Material Elements Research Articles

Non-noble metals coordinated covalent organic frameworks as oxidase-like biocatalysts for light-responsive biomarker sensing

Metal-based enzyme-mimetic biocatalysts exhibit much better enzyme-like activity than metal-free biocatalysts. At the same time, both non-noble and noble metal-based catalysts have been proven to exhibit good biocatalytic activity. It is a great challenge to find extremely sensitive and adaptable biosensors with biocatalytic activity in biotechnology and medical diagnostics. For performance improvement and cost reduction, the development of non-noble metal-based biocatalysts is still of great significance. Here, we disclose that the covalent organic frameworks (COFs) coordinated by cobalt (Co) or nickel (Ni) with specific oxidase-like (OXD-like) activities can serve as intelligent artificial enzymes for light-augmented biocatalytic sensing of biomarkers. Because of the effects of metallic elements on the band gap adjustment, the Ni–COF exhibited the most efficient, selective, and light-responsive OXD-like biocatalytic activity (Km = 0.91 mM, Vmax = 1.50 μM s−1). Moreover, COFs loading metals show superior light-augmented biocatalytic detection capabilities. Notably, Ni–COF exhibits the most efficient and multifaceted diagnostic activity, including the extremely low limit of detection (LOD): 0.34 μM for glutathione and 0.54 μM for L-cysteine, which enables visual assays for abundant reducibility biomarkers. This study offers a unique and efficient non-noble metal-coordinated COF biocatalyst for high-sensitive and low-cost colorimetric detection. It also provides new insights into the design of non-noble metal elements in COF materials with better enzyme-like activities in biocatalytic and biomedical applications.

Implementation of Urban Planning Parameters for the Needs of the Spatial Planning Process in Kosovo

This paper consists of finding a way to implement some norms of urban planning in the process of drafting the urban development plan, that in are ignored in many cases. The plan is considered a development process to be carried out in several phases, such as the analysis of the existing situation, the vision provisions, and its implementation for the specified period. Based on the development program, the future functions of the city are determined, its increase at the end of the foreseen planning period, and the completion of new material elements of the city. All these predictions in the urban development plan should be realized in the foreseen period. For this reason, the program must rely on preliminary testing, analysis, and budgeting.

Concentrations and influencing factors of 17 elements in placenta, cord blood, and maternal blood of women from an e-waste recycling area

BackgroundThe effects of prenatal element exposure on mothers and fetuses have generated concern. Profiles of trace and toxic elements in biological material are urgently desired, especially for women who reside near e-waste recycling facilities. The aim of this study was to investigate elements concentrations in placenta, cord blood, and maternal blood of women and to evaluate the influencing factors. MethodsA group of 48 women from an e-waste recycling site and a group of 31 women from a non-e-waste recycling site were recruited. Basic characteristics were collected by questionnaire and the concentrations of 17 elements in placenta, cord blood, and maternal blood samples were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Finally, the generalized linear model regression analysis (GLM) was used to test the association between element concentrations and possible factors. ResultsCompared to the control group, the exposed group had significantly elevated cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), and antimony (Sb) in placenta, and higher lead (Pb) in maternal blood and cord blood (P<0.05). Sb concentration in maternal blood was significantly lower than in the control group (P<0.05). GLM analysis showed that element concentrations were mainly associated with maternal age [chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), selenium (Se), cobalt (Co), mercury (Hg) in placenta, copper (Cu) in maternal blood], education (Se, Sb in placenta), family income (Cu in maternal blood and Ni in placenta), passive smoking [Cu and Zn in placenta, Pb in maternal blood], and e-waste contact history (Hg in cord blood, Cu, Zn, and Cd in maternal blood). ConclusionsWomen in the e-waste recycling area had higher toxic element levels in the placenta and blood samples. More preventive measures were needed to reduce the risk of element exposure for mothers and fetuses in these areas.

A SEMIOTIC ANALYSIS OF VISUAL ELEMENTS ON SLIDE PRESENTATIONS USED IN COLLEGE ENGLISH CLASS

The purpose of this study is to establish that visual elements found in slide presentation used in College English Class convey mean-ing by its interpretation through semiotic analysis. Using the semiotic analysis, fifty-one (51) visual elements were identified and underwent in-depth analysis and interpretation. The study’s findings revealed that the visual elements carry meaning and can be interpreted in various ways. The study obtained significant information that helped derive the semiotic features of the visual ele-ments based on their signifier, signified, denotative meaning, connotative meaning, and myth. Moreover, the signifier interpretation of the visual images provided information on how each visual element were classified into- icon, symbol, and index. It was also dis-cussed in the study the detailed description of the signified meanings of each visual element. Additionally, the relevance to the social context of the college English class were examined intensively by analyzing its denotations, connotations, and myths. Indeed, visual elements carry meaning; thus, there is a need for close monitoring and evaluation of the visual elements used in slide presentations as it could affect the learning of the students. Ultimately, the study suggests that the incorporation of visual elements in instructional materials should be carefully considered because this may affect how students learn and perceive the subject matter and discussion in class. KEYWORDS: Semiotic Analysis, visual elements, slide presentations, signifier, signified, denotation, connotation, myth, Davao de Oro

Novel TE01δ Dielectric Resonator Design: Fabrication Simplicity and Frequency Tunability

In this article we report a novel TE01δ Dielectric Resonator which is excited by a modified spilt ring resonator. Unlike traditional dielectric resonators which require specialist fabrication techniques to achieve precise High-Q dielectric properties the proposed method simply relies on the design of TE01δ Dielectric Resonator on FR4 material and microstrip copper elements used in the modern patch type antenna. The TE01δ mode is observed at a frequency of 3.11GHz and HEM01δ mode is observed at 4.056 GHz. Applications of this work can be- high dielectric and loss tangent measurement, MIMO circuits, RF optimization of components and circuits.

Submicronic-Scale Mechanochemical Characterization of Oxygen-Enriched Materials.

Conventional techniques that measure the concentration of light elements in metallic materials lack high-resolution performance due to their intrinsic limitation of sensitivity. In that context, scanning microwave microscopy has the potential to significantly enhance the quantification of element distribution due to its ability to perform a tomographic investigation of the sample. Scanning microwave microscopy associates the local electromagnetic measurement and the nanoscale resolution of an atomic force microscope. This technique allows the simultaneous characterization of oxygen concentration as well as local mechanical properties by microwave phase shift and amplitude signal, respectively. The technique was calibrated by comparison with nuclear reaction analysis and nanoindentation measurement. We demonstrated the reliability of the scanning microwave technique by studying thin oxygen-enriched layers on a Ti-6Al-4V alloy. This innovative approach opens novel possibilities for the indirect quantification of light chemical element diffusion in metallic materials. This technique is applicable to the control and optimization of industrial processes.

Human Existence as Caliph and Implementation of Islamic Education

This article aims to examine more deeply the essence of humanity in Islamic education. In its study, this paper uses the literature study method, namely studying human essence from primary sources of the Islamic religion such as the Al-Qur'an and the Hadith of the Prophet. Education that ignores the goals, functions, and tasks of human creation from the concept of Islamic education is a concrete form of distance from Islamic educational practices. This article concludes that human existence is a combination of physical elements and spiritual elements or between material elements and immaterial elements, the elements of body, mind and spirit are a unity that cannot be separated. Since the time of creation, humans have been equipped by God with the potential to be "knowledgeable" or "knowledgeable". The potential for science or knowledge is what then differentiates humans from other creatures. Because of this potential, he became a noble creature and had more value, so he was appointed caliph on earth. From an educational perspective, the Qur'an provides a picture that humans are pedagogical creatures, namely creatures who have the potential to be taught and educated, which in the context of this verse is symbolized by Allah's teaching to Adam about the names of all objects. Thus, education is a necessary process for humans to guide, direct and actualize the potential that exists in humans.

Brick sand particles as an adsorbent in column chromatography to remove heavy metals from solution

The column chromatography method was used with brick sand particles as an adsorbent for the removal of heavy metals (Cr, Fe, and Pb) from the aqueous solution. These metals can pollute water, and soil and also come in contact with the food chain, causing life-threatening health issues in the human body. The pore volume and the specific surface area of the brick sand particles were determined using the standard method which was 44.41% and 29.4 m2/g respectively. The different concentrations of toxic metals in the water solution were considered to determine the adsorption capacity of the adsorbent. The adsorption methods were able to remove about 94% of Cr, 24% Pb, and 69% Fe from the aqueous solution. From the investigation results, we may conclude that raw brick sand particles can play a vital role as an adsorbent in the treatment of heavy metal-contaminated wastewater. Moreover, the saturated adsorbent can be used as an element of construction materials to prevent further pollution. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 59(1), 47-54, 2024

인간 행위에서 정념의 위상과 기능: 중세 그리스도교적 맥락

This article is a study to explore the theory of passion in Thomas Aquinas’s Moral Theology from a pedagogical perspective. Aquinas’s discussion on the passions is an advantageous position in examining how the philosophical discussion on the passions that started in ancient times developed in the medieval Christian context. As a matter of fact, on the one hand, his discussion can be seen as representing the tradition of medieval Christianity as it is based on the Bible and the thoughts of the Church Fathers, and on the other hand, it can be seen as reflecting discussion of ancient philosophy as it is based on Aristotle’s discussions of metaphysics and ethics. &#x0D; To this end, first, the view on human nature was confirmed through the doctrine of original sin regarding the origin of sins as the context in which passion was dealt with in medieval Christianity. Next, the study attempted to examine the practical impact of the theoretical discussion on passion through the doctrine of capital sins regarding the aspects of sins on the moral life of medieval people, especially through the ascetic life of the monastic system. According to Aquinas, original sin corresponds to the sin of human nature, and it is not simply due to the disorderly action of a single element called passion. The privation of original justice, whereby the will was made subject to God, is the formal element in original sin; while every other disorder of the soul’s powers, is a kind of material element in respect of original sin. On the other hand, cardinal sins correspond to the sin of an individual personality, and it can be defined as a disorder that appears in relation to the good pursued by certain areas of human nature. These doctrines can be seen not only as an understanding and explanation of human existence, but also as directing educational practice regarding moral life, and rather, they can be seen as being justified by educational practice. Passion can become materials for sin and vice but at the same time, it can also become materials for ethical virtues through its interaction with reason. We are given educational tasks to continuously ethically explore the meaning of goodness and to form habits of virtue.

Tradisi Pembakaran Mayat atau Ngaben (Studi Fenomenologi Anggota Keluarga Etnik Bali)

The aim of this research is to find out and analyze the experiences of family members who are prevented from carrying out the Ngaben tradition of their family members in Mataram Udik Village through motifs. This research uses a type of qualitative research using the phenomenological method. Data collection techniques were carried out by means of field observation, interviews with informants and documentation of research results. This research aims to find out more in-depth awareness and analyze the experience of one family member who is hampered by carrying out the Ngaben tradition of his family members. The research results showed that the Balinese ethnic experience regarding the Ngaben tradition in Mataram Udik Village resulted in positive perceptions, because informants were able to carry out mass Ngaben processions after being hampered by economic factors. Informants who were hampered from carrying out the Ngaben carried out the Mekingsan Ring Geni procession, which is a form of cremation ceremony where the spirits are entrusted temporarily to the God of Brahma or the God of Fire before undergoing the next ceremony, namely the Mass Ngaben, so that they can unite with Ida Sang Hyang Widi Wasa/God Almighty. In conclusion, the meaning obtained by the Balinese ethnic group is that the material body or body is nothing but a combination of 5 material elements or Panca Mahabhuta (earth, water, fire, air and ether). Fire has a special status among the Panca Mahabhuta as the purest among the pure, so Fire is used to free the mortal body back to its origin to become the Panca Mahabhuta. Keywords: Balinese Ethnicity, Phenomenology, Ngaben, Experience

A novel rapid generation algorithm for Representative Volume Element (RVE) in composite materials considering pore geometrical parameters

Pore defects are inevitable in the manufacturing process and significantly affect the mechanical properties of composite materials. In this work, a novel algorithm capable of concurrently generating both ellipsoidal and gourd-shaped pores in composite materials is proposed and the interference detection procedure is optimized for efficient interference detection between the generated geometrical bodies. Besides, the algorithm is integrated with RVE-based finite element (FE) simulation to explore the effects of various pore types, volumes, aspect ratios, and porosity on the elastic properties of unidirectional C/C composites. The present work provides a valuable reference for generating general pore defects and investigating their resulting effects on mechanical properties of related composite structures.

SECURITY AND PROTECTION OF EDUCATIONAL LMC SYSTEMS

Information technologies play a significant role in the educational process and ensuring quality learning outcomes in the context of distance education. A modern trend is the development of interactive systems, which include elements of audio and video materials, graphics, presentations, internet links, materials from various sources, and in different formats. The addition of interactive content to educational systems increases the risks of information security in modern LMC systems. Emphasis is placed on the need to ensure the protection of software in systems, educational content hosted within them, learning outcomes, and participants' personal data. When building protection, attention should be paid to potential threats such as unauthorized access, flawed software, poor plugin updates, material copying, fraud, and cyber-attacks. Vulnerabilities of the most widespread modern LMC systems are analyzed. Attention is given to the possibilities of using cloud technologies to host system modules, educational materials, or learning outcomes on cloud services. Cloud application guarantees constant access to the learning system, reliable storage of materials, additional protection of confidential and personal information. Therefore, to ensure effective and safe learning considering modern interactive approaches to presenting educational materials, it is important to develop systems and implement technologies that provide constant access to educational content, reliable data protection (including personal data), information integrity, and compliance with confidentiality principles.

From clusters of moving molecules to continua: Material elements as open systems

We discuss the discrete-to-continuum transition in the description of matter, starting from a cluster of flowing molecules with equal mass and ending up with a non-simple fluid. We account for the fluctuations beyond a local affine approximation of the velocity distribution of molecules within a space window adopted to compute some prominent statistics. The resulting continuum picture accounts for local mass variation in each space window corresponding to a point in the continuum scale. From a statistical viewpoint, every material element is thus considered as a grand-canonical ensemble. So-called C-derivatives account for macroscopic-to-mesoscopic relative motion. When considered for second-rank tensors, they extend Truesdell’s derivative and reduce to Oldroyd’s one when the macroscopic-to-mesoscopic relative motion vanishes. Fluctuations beyond an affine component best approximating the kinetic energy are summarized into a second-rank symmetric tensor whose time variation enters a balance equation governing transfer from velocity fluctuations to heat. Eventually, we discuss essential elements of thermodynamics in the present setting. What emerges is the possibility of a non-Fourier type heat transfer. The results address computational schemes for field representations of sparse phase dynamics, such as granular materials, and the one of bodies with transport of scattered molecules, such as pollutants in fluids or proteins in biological tissues.

Modelling reaction transfer velocities in disconnected compact heterogeneous multilayer reactive material systems

The tuning of the self-propagating reaction is studied theoretically by introducing a non-reactive material between two reactive material elements. For the study, the Ni/Al bilayer system was chosen. The Ni/Al elements were placed on a silicon wafer covered with a 1-µm-thick silicon dioxide. The spaces between the multilayer reactive material elements were filled with different non-reactive materials covering a wide range of thermal properties. On top of this heterogeneous layer, a 1-µm-thick sealing layer was placed consisting of the filler material. The carried out two-dimensional simulations demonstrated that embedding material allows to scale the ignition transfer time and the heat propagation velocity. For example, for a transfer length of 1 µm, the ignition time can be tuned from nano- to microseconds. Consequently, in contrast to previous results embedding materials allow scaling the properties of the self-propagating reaction in heterogeneous reactive material systems.Graphical abstract

Abundance, distribution, and ecological/environmental risks of critical rare earth elements (REE) in phosphate ore, soil, tailings, and sediments: application of spectroscopic fingerprinting

PurposesThis research focuses on the characterization of phosphate ore, its solid effluents, and nearby contaminated soils in the southwest Tunisia (Gafsa-Metlaoui Basin). It aims also at evaluating the vertical distribution and abundance of critical rare earth elements (REE) in the different materials and their ecological and environmental risks.Materials and methodsThe sampled materials went through physical, chemical, and mineralogical characterization which involved XRF, XPS, XRD, and ICP-MS analyses. The REE anomalies and the environmental and ecological indices were calculated.Results and discussionsResults show relatively high concentrations of nine rare REEs, following the sequence La > Ce > Nd > Y > Gd > Eu > Sm > Yb > Tb and trace metal elements (TME) such as Cd, Cr, Mn, Zn, Co, Fe, Sr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Ba that surpass, in some cases, international standards. The vertical distribution of the studied elements within a sediment, tailings, and soil profiles (beyond 20 cm of depth) indicates their likely in-depth migration. TME- and REE-bearing phosphate samples reflect mostly oxic conditions in the southern area with high positive Eu anomalies signifying possible mixing of sources. The environmental assessment indicate no contamination and a moderate enrichment of REEs, except for Eu, which displays significant contamination and extreme enrichment. Whereas, a deficiency of Y has been detected in most of the studied samples except for sludge sample which was also found significantly enriched with REE.ConclusionsThere are fundamental similarities between the different studied samples with high carbonate mineral concentrations. Statistical analysis confirmed the spectroscopic fingerprints demonstrating that the different materials share a similar composition. All of these similarities are most likely linked to the impact of mining activities on sediments and soils. Overall, our findings highlight the global effect of ore processing in determining the geochemical and the mineralogical characteristics of the surrounding environments of mines.

The Impact of Culture on the Education System

The whole, consisting of interconnected and interacting parts that come together for a purpose, is called a system. Every system has subsystems, vitally connected to each other and interacting. However, each of them forms a whole within itself. Generally, entities in nature are grouped into three main categories: natural systems, mechanical systems, and social systems. Institutions established by people form the social system and together with culture, they form the social structure. Educational institutions, one of the basic institutions of society, are in relationship with both the material and spiritual elements of culture, just like other institutions. In this context, education and culture appear as two separate concepts that are interdependent and mutually affecting each other. In our age where social and cultural changes are experienced, the relationship between culture and education holds an important place. One of the significant factors affecting the education systems of societies is their culture. Education is also what enables the transfer of cultures to future generations. Culture is influential at every level of education and education serves as a significant tool for the transmission of culture. Therefore, it is important to consider cultural factors for understanding and developing the Turkish Education System. The study focuses on examining and discussing the relationship between education and culture in a sociological context. The primary method of the study is literature review. The relationship between education and culture, the influence of education on societies, the education systems of societies with different cultures and histories and multiculturalism are discussed to form a whole. Today, the Turkish education system continues to be shaped by the influence of culture. Examples illustrating how culture has shaped the Turkish Education System are provided within the study, discussing the impact of culture on the education system and concluding that the Turkish Education System is influenced by the cultural activities of the past of society.

A combined cyclic viscoplasticity and entropy generation approach for modelling fatigue crack growth behavior of a nickel-based superalloy at high temperature

This paper developed an entropy-based approach to estimate the fatigue crack growth (FCG) behavior of GH4169 at high temperature. Firstly, systematic FCG experiments of GH4169 at 650 °C were conducted to obtain the experimental data. Then, a finite element analysis combined with Chaboche viscoplasticity and node release technology was developed to obtain cyclic stress–strain responses and entropy generation fields. Based on thermodynamic analysis, numerous discrete material elements as sub-systems were divided along the crack growth direction in simplified representative 2D middle section. Fracture process zone (FPZ) was defined equal to the size of discrete material elements (ρ) which can be determined by distribution of normal stress perpendicular to the crack plane. Subsequently, an effective cyclic entropy generation related to ρ was defined as the crack driving force. Effective cumulative entropy generation was calculated when crack increment was ρ and the results indicated that effective cumulative entropy generation float within a certain range. The average of all effective cumulative entropy generation values was defined as crack growth entropy. Finally, an entropy-based FCG rate model was established to estimate the FCG behavior of GH4169, and a good correlation between experimental results and model predictions are achieved for all the high temperature FCG tests.

Ultrafast laser bursts welding glass and metal with solder paste to create an ultra-large molten pool.

A novel, to our knowledge, method is proposed for the welding of glass and metal with a large gap filled with solder paste using ultrafast laser bursts. The addition of solder paste enables a reliable glass-metal connection even at gaps of hundreds of microns, while the position of the glass can be flexibly adjusted. By ultrafast laser bursts, the volume of the molten pool increases significantly, and the height of the molten pool reaches approximately 350 µm, which is more than an order of magnitude higher than that of conventional ultrafast lasers (10-20 µm). Cross-sectional analysis of the welded region shows that extensive material mixing and element diffusion occur, and stable connections are achieved at multiple interfaces. An analysis of the interaction between the ultrafast laser bursts and the material, as well as the mixing of multiple materials during the welding process, leads to a clear welding mechanism.

Mobility of Rare Earth Elements in Coastal Aquifer Materials under Fresh and Brackish Water Conditions.

The indispensable role of rare earth elements (REEs) in manufacturing high-tech products and developing various technologies has resulted in a surge in REE extraction and processing. The latter, in turn, intensifies the release of anthropogenic REEs into the environment, particularly in the groundwater system. REE contamination in coastal aquifer systems, which serve as drinking and domestic water sources for large populations, demands a thorough understanding of the mechanisms that govern REE transport and retention in these environments. In this study, we conducted batch and column experiments using five representative coastal aquifer materials and an acid-wash sand sample as a benchmark. These experiments were conducted by adding humic acid (HA) to the REE solution under fresh and brackish water conditions using NaCl, representing different groundwater compositions in coastal aquifers. The REEs were shown to be most mobile in the acid-wash sand and natural sand samples, followed by two types of low-carbonate calcareous sandstone and one type of high-calcareous sandstone and the least mobile in red loamy sand. The mobility of REEs, found in solution primarily as REE-HA complexes, was controlled mainly by the retention of HA, which increases with increasing ionic strength and surface area of the aquifer material. Furthermore, it was found that the presence of carbonate and clay minerals reduces the REE mobility due to enhanced surface interactions. The higher recoveries of middle-REE (MREE) in the column experiment effluents observed for the acid-wash sand and natural sand samples were due to the higher stabilization of MREE-HA complexes compared to light-REE (LREE) and heavy-REE (HREE) HA complexes. Higher HREE recoveries were observed for the calcareous sandstones due to the preferred complexation of HREE with carbonate ions and for the red loamy sand due to the preferred retention of LREE and MREE by clay, iron, and manganese minerals.

Закономерности в распределении химических элементов в листьях березы

Биологическая активность лекарственного растительного сырья и фитопрепаратов обусловлена комплексом биологически активных веществ и химических элементов. Исследование влияния условий призрастания на состав, содержание химических элементов в лекарственных растениях, лекарственном растительном сырье является актуальным. Особый интерес вызывает исследование закономерностей в распределении химических элементов в лекарственных растениях, лекарственном растительном сырье и возможность использования выявленных закономерностей для установления подлинности и чистоты сырья. Объект нашего исследования — листья березы, собранные в экологически чистой зоне и в зонах с различной степенью антропогенной нагрузки. Состав и содержание элементов анализировали методом ИСП–МС (масс-спектрометр ELAN DRC-е ICP-MS, оптико-эмиссионный спектрометр Agilent 715 ICP–OES). Статистическая обработка результатов химического анализа проведена в программе Microsoft ® Excel 2010. Сопоставление концентраций 60 элементов проводили с применением метода наименьших квадратов. Сравнительный анализ логарифмов концентраций в листьях березы, собранных из мест произрастания, различающихся по степени антропогенной нагрузки, показал сильную корреляционную связь между ними (r=0,99; R2=0,9). Диаграмма, отражающая периодическую зависимость логарифма концентраций химических элементов, представляет собой элементный профиль листьев березы и может быть использована для установления их подлинности и чистоты.