Synthesis and structural transformations of the “glaserite” type zirconosilicate Na3−xH1+xZrSi2O8·yH2O

A hydrous sodium zirconosilicate material with “glaserite” type structure and generalized formula Na_3?xH_1+xZrSi₂O₈·yH2O, 0 < x < 3, 0 < y < 1 is synthesized in the system Na₂O:ZrO₂:SiO₂:H₂O at 200 °C. Its crystal structure is composed of zirconium and silicon polyhedra connected to build layers additionally stacked to form 3D zipper-like network. Within the network there are cavities interconnected to channels with irregular shapes where the sodium atoms and water molecules reside. It is found that with synthesis duration the crystal structure gradually transforms from higher symmetrical into triclinic one. The structure of the triclinic form – Na₃HZrSi₂O₈·0.4H₂O was refined from powder diffraction data. It crystallizes in the space group P-1 with lattice parameters a = 9.05234, b = 5.56121, c = 6.96219 Å, α = 92.178, β = 90.839, γ = 90.288°. To the best of our knowledge the studied compound is the only water-containing material with “glaserite” type structure.     

Accident-precipitating factors for crashes in turbine-powered general aviation aircraft

General aviation (14CFR Part 91) accounts for 83% of civil aviation fatalities. While much research has focused on accident causes/pilot demographics in this aviation sector, studies to identify factors leading up to the crash (accident-precipitating factors) are few. Such information could inform on pre-emptive remedial action. With this in mind and considering the paucity of research on turbine-powered aircraft accidents the study objectives were to identify accident-precipitating factors and determine if the accident rate has changed over time for such aircraft operating under 14CFR Part 91.The NTSB Access database was queried for accidents in airplanes (<12,501 lb) powered by 1–2 turbine engines and occurring between 1989 and 2013. We developed and utilized an accident-precipitating factor taxonomy. Statistical analyses employed logistic regression, contingency tables and a generalized linear model with Poisson distribution.The “Checklist/Flight Manual Not Followed” was the most frequent accident-precipitating factor category and carried an excess risk (OR 2.34) for an accident with a fatal and/or serious occupant injury. This elevated risk reflected an over-representation of accidents with fatal and/or serious injury outcomes (p < 0.001) in the “non-adherence to V Speeds” sub-category. For accidents grouped in the “Inadequate Pre-Flight Planning/Inspection/Procedure” the “inadequate weather planning” sub-category accounted (p = 0.036) for the elevated risk (OR 2.22) of an accident involving fatal and/or serious injuries. The “Violation FARs/AIM Deviation” category was also associated with a greater risk for fatal and/or serious injury (OR 2.59) with “Descent below the MDA/failure to execute the missed approach” representing the largest sub-category. Accidents in multi-engine aircraft are more frequent than their single engine counterparts and the decline (50%) in the turbine aircraft accident rate over the study period was likely due, in part, to a 6-fold increased representation of single engine airplanes.In conclusion, our study is the first to identify novel precursive factors for accidents involving turbine aircraft operating under 14CFR Part 91. This research highlights areas that should receive further emphasis in training/recurrency in a pre-emptive attempt to nullify candidate accident-precipitating factor(s).     

Structural defects in PbMoO4 single crystals doped with Co2+ ions

Pure and Co-doped PbMoO₄ crystals, were studied using reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED), optical and dielectric methods. The calculated lattice constants for PbMoO₄:Co (0.2 mol%) were determined as being equal to: a = 5.54 ± 0.05 Å and c = 11.96 ± 0.05 Å. The absorption spectra of “as grown” and annealed pure and Co-doped PbMoO₄ crystals were examined. The results of dielectric measurements gave the conductivity activation energy of highly Co-doped PbMoO₄ crystals (0.5 and 1.0 mol%) equal to 0.40 and 0.46 eV, respectively.     

Defect detection in CFRP by infrared thermography with CO2 Laser excitation compared to conventional lock-in infrared thermography

This paper presents a NDT by a CO₂ Laser infrared thermography applied to defect detection in CFRP. The CO₂ Laser is an infrared laser with the wavelength of 10.6 μm. This excitation has a controllable heating beam by a geometric relation D = 0.01575·d, which allows to heat the samples at a specific position (placed at the distance “d”) and area (of a diameter “D”). The PPT interpretation principle was used to reduce the non-uniformity’s effect of the excitation causing inhomogeneous heat. The test with this excitation is much faster than the tests with conventional lock-in thermography method.     

Hybrid tandem photovoltaic devices with a transparent conductive interconnecting recombination layer

We demonstrate hybrid tandem photovoltaic devices with a transparent conductive interconnecting recombination layer. The series-connected hybrid tandem photovoltaic devices were developed by combining hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) and polymer-based organic photovoltaics (OPVs). In order to enhance the interfacial connection between the subcells, we employed highly transparent and conductive indium tin oxide (ITO) thin layer. By using the ITO interconnecting layer, the power conversion efficiency of the hybrid tandem solar cell was enhanced from 1.0% (V_OC = 1.041 V, J_SC = 2.97 mA/cm², FF = 32.3%) to 2.6% (V_OC = 1.336 V, J_SC = 4.65 mA/cm², FF = 41.98%) due to the eliminated interfacial series resistance.     

Severity of disability related to road traffic crashes in the Spanish adult population

BackgroundThe severity of disability related to road traffic crashes has been little studied, despite the significant health and socio-economic impacts that determine victims’ quality of life.ObjectiveTo estimate the consequences of road traffic crashes on the severity of disability, in terms of individuals’ capacity to execute activities and perform tasks in their current environment, using aids.MethodsCross-sectional study conducted on community-dwelling participants in the “2008 National Survey of Disability”, with data on 91,846 households having 20,425 disabled persons, 443 of whom had disability due to road traffic crashes. We measured severity using two indicators, i.e., the Capacity (CSI) and Performance (PSI) Severity Indices.ResultsThe highest proportion of disability was mild (CSI = 70.5%; PSI = 80.8%), while 7.6% (CSI) and 4.9% (PSI) was severe/complete respectively. The moderate/severe disability rate was 0.6 per thousand on the CSI, decreasing to 0.4 per thousand on the PSI. No differences were observed by age or sex. Moderate/severely disabled persons had a fourfold higher probability of being retired or unfit for work. Mental and nervous system impairments were more closely related to moderate/severe/complete problems of capacity and performance (p < 0.001), disability for carrying out general tasks and demands, and interpersonal interactions and relationships (p < 0.001). Being permanently bedridden (p < 0.001), receiving aids (p < 0.001), family support (p < 0.05) and moving home (p < 0.05) increased with an increase in the level of severity.ConclusionRoad traffic crashes mainly cause mild disability. Moderate/severe disability is associated with lower work capacity, greater functional dependence, and increased need of aids, moving home and family support.     

Neutron diffraction and magnetic study of the low-temperature transitions in SrMo1−xFexO3−δ

SrMo_1?xFe_xO_3?δ (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3) perovskites have recently been described as performing anode materials in solid-oxide fuel cells. In this work, we describe the structural phase transitions they undergo below room-temperature (RT), studied “in-situ” from neutron powder diffraction data and DSC measurements. At RT all the studied compositions are cubic, space group Pm-3m, with unit-cell parameters that decrease with Fe doping. Upon cooling the samples, two structural phase transitions are identified: one to a tetragonal structure with I4/mcm space group (around T₁ = 240 K), and the second one to an orthorhombic Imma phase below T₂ = 100 K. The magnetic properties have also been evaluated; the Fe substitution drives an evolution from a Pauli-paramagnetic state (x = 0) to a weak ferromagnetic state combined with antiferromagnetic interactions; the susceptibility and the saturation magnetization increases monotonically with increasing the Fe-doping content.     

Structural,optical, thermal,photoconductivity, laser damage threshold and fluorescence analysis of an organic material: β-P-amino benzoic acid single crystal

β-P-amino benzoic acid, an organic single crystal was grown by slow evaporation technique. Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies show that the grown crystal has β-polymorph of P-amino benzoic acid [β-PABA] form and the lattice parameters are a = 6.30 Å, b = 8.61 Å, c = 12.43 Å α = γ = 90° and β = 100.20°. FTIR analysis confirms that bands at 1588 cm⁻¹, 1415 cm⁻¹ are assigned to ring skeletal vibrations of title compound. The molecular structure of the grown crystal has been identified by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectral study. The optical absorbance spectrum from 200 to 1100 nm shows that there is an edge absorbance in UV region. Optical band gap of the crystal has been assessed from the absorbance spectrum. The thermal properties of crystals were evaluated from TG-DTA analysis, it exhibits that there is no weight loss up to 187 °C. Laser damage threshold indicates that the grown crystal has no surface damage up to 35 mJ. Photoconductivity and fluorescence spectral experiments are also carried out and the results are discussed.     

Structural evolution of Aun (n = 29–35) clusters: A transition from hollow cage to amorphous packing

The structural evolution and competition between the hollow cage, amorphous, fcc-like and tubular structures for medium-sized Au_n (n = 29–35) clusters were investigated using density functional theory combined with empirical genetic algorithm search. Au_n (n = 29–32) clusters prefer the hollow cage structures. Amorphous core–shell configurations prevail over other kinds of structural motifs for Au_n (n = 33–35). A transition from hollow cage to amorphous packing occurs at n = 33. The size-dependent HOMO–LUMO gap, vertical ionization potential and electron density of states were discussed to illustrate the relationship between the electronic properties and the geometry structures.     

Aluminum-free glass-ionomer bone cements with enhanced bioactivity and biodegradability

Al-free glasses of general composition 0.340SiO₂:0.300ZnO:(0.250-a-b)CaO:aSrO:bMgO:0.050Na₂O:0.060P₂O₅ (a, b = 0.000 or 0.125) were synthesized by melt quenching and their ability to form glass-ionomer cements was evaluated using poly(acrylic acid) and water. We evaluated the influence of the poly(acrylic acid) molecular weight and glass particle size in the cement mechanical performance. Higher compressive strength (25 ± 5 MPa) and higher compressive elastic modulus (492 ± 17 MPa) were achieved with a poly(acrylic acid) of 50 kDa and glass particle sizes between 63 and 125 μm. Cements prepared with glass formulation a = 0.125 and b = 0.000 were analyzed after immersion in simulated body fluid; they presented a surface morphology consistent with a calcium phosphate coating and a Ca/P ratio of 1.55 (similar to calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite). Addition of starch to the cement formulation induced partial degradability after 8 weeks of immersion in phosphate buffer saline containing α-amylase. Micro-computed tomography analysis revealed that the inclusion of starch increased the cement porosity from 35% to 42%. We were able to produce partially degradable Al-free glass-ionomer bone cements with mechanical performance, bioactivity and biodegradability suitable to be applied on non-load bearing sites and with the appropriate physical characteristics for osteointegration upon partial degradation. Zn release studies (concentrations between 413 μM and 887 μM) evidenced the necessity to tune the cement formulations to reduce the Zn concentration in the surrounding environment.     

Crystal growth,structure, infrared spectroscopy,and luminescent properties of rare-earth gallium borates RGa3(BO3)4, R = Nd,Sm–Er,Y

Crystals of the rare-earth gallium borates RGa₃(BO₃)₄, where R = Nd, Sm–Er, or Y, were grown by the flux method. The crystal structures of RGa₃(BO₃)₄ (R = Eu, Ho) were studied on the basis of single-crystal X-ray diffraction measurements. The hexagonal unit-cell parameters are a = 9.4657(1) Å, c = 7.4667(1) Å and a = 9.4394(2) Å, c = 7.4322(1) Å for EuGa₃(BO₃)₄ and HoGa₃(BO₃)₄, respectively, space group R32. Structure model was determined by “charge flipping” method and refined to R = 1.93% [EuGa₃(BO₃)₄] and R = 1.89% [HoGa₃(BO₃)₄] in anisotropic approximation. All grown gallium borates were investigated by infrared (IR) spectroscopy technique in a middle and far IR region. IR spectra of rare-earth gallium borates correspond to a pure rhombohedral (R32) polytype structure. Small inclusions of a monoclinic phase were detected only in Eu and Nd compounds. Luminescence of Eu and Ho gallium borates was studied at room temperature. The measured decay times for the most intensive emission lines of EuGa₃(BO₃)₄ (∼614 nm) and HoGa₃(BO₃)₄ (434 nm) are 940 μs and 140 μs, respectively. The scheme of crystal-field energy levels of Eu³⁺ in EuGa₃(BO₃)₄ was built on the basis of the temperature-dependent optical transmission measurements combined with the luminescence data. The measured UV absorption edge for RGa₃(BO₃)₄ is at about 300 nm.     

Microstructure and electrical performance of eco-friendly thick film resistor compositions fired at different firing conditions

Perovskite ruthenates, viz. CaRuO₃, SrRuO₃, BaRuO₃, etc. although exhibit many interesting physical properties, have been seldom used in thick film resistors. In the preliminary attempts, we have formulated lead free thick film resistor paste compositions using CaRuO₃. Five different paste compositions by varying the ruthenate concentration were prepared. Thick film resistors were screen printed onto an alumina substrate. Different thick film firing conditions were adopted to fire the resistors. Although, for TFRs, the standard conventional firing cycle is 850 °C, our TFR compositions can be fired even at a peak temperature of 800 °C. The evolution of microstructure and electrical performance of these resistors were studied. The resistors fired in conventional thick film firing furnace (BTU make) were found to be morphologically more uniform than the resistors fired in normal tube furnace. However, the sheet resistance value ‘R_s’ is lower (54–1.36 kΩ/□) in case of resistors fired in tube furnace. On the other hand, resistors fired in thick film firing furnace exhibit higher range of sheet resistance (1.36–800 kΩ/□). The hot and cold TCR range is 180–560 ppm/°C in case of tube furnace fired resistors and 120–235 ppm/°C for BTU furnace, which is comparatively lower than those reported earlier (>600 ppm/°C) for other lead free resistors.     

Crystal structure,thermal analysis and IR spectrometric investigation of l-tyrosine hydrazide diphosphate monohydrate

The monoclinic crystal structure of (C₉H₁₅N₃O₂)₂P₂O₇·H₂O denoted DLTHDP [a = 14.626(1), b = 6.1990(2), c = 14.562(1) Å, β = 97.289(3)°, Z = 2, monoclinic P2₁, D_cal = 1.508, D_mes = 1.49 g cm⁻³] has been solved using direct methods and refined to a reliability factor R = 4.37% for 2079 independent reflections. The DLTHDP structure can be described by infinite polyanions [P₂O₇·H₂O]_n⁴ⁿ⁻ organized in chains parallel to the b-direction and located at z = 1/2, alternating with organic cations associated in ribbons spreading along the a-direction. Multiple hydrogen bonds originating from amine, hydroxyl groups and water molecules donors [NH…O(N) and O(W)H…O] connect the different components of the lattice. The IR data of DLTHDP is reported and discussed according to the theoretical group analysis and by comparison with IR results of similar compounds. The coupled thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)–differential thermal analysis (DTA) thermal study shows the departure of one water molecule, confirming the hydrated character of this compound.     

Prevalence of texting while driving and other risky driving behaviors among young people in Ontario,Canada: Evidence from 2012 and 2014

This paper reports on the prevalence of texting while driving and other risky driving behaviors by age and gender in two large samples of youth aged 16–19 years in Ontario, Canada. In Study 1 (N = 6133), we found that males reported more frequent texting while driving and speeding than females and, in terms of age, sixteen year olds reported frequent texting while driving than older participants. In Study 2 (N = 4450), which was conducted two years later, males again reported more frequent texting while driving, however there was no difference in the rate of talking on the phone while driving among males and females. Participants also reported on experiences that led to a significant reduction in their texting while driving. The most common reasons were the perceived danger of texting while driving, laws and fines against texting while driving, and observing close-calls and accidents experienced by other people. The results of both studies suggest that driving-related risk-taking behaviors co-occur and that young passengers in vehicles, including 14 and 15 year olds, are bystanders to texting while driving. Finally, there was a substantial decline in the prevalence of texting while driving across the studies. In Study 1, 27% of participants reported “sometimes” to “almost always” texting while driving compared to 6% of participants in Study 2. Limitations and implications for public campaigns targeted youth distracted driving are discussed.     

A new method for the measurement of static and dynamic Young’s moduli of long fibres

This article describes a new laser systems to measure the Young’s modulus of a long fibre based on the diffraction of light. Two setups are presented. The first setup has been used to measure the static Young’s modulus of a thin basalt fibre (10 μm diameter, 93 mm length). The second setup called “impulse mechanical spectrometer” was used to measure the dynamic Young’s modulus of a long polyamide fibre (128 μm diameter, 371 mm length). A change of the vibration frequency is achieved by changing the length of the fibre or the load. The damping coefficient was also estimated in the dynamic characterisation. The presented experimental method does not require calibration.     

Effect of solidification parameters on the microstructure of Sn-3.7Ag-0.9Zn solder

In this work, Sn–Ag–Zn alloy of eutectic composition (Sn-3.7wt.%Ag-0.9wt.%Zn) was directionally solidified upward at a constant temperature gradient (G = 4.33 K/mm) in a wide range of growth rates (V = 3.38–220.12 μm/s) and a constant growth rate (V = 11.52 μm/s) with different temperature gradients (G = 4.33–12.41 K/mm) using a Bridgman type directional solidification furnace. The microstructure was observed to be a rod Ag₃Sn structure in the matrix of β–Sn from the directionally solidified Sn-3.7wt.%Ag-0.9wt.%Zn samples. The values of eutectic spacing (λ) were measured from transverse section of samples. The dependency of eutectic spacing on the growth rate (V) and temperature gradient (G) were determined with linear regression analysis. The dependency of λ on the values of V and G were found to be λ = 10.42V ^? 0.53 and λ = 0.27G ^? 0.48, respectively. The values of bulk growth were also determined to be λ²V = 86.39 μm³/s by using the measured values of λ and V. The results obtained in present work were compared with the previous similar experimental results obtained for binary and ternary alloys.     

Microstructure and performance of energetically modified cement (EMC) with high filler content

Energetically modified cement (EMC) has been produced by high intensive grinding/activation of normal portland cement (NPC) together with 20% and 50% quartz sand. EMC concretes were compared to NPC based concrete using the k-factor concept. The k-factor for concrete with w/c = 0.60–0.45 was 0.7–0.9 for 1 d and 1.1–1.3 for 28 d compressive strength. k > 1 for both capillary suction, porosity, vapor diffusion and chloride permeability. For carbonation resistance k was ≈0.55.Microstructure of EMC paste with 50% quartz sand and w/c = 0.40 showed that the quartz was extensively ground and formed agglomerates with cement having a high inner surface. The degree of hydration of the cement in EMC was as high as 71% after 1 d compared to 45% for untreated blend. Refined pore size distribution of EMC versus the blend means that even for equal hydration at higher ages EMC will perform better.     

Coupled substitutions in In2O3: New transparent conductors In2−xM2x/3Sbx/3O3 (M = Cu,Zn)

Two solid solutions In_2−xM_2x/3Sb_x/3O₃ (M = Cu, Zn) with the bixbyite structure have been synthesized in air at 1300 °C. The homogeneity range is larger for Zn (x = 0.42) than for Cu (x = 0.20) and the cationic distribution of the Cu/Sb and Zn/Sb couples is weakly ordered. These new oxides appear to be transparent conductors. Even fully deprived of tin, they have good potential properties. These oxides are either semiconductors with a small band gap (Cu/Sb) or semimetals (Zn/Sb) with σ = 3 × 10² (Ω cm)⁻¹ at room temperature. These materials are more efficient than bulk ITO prepared under the same experimental conditions, i.e. without reducing treatment (σ = 50 (Ω cm)⁻¹).