Solution Bi Research Articles

Effects of Bi-Sb Addition and Solution Treatment on Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Al-20 wt.% Mg2Si Composites

In this study, the effects of compound modification with Bi and Sb and solution treatment on the microstructures evolution and the mechanical properties of Al-20 wt.% Mg2Si composites were investigated. The specimens were observed by optical microscope, scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy-dispersive spectrometer and x-ray diffraction. The characterization results showed that 2.0 wt.% Sb and 0.2 wt.% Bi addition refined the primary Mg2Si from 95 to 10 μm, accompanied by a change in morphology from coarse dendrites to dispersive fine polygons. After solution treatment at 540 °C for 15 h, the sharp polygonal primary Mg2Si particles were blunted and the flake-like eutectic Mg2Si phases were changed to small spherical particles, resulting in the increase in the Brinell hardness of the composites from HB 94.53 to 134.67. Mechanical tests revealed that both tensile strength and hardness of the composite were improved by compound modification with Bi and Sb, and the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) was increased from 216 MPa unmodified to 257 MPa with optimum modification of 2 wt.% Sb and 0.2 wt.% Bi. A propounded change in hardness from HB 94.53 to 130.67 was also investigated.

Structural Study and Electrical Properties of Bi1.5–xCaxSb1.5CuO7 Pyrochlore-Type Solid Solution Series

Abstract Pyrochlore solid solution Bi1.5−xCaxSb1.5CuO7 has been prepared by conventional ceramic solid state reaction with 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4. The samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), scanning electron microscopy, and electrical conductivity measurements. The pyrochlore single phase formation was confirmed for all of the x-fractions. The variation of the electrical resistivity versus x of all samples measured by means of a four-probe device at room temperature indicates that these still remain insulators. High-temperature electrical conductivity measurements at various frequencies using a device with two electrodes allow us to note the maximum electrical conductivity of 4.7 × 10−3 S.cm−1, which has been reached at x = 0.2, generating an activation energy of 0.14 eV. For this fraction, Rietveld refinement of the corresponding XRPD pattern confirmed the typical cubic Fd-3m space group with a cell parameter of a = 10.4089(1) Å.

Photocatalytic activity of BiVO4 and ZnO-CuO nanoparticles under solar irradiation

A ZnO-CuO heterojunction was synthesized by a coprecipitation method using a mixture of different volumes of equimolar (0.5 M) aqueous solutions of zinc nitrate hexahydrate (Zn(NO3)2·6H2O) and copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO2·5H2O) heated to 100 °C. Bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) was synthesized by mixing stoichiometric amounts of partially dissolved solutions of Bi(NO3)3·5H2O and NH4VO3. The resulting solution was then sonicated in an ultrasonic bath for 2 h at 45 °C. The synthesized photocatalysts have degraded methyl orange or methylene blue under solar irradiation.

Incorporating External Data Into a BI Solution at a Public Waste Management Organization

Organizations are showing an increasing interest in incorporating external data into their business intelligence solutions. Such data allows for advanced analytics and enables more comprehensive and inclusive decision-making. However, external data incorporation is relatively unexplored in the literature, and scientifically published details on up-and-running BI solutions are very sparse. In addition, published literature concerning the incorporation of external data into BI solutions is often rather synoptic or rather old (originating from data warehouse related literature). Therefore, the authors present the results of an action case study at a public waste management organization, illustrating detailed aspects of external data incorporation related to the back-end of the solution such as data selection, source characteristics, acquisition technologies and frequencies, and integration approaches. Given that the external origin of the data poses specific problems that must be overcome in order to allow for successful incorporation initiatives, special attention was paid to such problems.

Comparison of Normal Saline, Ringer's Lactate, and Sodium Bicarbonate for Prevention of Contrast-induced Nephropathy in Patients with Coronary Angiography: A Randomized Double-blind Clinical Trial.

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is one the most important renal complications following contrast injection in percutaneous coronary intervention. We compared the protective effect of normal saline (NLS), Ringer's lactate (RL), and sodium bicarbonate (Bi). In this study, patients with coronary angiography indication were divided into three groups by simple randomization method: NLS, RL, and Bi solution groups. Creatinine (Cr) alterations, glomerular filtration rate, and urine pH were evaluated prior and after the procedure. Data were analyzed with SPSS and P value less than 0.05 was taken as significant. In this study, 300 patients [150 men (50%), mean age 59.1 ± 10.6 years] were studied. The CIN incidence overall was 10% (30 patients): 8.3% (8 patients) in NLS; 16.5% (17 patients) in RL; and 5% (5 patients) in Bi group. It was significantly different among three groups (P = 0.018), and CIN incidence was significantly lower in Bi vs. RL group (P = 0.012). Baseline Cr clearance was higher in patients who developed CIN (78.4 ± 26.0 vs. 69.8 ± 21.6 mL/dL, P = 0.044). Urine pH after trial in CIN group was lower than the patients without CIN (5.5 ± 1.4 vs. 6.3 ± 1.8 mL/dL, P = 0.024). Higher urine pH and its change during study were seen in Bi group (P < 0.05). Cr at the initiation of study and the use of RL vs. Bi may be prognostic factors in CIN progression (P < 0.002). Sodium barcarbonate as fluid had more protective effect than NSL or RL on prevention of CIN in patients undergoing coronary angiography. The risk factors for CIN in our study were higher baseline serum Cr and use of RL as hydration fluid.

Криогенный термоэлектрический модуль для рабочего интервала температур ниже 90 K

It is considered the possibility of creating thermoelectric coolers for operating temperatures below 90 K. For these temperatures it is not possible to use a standard circuit of a thermoelement, consisting of two n- and p-semiconductor legs, connected in a series electrical circuit. In the area of cryogenic temperatures there is only an effective thermoelectric material of n-type conductivity, based on solid solutions Bi−Sb. In this case thermoelements composed of thermoelectric n-type leg and a passive leg, based on high temperature superconductor (HTSC) were studied. A thermoelectric cooler (module), consisting of six n-type legs (extruded crystals Bi0.91Sb0.09 ) and passive legs based on HTSC (YBa2Cu3O(7−x) ) films was designed. A magnetic field was used to increase thermoelectric figure of merit ZT of the cryogenic module. For created cryogenic module at hot side temperature Th = 80 K, a current I = 6.4 A and a voltage U = 0.10 V the maximum value of temperature drop &gt; 13.5 K and a maximum cooling capacity Qc &gt; 0.36 W were achieved.

Space-Selective Stabilization of Bismuth Active Centers inside Porous Glass Using Laser Pulses

The experimental results are presented for a laser-induced modification of the structure of porous glass (PG) preliminarily doped with an aqueous nitric-acid solution of Bi(NO3)3. It is established that the laser-induced local stabilization of bismuth active centers (BACs) in the bulk of PG plates is possible, which is confirmed by the change in the luminescence in the irradiation zone.

Strategies for BI acceptance: challenges and solutions

Purpose- The purpose of this study is to propose recommendations for organizations on creating strategies for BI adoption at both the organizational and individual level to help maximize the value of the BI investment. Methodology- A significant literature review is conducted to identify key success factors. Thereafter, a model is introduced that will help to construct a strategy for BI adoption at both the organizational and the individual level. Findings- The solution model presented in this work is separated into three sections: people, process, and technology. Working with a BI team and collaborating with department leadership, the Analytics Advisor creates and successfully implements a BI solution through an iterative and agile process. Conclusion- This paper has demonstrated how an organization can increase its BI adoption rates by developing solutions for one department at a time. The solution enables the departments to implement a BI program that will provide value and a competitive advantage by improving the timeliness and quality of the decision-making process.

Nanostructured carbon black for simultaneous electrochemical determination of trace lead and cadmium by differential pulse stripping voltammetry.

Nanostructured carbon black (CB) was first employed directly in this paper for the simultaneous electrochemical determination of trace Pb(II) and Cd(II) using differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry. The morphology and surface properties of conductive CB were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Special pore structures, as well as surface chemical functional groups, endow CB with excellent catalytic and adsorption properties. Some parameters affecting electrical analysis performance were investigated systematically including deposition time and potential, pH value of solution, volume of suspension, amount of Bi(III) and Nafion solution. CB–Nafion–glassy carbon electrode sensor linear response ranges from 6 to 1000 nM for selective and simultaneous determination. The detection limits were calculated to be 8 nM (0.9 µg l−1) for Cd(II) and 5 nM (1.0 µg l−1) for Pb(II) (S/N = 3) for the electrocatalytic determination under optimized conditions. The method was successfully used to the determination of actual samples and good recovery was achieved from different spiked samples. Low detection limits and good stability of the modified electrode demonstrated a promising perspective for the detection of trace metal ions in practical application.

Structural, dielectric and electrical characteristics of BiFeO3-NaNbO3 solid solutions

The paper mainly reports the effect of NaNbO3 (as a doping material) on the structural (crystal data and microstructure), dielectric (permittivity, dissipation of energy) and electrical (impedance, modulus, and conductivity) characteristics of BiFeO3 forming a solid solution of Bi.8Na.2Fe.8Nb.2O3. By analysis of the room temperature X-ray diffraction data, the formation of pure-phase material and its crystal data were obtained. The comprehensive studies of dielectric parameters (relative dielectric constant (εr), and tangent loss (tan δ) were measured in a wide range of temperature (25–450 °C) and frequency (1 kHz-1 MHz). The surface morphology, obtained with a gold-coated pellet sample, exhibits the high density of the sample. The frequency-temperature dependence of conductivity follows the Jonscher’s Universal Power law. The electrical behavior of the compound has been studied using complex impedance and modulus data. The effect of grain and grain boundary on the capacitive and resistive properties of the material has been studied from complex impedance spectroscopy.

Structural, dielectric, electrical and magnetic characteristics of lead-free multiferroic: Bi(Cd0.5Ti0.5)O3[sbnd]BiFeO3 solid solution

This communication provides the detailed description of the synthesis and characterization of a lead-free multiferroic solid solution of Bi(CdTi)O3 and BiFeO3 of a general chemical composition Bi(Cd0.45Ti0.45Fe0.10)O3 (abbreviated as BCTFO). The material has been synthesized via a solvent-free solid-state reaction approach by utilizing high-purity oxides and carbonate in appropriate stoichiometric amount. The structural, morphological, molecular structure, electrical and magnetic characteristics of as-synthesized electronic system were examined by the powder X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer and impedance spectroscopy techniques respectively in different experimental conditions. Analysis of X-ray diffraction data of BCTFO shows a single-phase formation of the material in orthorhombic crystal symmetry with very fine powder (average linear crystallite dimension = 30 nm). Detailed studies of dielectric parameters (dielectric constant, tangent loss and polarization) in a selected frequencies (1 kHz–1.5 MHz) and temperatures (300 K–773 K) clearly exhibit one of the important components of multiferroics (i.e., ferroelectricity). Studies of some components of electrical parameters (dielectric, impedance, electric modulus and conductivity) of complex spectroscopy confirmed the existence of non-Debye type and other type of dielectric relaxation process in the material. The correlation between the real and idealized circuit response at several temperatures has been investigated by using ZSIMP WIN software and impedance data. Study of another component of multiferroics (i.e., field dependent magnetization) of BCTFO shows the significantly higher value of remnant and spontaneous magnetization. Thus, the existence of dielectric polarization and magnetization is single phase (orthorhombic) in a distorted perovskite confirms the multiferroicity of bismuth ferrite modified bismuth cadmium titanate (BCTFO) at room temperature, and hence the material can be used for some multifunctional applications.

The Effects of Using Business Intelligence Systems on an Excellence Management and Decision-Making Process by Start-Up Companies: A Case Study

The rapid increase in data volumes in companies has meant that momentous and comprehensive information gathering is barely possible by manual means. Business intelligence solutions can help here. They provide tools with appropriate technologies to assist with the collection, integration, storage, editing, and analysis of existing data. While almost only large companies were interested in this topic a few years ago, it has meanwhile also become necessary for start-up companies, and so the market for business intelligence has been growing for years. This article focuses on the general potentials of using BI in start-ups. First, will be examined which providers of BI solutions that are suitable for start-ups and what opportunities exist for implementing BI systems in start-ups. Then it will be shown to what extent BI has prevailed in start-ups, in which areas the techniques of BI are used in start-ups and what purpose BI has in start-ups. Finally, the success factors for BI projects in start-ups are considered.

Specifics of the integration of Business Intelligence and Big Data technologies in the processes of economic analysis

Stanislav Mitrovic - University of Novi Sad, Republic of Serbia; Doctoral Student of the Faculty of Economics, Lomonosov Moscow State UniversityAddress: 1, Leninskie Gory, Moscow, 119991, Russian FederationE-mail: Mitrovic.Stanislav@hotmail.com The volume of data used for economic analysis of the activities of organizations is growing every year. Despite the fact that all information required for economic analysis is available from various sources, such data are very often useless for analysis from the point of view of their economic potential. The purpose of this study is to outline a foundation for integrating Business Intelligence and Big Data into economic analysis processes. The theoretical and methodological basis of this study is provided by scientific research, methodological and practical developments of domestic and foreign authors on the application of IT solutions in economic analysis. According to the results of the research, modern information technologies, in particular, the Business Intelligence and Big Data systems have considerably changed the possibilities for improving economic analysis and reducing decision-making time. From the methodological point of view, many aspects of integration of BI and Big Data solutions and their implementation in the economic analysis processes in Russia’s companies remain insufficiently developed. The foreign market of modern information technologies for business analytics has a longer history and is being developed more rapidly. The main conclusions of the study indicate that modern organizations operating on a highly competitive market should understand that the accumulation of Big Data does not always lead to the expected business benefits. In this context, the conclusion is that a modern company should not set as its goal to process all the available data in order to improve the quality of its economic analysis. It is more significant to use the entire volume of data for segmentation, which allows effective construction of a large number of models for small clusters, solving specific problems of economic analysis based on the application of modern IT systems.

Business Intelligence Integrated Solutions

Abstract A Business Intelligence solution concerns the simple, real-time access to complete information about the business shown in a relevant format of the report, graphic or dashboard type in order help the taking of strategic decisions regarding the direction in which the company goes. Business Intelligence does not produce data, but uses the data produced by the company’s applications. BI solutions extract their data from ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), CRM (Customer Relationship Management), HCM (Human Capital Management), and Retail, eCommerce or other databases used in the company.

Co-precipitation-hydrothermal preparation of SrBi2Nb2O9

Strontium Bismuth Niobate (SrBi2Nb2O9) was synthesized by co-precipitation-hydrothermal method. Precipitation step was first carried out at room temperature at which the powder was prepared from aqueous solution of Bi(NO3)3, Sr(NO3)2 and Nb2O5. Then the process is completed by hydrothermal treatment. The compound crystallized in the orthorhombic structure. The characteristic bands, at approximately 619cm−1 and 816cm−1 were observed. The grain size is around 1µm. The dielectric properties at room temperature show low loss values at higher frequencies which makes it suitable for ferroelectric random access memory applications.

Effect of synthesis pH on the physicochemical properties of a synthesized Bi2WO6 and the type of substrate chosen, in assessing its photo-catalytic activities

Crystalline orthorhombic Bi2WO6 powders were synthesized by a hydrothermal method from aqueous solutions of Bi(NO3)3·5H2O and Na2WO4·2H2O over a range of three selected pH values (2.0, 5.0 and 7.0), using NaOH as precipitating agent. The as-prepared catalysts were characterized by XRD, BET, FE-SEM, TEM, XPS and UV-vis spectroscopy. The effect of pH-synthesis on crystallinity, morphologies, surface area and optical absorption properties, were investigated. Although the pH has a marked influence on morphology, the nature of the precipitating agent (NaOH or TEA) also influences the morphology and surface structure composition, as it is observed in the present work. Three different probe molecules were used to evaluate the photo-catalytic properties under two illumination conditions (UV and Visible): Methyl Orange and Rhodamine B were chosen as dye substrates and Phenol as a transparent substrate. The photo-catalytic activities are strongly dependent not only on the pH used in the synthesis but also on the nature of the chosen substrate in assessing the photo-catalytic activities. Results were compared with those obtained when using TiO2(P25, Evonik) in the same experimental conditions. The photo-catalytic activity of one of the synthesised samples has been evaluated by exposing a mixture of Rhodamine B and Phenol in water, to different illumination conditions. Our results provide new evidences about the issue of whether dyes are suitable substrates to assess the activity of a photo-catalyst.

The effects of thermal treatment on structural, morphological and optical properties of electrochemically deposited Bi2S3 thin films

Thin films of bismuth sulfide (Bi2S3) have been electrochemically deposited on indium–doped tin oxide substrates from aqueous solutions of Bi(NO3)3, ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) and Na2S2O3. The structural properties of the films were characterized using X–ray diffraction and high–resolution transmission electron microscopy analyses. The film crystallizes in an orthorhombic structure of Bi2S3 along with metallic bismuth. Thermal annealing of the prepared film in sulfur atmosphere improves its crystallinity and cohesion. The band gap values of the deposited film before and after annealing at 400°C were found to be 1.28 and 1.33eV, respectively.

Surface characteristics of two-component thallium–bismuth melts

The surface tension of pure Tl and Bi, and two-component alloys of them over the range of volume concentrations and temperatures starting from the liquidus temperature up to 623 K are measured by the lying-drop method with strong control over the surface condition by means of Auger electron spectroscopy. The results from in situ measurements of the surface tensions of Tl and Bi with surfactant impurities, and for atomically pure surfaces and Tl–Bi solutions, are given. It is shown that surfaces are enriched by bismuth, the concentration of which grows along with temperature.

Generation of near eutectic phase layer in Sn-15Bi solder joint during electro-migration

The electro-migration test of Sn-15Bi solder joint was conducted at 150°C with a current density of 160A/cm2. The near eutectic phase layer thickening as the extending of electro-migration time was observed on the anode side interface of Sn-15Bi solder joint. The Bi fraction of cathode side reduced as the increase of electro-migration time. The Bi atom of near eutectic phase layer was from solid solution Bi atom in β-Sn phase. The diffusion of Bi atom was up-hill diffusion under the effect of electron flow.

The Influence of Processing on Strengthening Mechanisms in Pb-Free Solder Joints

The number, and the spacing, of Ag3Sn precipitates in Sn-Ag-Cu/Cu solder joints were related to separate processing parameters. The mechanical properties of an individual solder joint were directly related to the resulting distribution of different dispersoids in the joint. As the number of Ag3Sn precipitates increased, so did solder joint strength and shear fatigue lifetime. The room-temperature shear fatigue lifetime was inversely correlated with the separation between Ag3Sn precipitates. Bi and Sb solid solution strengthening was found to result in significantly larger values of shear strength and shear fatigue lifetime for one Pb-free solder. Room-temperature shear fatigue lifetime tests were identified as a relatively straightforward, yet sensitive means to gain insight into the reliability of Sn-Ag-Cu (SAC) solder joints.