Behavior Index Research Articles

Chasing Schottky–Mott: Metal-first non-alloyed contacts to β-Ga2O3 for interface quality and minimal surface modification

Metal-first non-alloyed ohmic and Schottky contacts are fabricated on β-Ga2O3 with a range of metal work functions (ϕM). The resulting ohmic contacts are of high quality with a contact resistance (Rc) as low as 0.069 ± 0.003 Ω mm. Measurements of the barrier heights (ϕB) indicate that metal-first processing, which preserves the as-grown/bare-substrate surface, also partially un-pins the Fermi-level in (010) and (2¯01) oriented Ga2O3. Depth-resolved XPS (x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) measurements of the oxidation state throughout the contact metal at the contact–Ga2O3 interface indicate that most non-alloyed contact metals are at least partially oxidized by room temperature redox reactions with the underlying Ga2O3, with metals with a lower ϕM also demonstrating the greatest level of oxidation. As oxidation has been previously observed to enhance a metal’s work function, this may imply that to-date observations of indices of surface behavior << 1 on β-Ga2O3, which have been attributed to severe Fermi-level pinning, may need to be corrected to account for this partial oxidation in addition to other surface modifications during device processing demonstrated in this work.

Mechanism of starch multi-scale structural in determining the textural properties and formability of starch pearls

Starch pearls are widely used in bubble tea and desserts, yet the mechanistic understanding of the formation process of their textural properties remain unclear. To investigate the relationship between the multi-scale structure of starch and the textural properties of starch pearls, analyses of fine structure, crystal structure, rheological behavior, and textural profiling were conducted. The results showed that starch gels with a higher content of short-chain amylose (100 < X ≤ 1000) exhibited weaker formability during starch pearl preparation, leading to a lower flow behavior index (n*). This, in turn, positively influenced the hardness and resilience of the starch pearls. Cassava, potato, and yam starch pearls contained a large amount of long-chain amylopectin (24 < X ≤ 100) and long-chain amylose (5000 < X ≤ 20,000). The high proportion of long chains resulted in a weaker ordered structure, leading to increased peak viscosities and final viscosities and a higher consistency coefficient (k*). This structural feature enhanced the formability stability, viscosity, and chewability of starch pearls. Our findings reveal that variations in starch multi-scale structure significantly influence the textural quality and formability of starch pearls, providing valuable insights for optimizing starch selection and processing techniques in the food industry.

Experimental study of steel single skin, double skin and dual tubes stub columns filled with rubberized concrete

This experimental study investigates the performance of rubberized concrete-filled dual steel tubular (RuCFDST) short columns under concentric compression, addressing a gap in existing literature. While previous studies focused on single- and double-skin circular steel tube stub columns, the specific behavior of RuCFDST columns remains largely unexplored. The study compares RuCFDST columns with rubberized concrete-filled steel tubes (RuCFST) and rubberized concrete-filled double-skin steel tubes (RuCFDSST). A total of eighteen specimens were experimentally tested, which consisted of three single-tube configuration, three double-skin configuration, and twelve dual tube configuration. The investigation covers rubberized concrete preparation, material testing, precise measurements, test setup, and result analysis. Key parameters include rubberized ratio (0 %, 10 %, 20 %, and 30 %) and concrete mix variations. The results provide insights into failure modes, load-shortening behavior, ductility, and strength index, with comparisons to the design predictions based on the European standard EC4. The inclusion of rubberized concrete enhances ductility, while RuCFDST columns show promise in combining sustainability and strength. The study also evaluates design predictions, revealing good agreement for lower rubberized content but indicating deviations for higher ratios, suggesting the need for refined design approaches in such cases.

Influence of physical forms of non-forage diet on growth performance, feeding behavior, rumen and blood indices, and nutrient digestibility in fattening goats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of physical forms (PF) of a non-forage fiber-based fattening diet on the growth performance, feeding behavior, nutrient digestibility, blood, and rumen indices in male Beetal goats. Thirty male goats with an average body weight (BW) of 32 ± 1 kg were assigned to one of three dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design. The treatments were as follows: (1) Pelleted (P) diet, where all ingredients were ground to 2 mm and then pelleted; (2) Texturized (TX) diet, where all ingredients, except whole corn grain, were ground to 2 mm, pelleted, and then mixed with whole corn grains; and (3) Unprocessed conventional mix (UCM), where all ingredients were mixed without any mechanical processing. The experimental duration was 12-week, two weeks for dietary adaptation, nine weeks for growth data collection, and one week for evaluation of nutrients digestibility. Daily dry matter intake (DMI) and DMI as a percentage of BW were higher (P < 0.05) in the P diet compared to the TX diet. The male goats fed with the UCM exhibited higher (P < 0.05) average daily gain and gain-to-feed ratio than TX and P diet. The ruminal pH tended to be higher (P < 0.05) in the goats fed the UCM compared to those fed the TX and P diets. The odds of having a fecal consistency score of 3 or more were 16.4 times (2.18–123.97) greater in the P diet and 9.1 times (1.15–72.16) in the TX diet than in the UCM. The intake of DM, NDF, feeding and total rumination time, were higher (P < 0.05) in goats fed UCM than those fed P and TX diets. The digestibility of NDF and EE were higher (P < 0.05) in the UCM and TX than in the P diet. These findings suggest that incorporating an unprocessed diet composed of whole corn grain and soyhulls can lead to enhanced growth performance, improved feeding behavior, and better nutrient utilization.

Physicochemical Factors Affecting the Rheology and Stability of Peach Puree Dispersions

The rheological properties and sedimentation phenomena in fruit purees are of particular importance for the food industry and product acceptance by consumers. The aim of this study was to correlate the phase separation with the underlying mechanisms. First, the influence of soluble solids content and temperature on the flow properties of peach puree was determined. Furthermore, considering the fruit puree matrix as a colloidal dispersion, the sedimentation rate, particle size and zeta potential were also determined. The peach puree samples exhibited pseudoplastic behavior, which was effectively described by the power law model. Both the flow consistency coefficient and apparent viscosity increased as the concentration rose. On the contrary, viscosity decreased as temperature increased. In addition, there was no significant effect of temperature on the flow behavior index. Low zeta potential values resulted in sedimentation as expressed by the phase separation index, and the highest sedimentation rate was observed for the sample with the lowest sucrose content.

Primary care severe asthma registry project-phase 1: e-Delphi results for registry entry and indices of clinician behaviour

Primary care severe asthma registry project-phase 1: e-Delphi results for registry entry and indices of clinician behaviour

Effect of protein-phenolic acid complexes on ice cream structure and meltdown behavior

This study focused on understanding the effects of protein-phenolic acid complexes on structural changes and meltdown behavior in ice cream. Three phenolic acids (4-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, and gallic acid) at two concentrations (2 and 10 mg/g) were individually investigated. Compared to control ice cream, 2 and 10 mg/g phenolic acid increased the induction time for the first drip by 175–200% and 200–292%, respectively. Ice cream with gallic acid and vanillic acid at 10 mg/g exhibited the lowest meltdown rates compared to other treatments. Addition of phenolic acids caused reduction of ice cream pH (4.92–6.13), overrun (23.11–69.02%), consistency coefficient (9.47–175.56 Pa sn), and melting enthalpy (154,320–193,330 J/kg), while increasing the apparent viscosity (478.37–8770.17 mPa s), flow behavior index (0.42–0.62), and fat globule size (2.22–10.53 μm). Fluorescence spectroscopy analysis of a model ice cream mix indicated the presence of protein-phenolic acid interactions. Microscope images of ice cream samples treated with SDS and EDTA further suggested that protein-phenolic acid interactions help create fat aggregation. These findings indicate that addition of phenolic acid to an ice cream mix affects its microstructure by generating protein-phenolic acid complexes that cause protein-mediated fat aggregation, altering the ice cream's viscosity properties and resulting in a lower meltdown rate.

Characterization of Hydrocolloids Extracted from Fenugreek and Sweet Basil Seeds and Their Effect on Rheological Properties of Wheat Starch Paste

Starch-hydrocolloid systems are crucial texturizing agents, ingredients and additives in many food products. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of extraction temperature on the composition and properties of hydrocolloids extracted from milled fenugreek and sweet basil seeds, as well as the effect of the obtained non-starch polysaccharide preparations on the rheological properties of wheat starch paste. Hydrocolloids were extracted from milled seeds of fenugreek and sweet basil at room temperature (PFRT and PSBRT, respectively) and at 70 °C (PF70 and PSB70, respectively), with the extraction yields ranging from 32 to 47%. Extracted hydrocolloids contained polysaccharides (mainly high molar mass galactomannan) and protein. Preparations extracted at 70 °C from fenugreek (PF70) and sweet basil (PSB70) seeds were characterized by a higher content of polyphenols (16.2% and 50.9%, respectively), as well as higher antioxidant properties compared to preparations extracted at room temperature (PFRT and PSBRT). The 6% share of the fenugreek and sweet basil seed preparations obtained by extraction at room temperature increased the consistency index and reduced the flow behavior index compared to the starch paste without the preparations. The share of fenugreek seed and sweet basil preparations increased (p &lt; 0.05) the tan δ parameter of the starch paste compared to the starch paste without the preparations.

Producing high-colloidal-stability sesame paste: structural role of stone milling-modified protein.

Sesame paste faces issues with poor colloidal stability during storage, thereby affecting product quality and consumer experience. This study aimed to modify the proteins in sesame paste through stone milling and investigated the differences in stability produced in this environment, with the goal of addressing this issue. As the number of grinding times increased from one to three, the median diameter of sesame paste significantly decreased from 85 to 74 μm (P < 0.05), and the centrifugal oil separation rate dropped from 9.05% to 6.82%. Rheological measurements indicated an increase in the flow behavior index (n) from 0.51 to 0.61. Confocal laser scanning microscopy results revealed a more uniform co-distribution of protein and oil when ground thrice. The β-sheet content of the protein in sesame paste increased from 52.92% to 56.34%, with enhancements in surface hydrophobicity, hydrophobic interactions and emulsification of protein. When the number of grinding times increased to five, the particle size of the sesame paste was further reduced and the β-sheet content of the protein decreased to 51.00%, while the oil separation rate increased to 7.78%. Stone milling induces structural modifications in proteins, which in turn alter the internal structure of sesame paste, resulting in varying levels of oil separation at different grinding times. Among them, sesame paste ground thrice showed a 25% reduction in the oil separation rate and experienced minimal oil separation over 120 days, making it suitable for practical production. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Faktor Determinan Tekanan Finansial Pada Generasi Z Di Kota Tasikmalaya

This research aims to measure the factors that cause financial pressure on Gen Z in Tasikmalaya City. The research used quantitative methods with structural equation modeling approach. The results show that financial literacy and financial behavior hurt financial stress. This means that the higher the financial literacy and behavior index, the lower the financial pressure. However, lifestyle has a direct effect on financial stress. The higher the lifestyle, the higher the financial pressure that Gen Z receives.

Effects of fluid properties on coarse particles transport in vertical pipe

The mineral resources in deep-seabed are attracting extensive attention. A numerical simulation of particle transport in a vertical pipe for a deep-sea mining system is conducted using the CFD-DEM method. The effects of fluid density, fluid viscosity and rheological parameters of non-Newtonian fluids on the liquid-solid flow behavior in a vertical pipe are investigated. For Newtonian fluids, increasing the density or viscosity enhances the particles' performance in following the fluid and reduces the slip velocity, but also increases the pressure drop. The efficient lifting of particles can be facilitated by adjusting fluid density and viscosity, while considering factors such as energy consumption. For non-Newtonian fluids, an increase in either the flow behavior index n or the consistency coefficient k results in an increase in the fluid's apparent viscosity. This leads to an increase in the particle suspension capacity and local particle velocity, along with a decrease in local particle concentration.

Comparison of forced and voluntary exercise types on male rat brain monoamine levels, anxiety-like behaviour, and physiological indexes under light and dark phases

PurposePhysical exercise improves physical and mental health; however, the differences between voluntary and forced exercise protocols are unclear. In addition, knowledge regarding the consequences of differences in testing timing, such as light and dark phases, in response to exercise type is limited. We investigated the effects of chronic forced and voluntary wheel running on the changes in brain monoamine levels (5-HT: serotonin, DA: dopamine, NA: noradrenaline), anxiety-like behaviours, and physiological stress responses in the light and dark phases. MethodsAdult male Wistar rats were equally and randomly assigned to four groups: sedentary control, voluntary exercise (free running on a wheel, V-EX), voluntary limited exercise (wheel available only 1h/day, VL-EX), and forced exercise (running on a motorised wheel, F-EX). Each group was further divided into dark- or light-experimental condition groups. After 4 weeks, the rats underwent an open-field test. The monoamines and their metabolite levels were measured in the major neural cell bodies and the projection areas related to behaviour, cognition, anxiety, and stress in the brain. ResultsAdrenal hypertrophy and elevated body temperature, except during the exercise period, were observed in the F-EX rats that exhibited anxiety-like behaviour. The levels of monoamines and their metabolites, particularly the 5-HTergic and DAergic systems, in specific areas, were significantly altered in the rats in the V-EX group compared to those in the VL-EX and other groups. These differences were observed only in the dark phase. ConclusionThe results suggest that V-EX mainly stimulates the 5-HTergic and DAergic systems, while F-EX induces physiological stress and increases anxiety-like behaviour during the dark phase. This study highlights the importance of accounting for exercise types and light/dark phases in behavioural neuroscience experiments.

Development of kiwi fruit leather incorporated with hydrocolloids and betacyanin microcapsules: Rheological behaviour and release kinetics of betacyanin

The kiwi fruit leather incorporated with betacyanin microcapsules was prepared using three hydrocolloids namely xanthan gum, gellan gum, and guar gum. The four-kiwi fruit puree prepared for the study were kiwi fruit puree without hydrocolloid (CP), with xanthan gum (XE), with gellan gum (EP), and with guar gum (UP). The influence of various hydrocolloids and temperatures on rheological properties of kiwi fruit puree was investigated using the Cross, Carreau, and modified Powell model. The apparent viscosity was decreased with increase in shear rate and rise of temperature. The incorporation of hydrocolloid also increased viscosity of prepared puree. Cross model (R2>0.989) found to fit the apparent viscosity with respect to shear rate. The flow behaviour index of four kiwi fruit puree samples was found to be less than one depicting pseudoplastic fluid with shear thinning behaviour. For dynamic rheology study in the frequency range of 1–60 rad/s, the storage modulus was higher than loss modulus at specific frequency that implies, elastic properties of puree were dominant over the viscous ones suggesting the weak gel-like network of kiwi fruit puree. The glass transition temperature of prepared kiwi fruit leathers ranged from 59-64°C. The in vitro betacyanin release from the leather sample was studied and Peppas-Sahlin model was observed to be one of the ideal model when compared with the other kinetic models. The development of kiwi fruit leather with hydrocolloids and betacyanin microcapsules represented a successful strategy to create a functional snack that combines health benefits with consumer-desirable sensory attributes.

Heat Transfer and Entropy Generation in Vibrational Flow: Newtonian vs. Inelastic Non-Newtonian Fluid

A computational method is employed to solve heat transfer and entropy generation within a circular pipe. The thermal boundary condition assumes a constant wall temperature, while viscosity is taken to be dependent on temperature. A power-law type shear-thinning fluid is utilized in the analysis, with sinusoidal vibration applied horizontally perpendicular to the flow direction. Temperature distributions across the pipe are illustrated. Additionally, the entropy generation rate over the entire fluid volume under vibration was examined, comparing the results between steady flow and vibrational flow for both types of fluids. It was found that radial mixing is more pronounced in non-Newtonian fluids as vibration increases the strain rate, which is higher for low Reynolds numbers. The research provides a quantitative analysis of heat transfer and entropy generation for both Newtonian and shear-thinning fluids at different Reynolds numbers. It was observed that the effectiveness of superimposed vibrational flow is limited, especially for low Reynolds numbers and flow behavior index characteristic of shear-thinning fluids.

Study on the Flow Characteristics of Non-Newtonian Drilling Fluid Through Vibrating Screen Meshes

Summary Composite screens are a critical component of drilling fluid shale shakers, and their performance directly affects the recovery efficiency of drilling fluid. This study focuses on the composite screens of shale shakers and simulates the flow of non-Newtonian drilling fluids through different structures of composite screens to investigate the impact of drilling fluid rheological parameters and screen compositions on screening performance. The research results indicate that the flow velocity of the drilling fluid is the highest while passing through the lower screen, and the turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) is at its maximum in the lower screen area, where energy dissipation is also the greatest. An increase in the rheological parameters of the four-parameter model drilling fluid generally increases the difficulty of passing through the screen, with the flow behavior index and viscosity coefficient having a particularly significant impact on the pressure drop coefficient. Compared with the plain composite screen, the herringbone composite screen and plain patterned composite screen have lower pressure drop coefficients, with the herringbone composite screen demonstrating the best screening performance. These findings provide theoretical references for flow analysis and structural optimization of shale shaker screens in drilling fluid applications.

Rationale and design of healthy at home for COPD: an integrated remote patient monitoring and virtual pulmonary rehabilitation pilot study

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common, costly, and morbid condition. Pulmonary rehabilitation, close monitoring, and early intervention during acute exacerbations of symptoms represent a comprehensive approach to improve outcomes, but the optimal means of delivering these services is uncertain. Logistical, financial, and social barriers to providing healthcare through face-to-face encounters, paired with recent developments in technology, have stimulated interest in exploring alternative models of care. The Healthy at Home study seeks to determine the feasibility of a multimodal, digitally enhanced intervention provided to participants with COPD longitudinally over 6 months. This paper details the recruitment, methods, and analysis plan for the study, which is recruiting 100 participants in its pilot phase. Participants were provided with several integrated services including a smartwatch to track physiological data, a study app to track symptoms and study instruments, access to a mobile integrated health program for acute clinical needs, and a virtual comprehensive pulmonary support service. Participants shared physiologic, demographic, and symptom reports, electronic health records, and claims data with the study team, facilitating a better understanding of their symptoms and potential care needs longitudinally. The Healthy at Home study seeks to develop a comprehensive digital phenotype of COPD by tracking and responding to multiple indices of disease behavior and facilitating early and nuanced responses to changes in participants’ health status. This study is registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT06000696).

Hydrodynamic analysis of core annular flow with a viscoplastic lubricant

Core annular flow (CAF) with viscoplastic lubrication (VPL) is an attractive proposition for pipeline transportation of high viscous oil, slurries and suspensions. Past studies have performed stability analysis to show that the unyielded zone at the liquid-liquid interface stabilizes CAF by suppressing interfacial instabilities. However, an in-depth investigation of the flow hydrodynamics and the conditions which reduce the pumping power within stable CAF range using VPL has not been reported till date. Moreover, most of the studies have considered a Bingham Plastic liquid in the annulus. Only a single study (Usha & Sahu, 2019) is reported with Herschel-Bulkley (HB) liquid in the annulus that considers the entire annulus to be in the shear zone. Another experimental study (Huen et al., 2007) has demonstrated stable core annular flow with a shear thinning core and a HB annulus. In the present work, we analyze viscoplastically lubricated CAF for a Newtonian core where the yield stress annular liquid is described by the generalized HB model. The simplified analysis can predict CAF stability and is further explored to (i) assess the efficacy of VPL for stable energy-efficient oil transportation, and (ii) enhanced throughput without clogging during suspension transportation. The analysis, validated against data from literature, unravels the influence of rheological properties on flow hydrodynamics. We note that an annular liquid with low flow behavior index, n and yield stress, τy lowers pumping power, but the yield stress should be sufficient to form a plug zone at the interface for suppressing instabilities and stabilizing CAF. For viscous oil, a phase diagram in dimensionless coordinates (Reynolds number of the oil core and Herschel-Bulkley number of the annular liquid, both expressed at the inlet conditions) suggests the range of operation where an available HB liquid can serve as an effective annular lubricant for energy-efficient transportation.

Effect of solids concentration and operational variables on the performance of a geometrically optimized concentrator hydrocyclone employing a pseudoplastic fluid

The employment of hydrocyclones in thickening operations is an attractive option when compared to centrifuges and filters due to their low operating, maintenance, and acquisition costs. However, the performance of hydrocyclone separation is impaired as the concentration of solids and the viscosity of the suspension increases. Using geometric optimization techniques, the Federal University of Uberlândia developed one concentrator hydrocyclone named HC. When working with diluted and Newtonian slurries, the HC could generate a stream 45 times more concentrated than the one fed into it. In this study, the HC performance was evaluated when operating pseudoplastic fluids containing up to 10% solids by volume. The combination of the underflow diameter and vortex finder length with an adequate supply of pressure energy maintained the thickening potential of the HC even when the rheology of the fluid was changed. For different working suspensions, the HC hydrocyclone achieved a minimum water split to underflow of 5%, a maximum concentration ratio of 7.0, and a maximum efficiency of 49%. The encouraging results obtained by the HC validated the benefits of the geometric optimization, as they point to a significant advance in the thickening operation of non–Newtonian sludges with a flow behavior index greater than 0.5.

Challenging Childhood Obesity: The Influence of Education and Close Monitoring on Obesity-Related Behaviors.

We aimed to evaluate the role of nutrition and behavior education intervention in the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity by comparing changes in obesity-related characteristics among obese children during a follow-up period of 12 months. This study was designed as a prospective cohort study in children aged between 6 and 18 years, with exogenous obesity who applied to Istanbul Research and Training Hospital, Pediatrics Department, between January 2018 and July 2019. Beginning at the sixth month, a program for nutrition and behavior education for obesity prevention and treatment was initiated and continued during the second half of the study period. The mean age of 59 children (29 females, 30 males) was 11.73 ± 2.78. BMI levels did not show a significant difference in the first 6 months, but decreased significantly during the second 6 months of the study. Screen time, fast eating behavior, overeating behavior and food score index scores also demonstrated significant improvements during the intervention period of the study, between 6 and 12 months. It was concluded that nutrition and behavior education for the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity could be a successful intervention with close follow-up.

Impact of Feeding Artemia franciscana Enriched with Various Oil Resources on Growth, Blood Biochemical and Behavioral Indices, and Survival of Oreochromis Niloticus

Abstract The main objective of the present trial was to examine the efficacy of feeding tilapia fry fish on Artemia franciscana diets supplemented with various oil emulsion resources in terms of performance, behavior indices, survival rate, blood biochemical parameters, and immunological response. Four hundred Nile tilapia fry (weighing 0.15±0.05 g and measuring 2.17±0.08 cm) were randomly allocated into four equal groups (each with five repetitions) and acclimatized for fifteen days. The first group served as the control and received unenriched Artemia franciscana (G0), while the remaining three groups were fed Artemia franciscana diets enriched with different oil resources (0.5 mL oil per liter for 6 hours): soybean oil (G1), sesame oil (G2), and rice bran oil (G3). Behavioral observations were recorded during the 45-day experimental period. At the end of the feeding trial, the chemical composition and fatty acid content of both Artemia and fingerlings were analyzed. Furthermore, the growth performance, survival, and immune response of the fingerlings were evaluated. The results indicated noticeable improvements in behavioral measurements (feeding, foraging and schooling), performance (final length, final weight, net weight gain, feed conversion ratio and specific growth rate), survival, and immune response among fry fish supplemented with enriched Artemia, particularly those enriched with soybean oil. Additionally, the chemical composition and fatty acid content of both Artemia and fish fry were significantly enhanced when oil emulsions are applied, with soybean oil demonstrating the most prominent improvements. Whereas, supplementing fry fish Artemia diets with oil resulted in lower liver enzyme activity and higher protein component levels in plasma in comparison to the control group. In brief, feeding Nile tilapia fry fish Artemia diets enriched with a soybean oil emulsion (0.5 mL/L) is recommended for promoting high performance, immunological activity, and survival throughout the early stage till fingerlings phase.