Ontology based E-learning framework: A personalized,adaptive and context aware model

Multimedia Tools and Applications - Enhancing the degree of learner productivity, one of the major challenges in E-Learning systems, may be catered through effective personalization, adaptivity and...     

Monte Carlo study of ion-induced secondary electron emission from SiO2

Here we describe a recently developed direct Monte Carlo program to study kinetic electron emission from SiO₂ target. The program includes excitation of the target electrons (by projectile ions, recoiling target atoms and fast primary electrons), subsequent transport and escape of these electrons from the target surface. The program can be used to calculate the electron yields, distribution of electron excitation points in the target and other physical parameters of the emitted electrons. In order to demonstrate the capabilities of this program, we report a study on the kinetic electron emission from SiO₂ induced by fast (1-10 keV) rare gas ions. The calculated kinetic electron yield for various ion energies and masses is in good agreement with the predictions of most frequently applied theoretical model. In addition, the effects of projectile energy, mass and impact angle on the depth distribution of electron excitation points and average escape depth of the outgoing electrons were investigated. It is important to mention that the existing experimental techniques are not capable to measure these parameters.     

The influence of substrate temperature on the structural and optical properties of ZnS thin films

Thin films of ZnS were deposited on soda lime glass substrates by a modified close-space sublimation technique. The change in optical and structural properties of the films deposited at various substrate temperatures (150–450°C) was investigated. X-ray diffraction spectra showed that films were polycrystalline in nature having cubic structure oriented only along (111) plan. The crystallinity of films increased with the substrate temperature up to 250°C. However, crystallinity decreased with further increase of substrate temperature and films became amorphous at 450°C. The atomic force microscopy data revealed that the films become more uniform and dense with the increase of substrate temperature. Optical properties of the films were determined from the transmittance data using Swanepoel model. It was observed that the energy band gap is increased from 3.52 to 3.65 eV and refractive index of the films are decreased with the increase of substrate temperature. Moreover, considerable improvement in blue response of the films was noticed with increasing substrate temperature.     

Heat transfer analysis for particle–fluid suspension thermomagnetohydrodynamic peristaltic flow with Darcy–Forchheimer medium

This theoretical analysis explores the effect of heat and mass transfer on particle–fluid suspension for the Rabinowitsch fluid model with the stiffness and dynamic damping effects through Darcy–Brinkman–Forchheimer porous medium. In this study, we also incorporate slip and transverse magnetic field effects. Using low Reynolds number, to neglect inertial forces and to keep the pressure constant during the flow, channel height is used largely as compared with the ratio of length of the wave. A numerical technique is used to solve flow governing system of differential equations. Particular attention is paid to viscous damping force parameter, stiffness parameter, and rigidity parameter; also, the numerical data for thermal profile, momentum, and concentration distribution are presented graphically. Outcomes are deliberated in detail for different fluid models (thinning, thickening, and viscous models). It is found that velocity profile increases for greater values of viscous damping effect and stiffness and rigidity parameter for shear thinning, but conflicting comportment is showed for thickening nature model. Viscous dissipation effects increases the thermal profile for all cases of fluid models. The scope of the present article is valuable in explaining the blood transport dynamics in small vessels while considering the important wall features with chemical reaction characteristics. The current analysis has extensive applications in biomedical engineering field, that is, peristaltic pumps.     

Nonlinear convective flow with variable thermal conductivity and Cattaneo-Christov heat flux

An analysis is introduced to investigate the salient features of nonlinear convective flow of thixotropic fluid in the version of Cattaneo-Christov heat flux theory. The stagnation point flow is present. The flow phenomenon is by an impermeable stretching sheet. The energy expression is modeled through the theory of Cattaneo-Christov heat flux. Characteristics of heat transfer phenomenon are described within the frame of variable thermal conductivity. Suitable variables reduced to the nonlinear partial differential expressions to the ordinary differential expressions. Series solutions of resulting systems are acquired within the frame of homotopy theory. Convergence analysis is achieved and suitable values are determined by capturing the so-called ℏ−curves. Graphical results for velocity and temperature are displayed and argued for sundry physical variables. Expression of skin friction coefficient is calculated through numerical values. Higher values of mixed convection parameter, Prandtl number, and thermal relaxation time lead to decay the temperature and layer thickness.

     

Climate change and the UN-2030 agenda: Do mitigation technologies represent a driving factor? New evidence from OECD economies

Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy - The United Nations 2030 agenda states various sustainable development goals (SDGs) to counter climate change affecting individuals' health and...