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Nickel-Titanium (Ni-Ti) thin films have gained a lot of attention due to their unique features, such as the shape memory effect. Micro-actuators, micro-valve, micro-fluid pumps, bio-medical applications, and electronic applications have a lot of interest in these smart thin films. Sputter-deposited NiTi thin films have shown the potential to be very useful as a powerful actuator in micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) because of their large recovery forces and high recoverable strains. Despite the advancement of improved deposition methods for the NiTi thin films, there are still certain unsolved challenges that impede accurate composition control throughout the deposition process. Many applications, spanning from the aerospace industries to a range of nanotechnologies, require knowledge of the sputtering characteristics of the materials that are subjected to bombardment, ejection, and deposition of ions. In recent decades, atomic scale modeling has been given a high emphasis in ion sputtering research, providing an adequate and precise description of collision cascades in solids using the Stopping and Range of Ions in Matter (SRIM) and Transport of Ions in Matter (TRIM). In this paper, SRIM is used to address how the heavy ions interact with the target materials. A variety of ion-solid interaction characteristics, including the sputter yield, have been determined by simulating collision cascades in the solids. On the other hand, TRIM was used to describe the range of ions that enter into the matter and cause damage to the target throughout the process. The simulation was carried out to compare the sputtering yield of Ni and Ti by varying the energy input (from 300V to 1300V). SRIM simulation was conducted by varying the thickness of the film, the angle of incidence of ions, and the energy involved in the sputtering process. The characterization of the films has been carried out using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) to comprehend the surface and interface morphologies of the films and to validate the simulated results. With an increase in energy input (target voltage), the sputtering yield increased. The sputtering yield of the Ni target was higher than the Ti target indicating that Ni can be removed relatively easier than Ti.

Recently, the research on the propagation of hot events has received widespread attention. By analyzing the data of hot events and the data of the common events in the same period on the network, we found that hot events usually break out quickly and opinion leaders and cluster behaviors exist in their propagation process. At the same time, the media public opinion fields of reporting hot events overlap and promote each other. Based on the common factors that drive an event to become a hot event, we used the heat calculation formula and entropy method to put forward the propagation model of hot events based on information coupling and information energy interaction. In the model, the coupling values of different event information are quantified based on the information fragment coupling effect. The heat calculation formula is used to dynamically adjust the propagation probability of different individuals in the propagation process of hot event, and the sensational effect threshold is introduced based on the overall energy value of the event. Finally, we used the real social relationship networks to simulate the evolution propagation process of the hot events, and compared it with the crawling real propagation curve of the events. The proposed model provides a good supplement for the study of the hot events.

The ground state of semiconductor quantum rings (QRs) in the presence of an external magnetic field B is theoretically analyzed. By numerically diagonalizing the effective-mass Hamiltonian of the QRs, the energy and wavefunction of the ground state are obtained. It is found that the energy oscillates as B increases. The evolution of the angular momentum L₀ and the spin S₀ of the ground state in accord with B is revealed. We depict the geometric configuration of the ground state via density functions. Based on an analysis of the wavefunction, it is shown that each configuration is accessible only to a specific group of states having specific L₀ and S₀.

In this work, spectra of energy and fluence of neutrons produced in the conditions of deformed space-time (DST), due to the violation of the local Lorentz invariance (LLI) in the nuclear interactions are shown for the first time. DST-neutrons are produced by a mechanical process in which AISI 304 steel bars undergo a sonication using ultrasounds with 20 kHz and 330 W. The energy spectrum of the DST-neutrons has been investigated both at low (less than 0.4 MeV) and at high (up to 4 MeV) energy. We could conclude that the DST-neutrons have different spectra for different energy intervals. It is therefore possible to hypothesize that the DST-neutrons production presents peculiar features not only with respect to the time (asynchrony) and space (asymmetry) but also in the neutron energy spectra.

HIGHLIGHTS

• •Effectiveness of vice blades flow control method.
• •Improvement mechanism of flow control method on centrifugal pump.
• •Energy redistribution of multi-scale turbulence by flow control method.
• •Design strategy for high-performance centrifugal pump.

The demand for the high-performance centrifugal pumps has grown considerably in order to address various working conditions and application scenarios. Here, a high-performance centrifugal pump capable of great hydraulic and anti-cavitation performance, and low-pressure pulsation and vibration, is realized by adding drainage vice blade to the conventional blade type. The multi-scale turbulence in centrifugal pumps is characterized by the Hybrid RANS/LES method, then the energy distributions are obtained by the proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) method. The experimental methods are employed to study the pressure pulsation and vibration characteristics. The new-type of blades can reconstruct the energy of multi-scale turbulence in centrifugal pump by concentrating the energy on low-frequency large-scale flow structures, while reducing the energy of high-frequency small-scale flow structures. A higher energy of large-scale flow structures can enhance the energy transportation and hydraulic performance in centrifugal pump. The small-scale flow structures with lower energy can suppress high-frequency excitation in flow to avoid the hydraulic resonance, which is essential to improve the dynamic characteristics of the centrifugal pumps. We propose a flow control method that can reconstruct the energy distribution of multi-scale turbulence which can greatly improve its overall performance, suggesting a broad range of promising applications.

In this paper, we introduce fractal interpolation functions (FIFs) and linear FIFs on a post critically finite (p.c.f. for short) self-similar set K. We present a sufficient condition such that linear FIFs have finite energy and prove that the solution of Dirichlet problem -Δ_μ u = f,u|_∂K = 0 is a linear FIF on K if f is a linear FIF.

The aluminum-based composites (AMCs) are known for a variety of functions like building, aerospace, automotive, marine, and aeronautical applications. In this research, Al-4032 alloy-based 6% SiC (by weight) composite has been fabricated using stir casting and the effects of prominent machining parameters on energy consumption and surface finish have been examined using carbide inserts in turning. Microstructures of as-cast specimens has been analyzed using the optical microscope, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The CNC turning has been performed at varying machining parameters like cutting speed, feed rate, and depth of cut, following an RSM-based design matrix. The desirability function approach has been employed to obtain the best combination of parameters for achieving the desired objectives. The experimental outcome demonstrates that the machined composite is considerably influenced by built-up edge (BUE) formation and interfacial bonding of particles. The result establishes that the inclusion of SiC in the Al-4032 matrix demonstrates improved mechanical properties and superior machined surface with the optimized turning operation.

Water Matters Engineering the Reclamation of H₂0.

Identification of Microbial Contamination in Water Treatment and Distribution Systems.

From Wastewater to Safe Water: The NTU Experience.

Second Generation Biofuels: The Way Forward.

INDIA – A novel form of gene regulation in bacteria.

INDIA – Algal biofuels are no energy panacea.

JAPAN – Medical Data Vision enhances the quality of medical care with Actian Vectorwise.

SINGAPORE – Singapore heart surgeon to receive honour from The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.

SINGAPORE – ELGA^® to deliver innovative water purification at new Singapore General Hospital expansion.

AUSTRALIA – Specialised Therapeutics Australia: New drug to fight hospital superbug infection.

AUSTRALIA – Group of genes hold the clue in migraine cases.

AUSTRALIA – CT scans can triple risk of brain cancer, leukemia.

BRAZIL – Science can do more for sustainable development.

MIDDLE EAST – Particles and persecution: why we should care about Iranian physicists.

EUROPE – Medicyte coordinates EU-funded collaboration on Biomimetic Bioartificial Liver.

EUROPE – Selvita and Orion Pharma achieve a research milestone in Alzheimer's Disease Program.

EUROPE – Zinforo (ceftaroline fosamil) receives positive CHMP opinion in the European Union for the treatment of patients with serious skin infections or community acquired pneumonia.

USA – Vein grown from girl's own stem cells transplanted.

USA – Hidden vitamin in milk yields remarkable health benefits - Weill Cornell researchers show tiny vitamin in milk, in high doses, makes mice leaner, faster and stronger.

USA – New report finds biotechnology companies are participating in 39% of all projects in development for new medicines and technologies for neglected diseases.

USA – TriReme Medical receives FDA clearance for expanded matrix of sizes of Chocolate PTA balloon catheter.

USA – New data show investigational compound dapagliflozin demonstrated significant reductions in blood sugar levels when added to sitagliptin in adults with type 2 diabetes at 24 weeks, with results maintained over 48 weeks.

USA – Zalicus successfully completes Phase 1 single ascending dose study with Z944, a novel, oral T-Type Calcium Channel Blocker.

USA – Study provides clues to clinical trial cost savings.

German biotech innovator Altona Diagnostics launches BioNexus-certified regional hub in Malaysia: ADT Biotech Sdn Bhd.

FEI launches "Explore the Unseen" image contest in partnership with National Geographic.

BIO applauds Representative Kaptur's Energy Investment Act of 2012.

Cytori to utilize Sistemic's SistemQC™ to strengthen understanding of mechanisms & support design of Next-Generation Cell Therapies.

Bosch packaging technology and Sartorius Stedim Biotech introduce PreVAS.

CellCentric and ZoBio enter into partnership to develop lead compounds against epigenetic drug targets.

INDIA – Bioven starts BV-NSCLC-001 Phase III trial in NSCLC.

INDIA – Initiative in Chemical Biology and Therapeutics.

PHILLIPPINES – Asia–Pacific Analysis: The slow road to green energy.

SINGAPORE – Takeda progressing well in Asia with New Drug Applications.

SINGAPORE – NTU and University of Warwick boost brainpower in global neuroscience research.

THAILAND – Thai PhD. student awarded Monsanto's Beachell–Borlaug International Scholarship for rice improvement research.

EUROPE – Open access will change the world, if scientists want it to.

UNITED STATES & CANADA – Verisante places Aura Beta Units for safety, verification testing in B.C., Alberta and Ontario clinics.

UNITED STATES & CANADA – Life Technologies sets new worldwide standard for criminal forensic testing with introduction of GlobalFilerTM Express Kit.

UNITED STATES & CANADA – How immune cells can nudge nerves to regrow.

UNITED STATES & CANADA – Improved Genomic Target Selection Using IDT Oligos.

UNITED STATES & CANADA – US team uncover non-invasive method for diagnosing epilepsy.

BAYER HealthCare and Economic Development Board to foster translational and clinical research for diseases prevalent in Asia

Ludwig Cancer Research and University of Oxford launch Cancer Immunotherapy Spinout

OmniComm Systems® Announces Reseller Agreement with Tri-I Biotech Shanghai Inc. Market Leading Life Sciences Consultancy to Resell OmniComm’s TrialOne® eSource Solution

Resverlogix Closes License Agreement and Enters Into Definitive Stock Purchase Agreement with Hepalink

Immunovaccine and PharmAthene Sign Exclusive Worldwide License Agreement to Develop and Commercialize an Anthrax Vaccine Formulated in DepoVax™

Commonwealth Financing Authority Announces New Alternative, Clean Energy Investment

ContraFect Corporation Announces Issuance of Key Patent Covering Novel Lysin Technology

M Pharmaceutical Inc. Rebrands Itself to Better Reflect Growing Family of Biomedical Technologies

Sustainable Apparel Coalition Recognizes SCS Global Services as Approved Verifier for New Pilot Program

StemCell United Announces Plans for PO and Listing on ASX

Roche Diagnostics Strengthens Footprint in Asia Pacific

Next-Generation Large Molecule Affinity Purification Solution Improves Biotherapeutic, Disease Biomarker and Sports Anti-Doping Bioanalysis.

MR Solutions Brings New 3D, 1000X Magnification Imaging Modality to Preclinical Research.

Using Saltidin to Guard Against the Zika Virus.

Nagasaki University Hospital Boosts Patient Care and Safety with Zebra Technologies' Enterprise-Class TC55 Touch Computer.

CSIRO Uses Dell Supercomputer to Help Combat Post-Childbirth Complications in Women.

Philips Launches “World's Sleepiest Website” to Help Restless Sleepers Maximize Their Slumber.

Telstar Aeolus Proven to Consume Up to 35% Less Power than the Current Market Average.

The following topics are under this section:

• Could Jurassic Park become a Reality?
• Brightening the Future with Liquid Sunshine
• New Gene Therapy for Huntington’s Disease Proves Successful in Mice
• Fight or Flight?
• Distinguishing between Two Species of Red Pandas
• Freeze-drying Soil for Studying Reactive Nitrogen Gas Emissions
• Remodelling the Future of Air Pollution Studies

The following topics are under this section:

• ASIA-PACIFIC — Discovery of Protease Inhibitors hold Promise against COVID-19
• ASIA-PACIFIC — Nano-sensors for Real-Time Plant Health Monitoring
• ASIA-PACIFIC — Study Finds Underweight Patients with Diabetes have Increased Risk of Tuberculosis
• ASIA-PACIFIC — Guide Developed for Remote Consultation for Suspected COVID-19 Patients
• ASIA-PACIFIC — Scientific Challenges of Kimchi Fermentation
• ASIA-PACIFIC — Increasing Charge Capacity of Lithium Batteries
• ASIA-PACIFIC — Newly-discovered Small Mitochondrial Protein Essential for Energy Production
• ASIA-PACIFIC — Overcoming Chemotherapy Resistance in Ovarian Cancer
• REST OF THE WORLD — Safety of Antibiotics for C-Section Mothers
• REST OF THE WORLD — Early Screening of Colorectal Cancer based on Family History
• REST OF THE WORLD — Maternal Hypertensive Disorders may cause Mental Health Disorders in Children
• REST OF THE WORLD — Biofilm Formation and Hyper-infectivity of Cholera

Zinc oxide (ZnO) electrical properties can be modified by addition of impurities or defects such as vacancies or other substances. We use sulfur (S) as a substitutional impurity and present a theoretical study on the characteristics of ZnO structures in its crystal form containing S in substitution of O. For theoretical calculations we used Density Functional Theory (DFT) with pseudopotentials and plane waves. ZnO in crystal form with S in substitution of O at heavy percentage was studied by analyzing properties like lattice characteristics, total energy, and gap energy. Lattice parameters a, b, c, and c/a ratio increase with the S-substituent percentage while the crystal stability decreases. Variation of gap energy shows a decreasing trend with increasing amount of substitution. In this paper, we provide a detailed data useful to identify the effects on ZnO in its crystal form when O is replaced by S that will help to predict if the structural changes on the modified ZnO structures may be suitable for applications in opto-electronics.

Simple theoretical method is developed to study the size dependence of equation of state of nanomaterials. The isothermal compression of Ni and ε-Fe has been computed for different particle sizes. A shift in compression curve is obtained by increasing the particle size. This demonstrates the softening of the material by increasing the particle size. For larger particle size (~100 nm) the compression curve resembles with that of the bulk. This demonstrates that the nanomaterial becomes bulk for larger particle size. The results have been compared with the available experimental data. A good agreement between theory and experiment demonstrates the validity of the method proposed in the present paper.

Based on the smallest physical constant of the product of space interval, time interval, and energy, the fractal quantum gravity (FQG) theory has demonstrated that every particle or physical system consists of these smallest units in fractal structures. The general relativity is an approximation of the FQG equation when the quantum effect is negligible, while the quantum theory is an approximation of the FQG equation when the interaction between space, time, and energy is very weak or negligible. The stationary-action principle can be derived from the FQG equation. The mass range of possibly existing elementary particles and an accelerating expansion evolution model of the universe can be obtained through the FQG equation. This FQG equation satisfied almost all the requirements of a quantum gravity theory and there is no free constant needed in the FQG theory. It looks promising that the FQG theory may offer a novel way to calculate all the free constants in the Standard Model of particle physics and general relativity.

As the world’s population continues to expand, scientists are working to address the energy needs and challenges that accompany growth with environmentally responsible approaches. Nanoscience is helping to provide solutions to energy and environmental concerns in a number of ways.

The current topic of clean air and water is often left incomplete. When we discuss cleaner cars or more regulations, we forget that none of this can genuinely be sustainable without improving our infrastructure, an objective we are mostly avoidant. With this sprouting age of technology, we have companies interject that their model is “the newest in sustainability.” Still, the systems that support production have fallen rapidly behind due to a lack of funding and push from the public. In this paper, I hope to begin a discussion on the importance of improving our energy infrastructure over the course of my lifetime. Eventually, a sprout of real change might happen to improve the lives of those around me.