including the combinations of different pilot injection schemes and recessed cavity flameholders with different geometries, were designed and tested. The stagnation pressure of vitiated air varied within the range of 1.1-1.8 NiPa, while the stagnation temperature varied from 1500 to 1900 K. Specifically, effects of the pilot hydrogen injection scheme, cavity geometry, and combustor scaling on the minimally required pilot hydrogen equivalence ratio were systematically examined. Results indicated that the cavity depth and length had significant effects on the ignition and flameholding, whereas the slanted angle of the aft wall was relatively less important. Two cavities in tandem were shown to be a more effective flameholding mechanism than that with a single cavity. The minimally required pilot hydrogen equivalence ratio for kerosene ignition and stable combustion was found to be as low as 0.02. Furthermore, combustion efficiency of 80% was demonstrated to be achievable for kerosene with the simultaneous use of pilot hydrogen and a recessed cavity to promote the ignition and global burning.

Gal(1-x)Mn(1-x)Sb Grown on GaSb with Mass-Analyzed Low-Energy Dual Ion Beam Deposition

The Ga1-xMnxSb samples were fabricated by the implantation of Mn ions into GaSb (1 0 0) substrate with mass-analyzed low-energy dual ion beam deposition system, and post-annealing. Auger electron spectroscopy depth profile of the Ga1-xMnxSb samples showed

The hemodynamic effects of in-tandem carotid artery stenosis: implications for carotid endarterectomy.

OBJECTIVES: It remains controversial whether patients with severe disease of the internal carotid artery and a coexisting stenotic lesion downstream would benefit from a carotid endarterectomy (CEA) of the proximal lesion. The aim of this study was to simulate the hemodynamic and wall shear effects of in-tandem internal carotid artery stenosis using a computational fluid dynamic (CFD) idealized model to give insight into the possible consequences of CEA on these lesions. METHODS: A CFD model of steady viscous flow in a rigid tube with two asymmetric stenoses was introduced to simulate blood flow in arteries with multiple constrictions. The effect of varying the distance between the two stenoses, and the severity of the upstream stenosis on the pressure and wall shear stress (WSS) distributions on the second plaque, was investigated. The influence of the relative positions of the two stenoses was also assessed. RESULTS: The distance between the plaques was found to have minimal influence on the overall hemodynamic effect except for the presence of a zone of low WSS (range -20 to 30 dyne/cm2) adjacent to both lesions when the two stenoses were sufficiently close (<4 times the arterial diameter). The upstream stenosis was protective if it was larger than the downstream stenosis. The relative positions of the stenoses were found to influence the WSS but not the pressure distribution. CONCLUSIONS: The geometry and positions of the lesions need to be considered when considering the hemodynamic effects of an in-tandem stenosis. Low WSS is thought to cause endothelial dysfunction and initiate atheroma formation. The fact that there was a flow recirculation zone with low WSS in between the two stenoses may demonstrate how two closely positioned plaques may merge into one larger lesion. Decision making for CEA may need to take into account the hemodynamic situation when an in-tandem stenosis is found. CFD may aid in the risk stratification of patients with this problem.

Thermal mismatch stress in SiC whisker reinforced aluminium composite: new measurement method by X-ray diffraction

A new X-ray diffraction method for characterising thermal mismatch stress (TMS) in SiC_w–Al composite has been developed. The TMS and thermal mismatch strain (TMSN) in SiC whiskers are considered to be axis symmetrical, and can be calculated by measuring the lattice distortion of the whiskers. Not only the average TMS in whiskers and matrix can be obtained, but the TMS components along longitudinal and radial directions in the SiC whiskers can also be deduced. Experimental results indicate that the TMS in SiC whiskers is compressive, and tensile in the aluminium matrix. The TMS and TMSN components along the longitudinal direction in the SiC whiskers are greater than those along the radial direction for a SiC_w–Al composite quenched at 500°C.

Producción de biomasa y concentración de nutrientes en el pasto cubano (Pennisetum purpureum x P. tiphoides) CV CT - 115. Finca la Tigra, Cárdenas, Rivas, Nicaragua

Con el propósito de determinar la producción de la biomasa forrajera y la concentración de nutrientes del pasto cubano CT - 115, se realizó un estudio en la Finca la Tigra, Cárdenas, Rivas, para ello se utilizó un área de 48 m2, subdividida en tres parcelas de 16 m2, donde se realizaron cortes a los 15, 30, 45, 60 y 75 días. Se evaluaron las variables altura de la planta, producción de biomasa fresca y seca por hectárea, en cada muestreo se tomaron muestras de plantas de 1,000 g, las que fueron remitidas al laboratorio de suelo y planta de la UNA, donde se hicieron las determinaciones de contenido de materia seca, % de nitrógeno, % fósforo, % potasio, % calcio, % magnesio, hierro (ppm), manganeso (ppm) y zinc (ppm). Se realizarón análisis de correlación usando el programa SAS (Sistema de Análisis Estadístico) versión 9. para los elementos de la composición nutritiva de la planta y las variables rendimiento de biomasa y altura, a través del programa CVEXPT (Experto de Curvas) versión 1.4, se determinaron las curvas de mejor ajustes para dichas relaciones. Encontrándose que a medida que aumentaba la edad de corte, la producción de biomasa fresca y seca así como la altura tendían a incrementar, inversamente a ello los niveles de nutrientes en las plantas, las ecuaciones de mejor ajustes para la producción de biomasa fresca, seca y altura fueron el Lineal, Logístico y Rotacional, con r2 de 94, 98 y 99% respectivamente, para el caso de los nutrientes las ecuaciones de mejor ajuste fueron: los modelos de función Rotacional, Logístico, Polinomial y Harris también con r2 de 92 a 99%, evidenciándose con esto que las tendencias de los incrementos de la biomasa seca, altura, y la concentración de nutrientes no presentan comportamiento lineal. Únicamente para el caso de la biomasa fresca se presentó una tendencia lineal.

Productividad y concentración de nutrientes del Taiwán Cubano (Pennisetum purpureum X Pennisetum tiphoides), CT 115, en época lluviosa, 2010 en la Fincas Santa Rosa

Con el objetivo de evaluar la Productividad y concentración de nutrientes del pasto cubano (Pennisetum purpureum x Pennisetum typhoides) cv CT – 115, se llevó a cabo la presente investigación en la finca Santa Rosa propiedad de la Universidad Nacional Agraria (UNA) Managua, Nicaragua. Localizada geográficamente a los 12° 08´ 33"de latitud norte y, 86° 10´ 31" de longitud oeste (INETER, 2006). Para ello se utilizó un área total de 33 m2 la cual se subdividió en tres parcelas de 10 m2 cada una donde se realizaron cortes cada 15 días hasta llegar a los 75 días. Se evaluaron las variables : altura, (cm) biomasa fresca (kg ha-1), Materia Seca (%), Biomasa seca (kg ha-1), Nitrógeno (%), Fósforo (%), Potasio (%),Calcio (%), Magnesio (%), Hierro (ppm), Manganeso (ppm), Zinc (ppm). Para la determinación de la producción de biomasa verde y seca (kg ha-1), se utilizó la metodología propuesta por la Red Internacional de evaluación de Pasturas Tropicales (CIAT, 1982). Para determinar los parámetros MS (%) se utilizó la metodología del análisis de Weende o análisis proximal (AOAC. 1990). Para el análisis de correlación se utilizo el programa SAS VERSION 9 para cada uno de las variables evaluadas, para la determinación de las curvas de mejor ajuste se utilizó el programa CVXP32. Durante el ensayo no se aplico ningún tipo de tratamiento agronómico (fertilización, riego). Los resultados obtenidos fueron: Altura 220 cm Biomasa fresca 31,764 kg ha-1 Materia seca 24% Biomasa seca 7529 kg ha-1. Las mayores concentraciones de nutrientes en la planta fueron: N 3.21% P 0.38% K 4.94% Ca 0.24% Mg 0.18% Fe 105.0ppm Mn 53.33ppm Zn 50ppm. Los modelos de mejor ajuste son: Modelo Múltiple Multiplicativo, Modelo Richards, Modelo Harris, Función Rotacional, Tercer Grado Polinomial y Asociación Exponencial.

Nd65Al10Fe25-xCox (x=0,5,10) bulk metallic glasses with wide supercooled liquid regions

Bulk metallic glasses of Nd65Al10Fe25-xCox (x=0,5,10) have been prepared in the form of 3 mm diam rods. Results of differential scanning calrimetry, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), and x-ray diffraction are presented for these alloys. It is shown that the glass transition and crystallization have been observed by DMTA. The reduced glass transition temperature of these glasses, defined as the ratio between the glass transition temperature T-g and the melting temperature T-l is in the range from 0.55 to 0.62. All these glasses have a large supercooled liquid region (SLR), ranging from 80 to 130 K. The high value of reduced glass transition temperature and wide SLR agree with their good glass formation ability.

Parentesco, prestigio y poder en la alta edad media : la antroponimia aristocrática en el Reino de León (siglos X y XI)

Resumen: El presente trabajo analiza la antroponimia de la aristocracia leonesa en los siglos X y XI, a fi n de contribuir a la comprensión de las estructuras de parentesco de los grupos aristocráticos, las manifestaciones de la memoria familiar y el papel del parentesco en la construcción del poder y el prestigio social. Se plantea que la aristocracia desarrolló una antroponimia específi ca basada en la reiteración de determinados nombres propios a lo largo de las generaciones, que constituyó un importante elemento de identifi cación de la parentela y que expresó en el plano simbólico la organización de los grupos de parentesco en función de la transmisión del poder y la afi rmación del prestigio familiar.