Polished Samples Research Articles

Unraveling the State of Charge-Dependent Electronic and Ionic Structure–Property Relationships in NCM622 Cells by Multiscale Characterization

LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 (NCM622) undergoes crystallographic and electronic changes when charging and discharging, which drive the cathode material close to or even beyond its stability window. To unravel the charge compensation mechanism of NCM622, spatially resolved atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements in electrochemical strain microscopy (ESM) and conductive AFM (C-AFM) modes are obtained, and the spectroscopic information and crystallographic information are compared. All experiments are performed with two sets of samples: state-of-the-art samples that are composed of a binder, a conductive additive, and an active material and polished samples for single-particle analysis. Near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy shows that ionic Ni2+ reacts to give Ni3+ when charging and forms covalent bonds with its oxygen neighbors. A Ni2+/Ni3+ gradient across the particles balances out with the increasing state of charge, as verified by ESM. Therefore, the results also provide an important view that improves the mechanistic understanding of ESM in electrode materials. Finally, the interplay between the electronic and ionic conductivities and the crystallinities of NCM622 cathodes is elaborated and discussed.

Declared Intention (Not) to Be Vaccinated against COVID-19, and Actual Behavior-The Longitudinal Study in the Polish Sample.

AIMS: The aim of the study was to investigate the relation between declared intention to get/not get vaccinated against COVID-19, prior to the start of the global vaccination program, and actual vaccine uptake. Moreover, reasons for getting vaccinated or rejecting it were measured along with declared intent and behavior. METHODS: Within a longitudinal design, a representative sample of 918 Polish people was surveyed in February 2021 and August 2021. In February 2021, participants were asked about their intention to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and the reasons behind it. In August 2021, the same group was asked about having been vaccinated, along with the reasons. RESULTS: A significant pro-vaccine shift from declared intent to behavior was observed, with many participants turning away from being anti-vaccine or undecided and getting vaccinated. Significant correlations with attitudes toward general mandatory vaccination of children were found. Increased support for anti-vaccine arguments was seen over time in the unvaccinated sample, and decreased support for pro-vaccine arguments was seen in the vaccinated sample. Several key arguments for and against vaccination were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Declared attitude toward COVID-19 vaccination is not fully consistent with vaccination behavior. Pro-vaccine changes in attitudes of previously anti-vaccine and undecided individuals indicate that these groups may be influenced to potentially accept the COVID-19 vaccination over time.

Features of Brass Processing with Powerful Ultraviolet Lasers of Nanosecond Duration

We investigated the process of laser heat treatment of polished brass samples (36% zinc, containing a small amount of lead, which does not dissolve in the alloy and is in the form of inclusions, having micron and submicron size) by impacting to a series of 25 - 30 ultraviolet (UV) pulses of a Nd:YAG laser (third harmonic, wavelength λ = 355 nm, duration τ = 10 ns, pulse repetition rate f = 10 Hz, pulse energy density ~ 0.15 - 1.0 J/cm2) in the stationary spot mode. Copper and its alloys absorb up to 90% of the energy of this laser. It is found that the relaxation of the absorbed energy of laser radiation in the metal occurs nonuniformly. Defects in the metal structure such as grain boundaries and lead inclusions are visualized. Traces of crystallographic sliding appear inside some grains. With an increase in the number of impacting impulses, accumulation of damage is observed. A further increase in the radiation energy density leads to an aggravation of the observed phenomena.

The Potential of the Superhydrophobic State to Protect Magnesium Alloy against Corrosion

We describe the technologically simple route for the fabrication of the superhydrophobic coatings on top of wrought magnesium alloy MA8 based on nanosecond laser processing followed by the chemical vapor deposition of fluorosilane. The chemical and phase composition, surface morphologies, and variation of the coating wettability during prolonged contact with 0.5 NaCl solution or with salt aerosol were characterized using X-ray diffraction, FT-IR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy measurements, and the wettability analysis. The as-prepared coatings demonstrate corrosion current of more than eight orders of magnitude lower, while after 30 days of sample immersion into corrosive solution, the current was four orders of magnitude lower than that obtained for a polished sample which was for only 2 h in contact with electrolyte. The mechanisms of the protective activity of fabricated coatings were discussed.

How Do Poles Perceive Schizophrenia? Furnham and Chan’s Questionnaire in Poland

Introduction: Individuals with psychosis spectrum disorders may be negatively affected by exclusion and rejection. It is important to answer “why”? This article presents social representations of schizophrenia in Polish society. Aims: The study’s aim was to examine the properties of the sixty-item questionnaire on attitudes, attribution and beliefs about schizophrenia in the Polish sample and to compare the results with the results obtained in the English-Chinese sample. Methods: The study included 398 participants (aged 19–74); all were working persons. Furnham and Chan created the questionnaire, a tool containing 60 items describing general beliefs about schizophrenia, causal explanations in the etiology of schizophrenia, as well as beliefs about the role of hospitals and society in the treatment of schizophrenia. Factor analysis (PAF) was carried out separately for three parts of the tool. Results: The structure of the questionnaire that was obtained on the Polish sample differs from that obtained on the English-Chinese sample. Some factors remain similar. Reliability analysis based on Cronbach’s Alpha values reached satisfactory levels in most of the factors revealed. Conclusions: The questionnaire is a reliable tool for examining social representations of schizophrenia. The Polish sample does not show punitive inclinations, does not attribute negative traits to schizophrenics, and does not agree to creating social distance.

Gender and Age Differences in Forgivingness in Italian and Polish Samples

Gender and Age Differences in Forgivingness in Italian and Polish Samples

ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ ВЛИЯНИЯ ГЕОМЕТРИЧЕСКИХ ПАРАМЕТРОВ АБРАЗИВНЫХ ЗЕРЕН ХОНИНГОВАЛЬНЫХ БРУСКОВ НА МИКРОГЕОМЕТРИЮ ПОВЕРХНОСТИ ДЕТАЛЕЙ

The static theory of honing has not been sufficiently developed, since the process of mass cutting with abrasive grains is random by its nature. This fact complicates the mathematical description of this phenomenon. The research aim was to develop a technique for modeling honing to calculate the process parameters, taking into account the elastic deformations of the abrasive tool. To solve the problems of statistical theory (analyzing the microgeometry of a machine part, metal removal and cutting forces), the studies involved probabilistic analysis and Monte Carlo simulation. Based on the distribution probability of abrasive grains over the cutting layer of the tool and the process kinematics, the law of distribution of the heights of part microroughnesses was determined. Using the distribution law, the authors found the parameters of the surface roughness of the part and the cutting process characteristics: the area of cuts, the number of contact grains, etc. A mathematical relationship has been established between the distribution of abrasive grains along the height and the distribution of the depth of scratches left by the tool on a polished sample. The geometric parameters of the cutting surface of diamond bars were determined taking into account their discrete model. Comparison of the calculated and experimental values of the bar parameters proved the correctness of the proposed methodology. Analytical dependences were obtained in general form for determining the parameters of the surface roughness of the machine part, the metal removal rate, cutting forces, cut areas, the number of contact grains, etc. The developed honing modeling technique helps determine the process parameters taking into account elastic deformations of the abrasive tool. Taking into account the characteristics of the bars, the average profile of the grains and the density of their distribution along the height, we can determine all the parameters of the machine part microgeometry. The results of the conducted probabilistic research are also applicable to other types of abrasive processing.

Comparison & analysis of different hues of shoe polish stains using Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC)

Shoe polish is considered as an important trace evidence found in cases related to physical and sexual assault, theft, counterfeit and murder. This study focuses on comparison and discrimination of different shades of Shoe polish stains using Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC). 14 shoe polish samples of eight different brands with different shades were collected and analysed. Five different solvent systems were analysed among them only 2 solvent systems namely Ethyl Acetate: Methanol: Water (7:2:1 v/v/v) and Ethyl Acetate: Benzene: Water (5:3:2 v/v/v) were selected for TLC. All the pigmented samples gave comparatively similar results with solvent 1 (Ethyl Acetate: Methanol: Water) and solvent 3 (Chloroform: Methanol: Water). Moreover both solvent 1 and solvent 2 gave results (extraction solvent being different) with sample 13 that solvent 3 was unable while solvent 2 also gave results with sample 3 which solvent 1 and 3 both were unable. Hence, we can say that solvent system 1 i.e., (Ethyl Acetate: Methanol: Water- 7:2:1 v/v/v) is the best solvent as it gave good results for most of the pigmented samples of different brands on the other hand methanol is the good extraction solvent compared to ethyl acetate and tetrahydrofuran as it separated the pigments from the waxes very prominently. The new solvent system proposed in the study after experimentation can be used for analysis of shoe polish stain. For quantification and distinction of each shoe polish samples in a detailed manner further instrumental analysis is recommended. The data obtained from this study can be helpful in the preliminary stage of identifying different trace evidences which may look like shoe polish in physical appearance.

Verification of the metric properties of E. E. Gordon’s Advanced Measures of Music Audiation among non-music major students in Croatia

The aim of the study was to investigate the metric properties of the Advanced Measures of Music Audiation test by E. E. Gordon (1989) on a sample of nonmusic major students in Croatia. The study was conducted with female students of early and preschool education at the Faculty of Education in Osijek (N = 235). The descriptive indicators of the AMMA test and the normality of the distribution of scores in the Croatian sample do not differ from the results obtained during the standardization on the American sample and the Polish sample of nonmusic major students. It was found that the reliability coefficient of the AMMA test, calculated using the split-half technique, was 0.87, and high intercorrelation values were obtained between the Total test and the Tonal (r = 0.88) and Rhythm (r = 0.87) subtests. Lower values of the difficulty level and discrimination power (< 0.20) are the weakest features of the application of the AMMA test to the Croatian sample. Considering the overall observed metric properties, it can be concluded that the AMMA test is a reliable measurement tool for the assessment of auditory musical abilities in nonmusic major students in Croatia.

The use of concentrated multiple reflection ATR spectroscopy in the analysis of nail polish as forensic evidence.

Multiple reflection ATR spectroscopy is a technique used in cases where additional sensitivity is required over that provided by single reflection. Normally, multiple reflection equipment requires significantly more sample in order to adequately cover a larger sampling area. These larger sample amounts may not be available in forensic investigations. In this work, the capabilities of a concentrated multiple reflection ATR (CMRATR) accessory, in which all reflections are confined to a very small area, are demonstrated. Liquid solution sample sizes of only 5 to 15 μl are required. The accessory is used with an evaporative technique which further enhances sensitivity by concentrating the solute in close contact onto the ATR sampling surface. The technique along with a multivariate statistical analysis is used to discriminate visually similar nail polish samples made by different manufacturers.

Determination of the interfacial properties of carbon fiber reinforced polymers using nanoindentation

The mechanical properties of the interphase play a key role in determining the overall performance of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite materials. For this reason, it is important to develop a method to easily and precisely investigate the mechanical performance of the interphase of CFRP materials. In this work, the surface topography of the CFRP material was examined using scanning probe microscopy (SPM), which revealed the polished flat sample can meet the requirements of the nanoindentation testing. The local mechanical performance of the interphase of the CFRP was determined using nanoindentation based on the continuous stiffness measurement (CSM) method. The results show that the size of the interphase between the carbon fiber and the matrix is about 1.5 μm, and the corresponding modulus and hardness values were estimated to be 5–11 and 0.4–3.3 GPa, respectively, considering the fiber-bias effects. Mapping of the local mechanical properties of a selected area revealed that nanoindentation reproduced excellently the surface topography and characterized precisely the properties of the interphase between the carbon fibers and the matrix.

Depth profiling of thin plasma-polymerized amine films using GDOES in an Ar-O2 plasma

Thin polymer films were deposited on polished stainless-steel samples by PECVD from a cyclopropylamine precursor and characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, secondary-ion mass spectrometry and glow-discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GDOES) depth profiling. These depth profiles exhibited reasonable agreement. The GDOES involved the erosion of the polymer films in plasma sustained by an asymmetric RF capacitively coupled discharge using both Ar and Ar-O2 gases. The application of pure Ar caused unwanted effects, such as the broadening of the polymer-film/substrate interface, which were suppressed when using the mixture with oxygen. Another benefit of oxygen was a significant increase in the etching rate by a factor of about 15 as compared to pure argon. The mechanisms involved in the depth profiling using the mixture of gases were elaborated in some detail, taking into account plasma parameters typical for an asymmetric, capacitively coupled RF discharge in a small volume. The main benefit of using the Ar/O2 GDOES profiling with respect to XPS and SIMS depth profiling is the increased sputtering rate for polymer films. Comparing the GDOES depth profiling with the Ar/O2 mixture with profiling in pure Ar, the benefits are a higher sputtering rate and better depth resolution at the polymer/substrate interface.

VR Realism Scale-Revalidation of contemporary VR headsets on a Polish sample.

This paper presents validation of the VR Simulation Realism Scale on a Polish sample. The scale enables a self-report measurement of perceived realism of a virtual environment in four main aspects of such realism-scene realism, audience behavior realism, audience appearance realism and sound realism. However, since the development of the original scale, the VR technology significantly changed. We aimed to respond to that change and revalidate the original measure in the contemporary setting. For the purpose of scale validation, data was gathered from six studies with 720 participants in total. Five experiments and one online survey were conducted to examine psychometric properties of the scale in accordance with the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing. Evidence based on internal structure, relations to other variables and test content was obtained. The factorial structure of the original scale was tested and confirmed. The connections between realism and immersion, presence, aesthetics were verified. A suppressed relationship between realism and positive affect was discovered. Moreover, it was confirmed that scale result is dependent on the quality of VR graphics. Results of the analyses provide the evidence that the VR Simulation Realism Scale is a well-established tool that might be used both in science and in VR development. However, further research needs to be done to increase external validity and predictive power of the scale.

Surface and Subsurface Quality Assessment of Polished Lu2O3 Single Crystal Using Quasi-Brewster Angle Technique

The sesquioxide Lu2O3 single crystal has attracted tremendous attention as potential host material for high-power solid-state lasers. As polishing is the terminal process of conventional ultra-precision machining, the quality of polished crystal directly impacts the crucial performance indicators of optics. The high melting point of Lu2O3 single crystal makes crystal preparation difficult. Therefore, investigations on the surface/subsurface quality inspection of polished Lu2O3 single crystal are scarce. In this paper, we utilize the quasi-Brewster angle technique (qBAT) based on ellipsometry to inspect the quality of polished Lu2O3 single crystal, achieving fast, non-destructive, and high-sensitive surface/subsurface damage assessment. A systematic crystal processing scheme is designed and polished Lu2O3 crystal samples are obtained. To verify the results of qBAT, the surface and subsurface quality are tested using optical profilometer and transmission electron microscope, respectively. The consistency of the test results demonstrates the feasibility, high sensitivity, and accuracy of the qBAT. To our knowledge, this is the first time that the qBAT is applied to investigate the polished surface/subsurface quality of Lu2O3 single crystal. In conclusion, this method provides a powerful approach to the high-precision characterization of the surface/subsurface quality of Lu2O3 single crystal, and has significant potential for material property study and process optimization during ultra-precision machining.

The mediating effect of negative emotions on the relationship between subjective sleep quality and paranoia-like thoughts

Sleep quality has been found to play an important role in paranoia-like thoughts both in clinical and non-clinical populations. Previous studies have shown that the presence of negative emotional states can mediate the link between sleep and paranoia, however, their role in the linkage is still not entirely clear. Hence, our study aimed to investigate further the mediating effect of negative emotions on the relationship between sleep quality and paranoia-like thoughts on a relatively large Polish sample drawn from the general population. We collected questionnaire data assessing paranoia-like thoughts, sleep quality and quantity, and negative affect from 604 Polish adults. We performed the correlation analysis and examined the mediating role of negative emotions in the relationship between sleep quality and paranoia. The results revealed significant moderate relationships between sleep quality and paranoia-like thoughts, negative emotions and paranoia-like thoughts, as well as between negative emotions and sleep quality. A mediation model for the relationship between sleep quality and paranoia-like thoughts revealed a complementary mediation by negative affect. The findings contribute to understanding the interrelatedness between sleep quality, negative emotions, and paranoia-like thoughts, as well as emphasize the importance of negative affect in the relationship between sleep and paranoia. Future research is needed to determine other factors that contribute to understanding the linkage as well as to determine the cause and effect.

Toward accurate evaluation of bulk hardness from nanoindentation testing at low indent depths

Estimations of bulk hardness from nanoindentation are frequently subject to considerable uncertainties due to indentation size effects (ISE), pileup effects, and potential influence of surface quality or test methods. This study examined materials science principles of nanoindentation test methods to enable accurate prediction of bulk hardness for a series of high purity Fe and Fe-(3–25 wt%) Cr alloys. These materials were tested in as-annealed and thermally aged (100–900 h at 475 ℃ to produce Cr-rich α’ precipitates) conditions. Nanoindentation with a Berkovich indenter at constant strain rate (0.05–0.5 /s) and constant loading rate conditions provided comparable bulk equivalent hardness (H0) extracted by Nix-Gao model, indicating a weak strain rate sensitivity at room temperature. Results from electropolished and fine mechanically polished samples gave comparable measured hardness. Pileup corrections produced a 5–14% correction to H0 which agreed with the experimental bulk Vickers hardness within ∼10% for most tested materials. The microstructural model-predicted and measured strength values agreed for aged samples. A derived analytic expression demonstrates that an ISE error, associated with inappropriate methods such as hardness ratios or changes at a reference depth, would be as large as 60% in estimated bulk hardness for the investigated Fe-Cr alloys.

Analysis of surface characteristics and electrochemical corrosion behaviour of WEDMed Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy

In present investigation, surface properties of Ti-6Al-7Nb under rough cut and trim cut modes of WEDMed has been analysed in terms of surface roughness, recast layer, micro hardness and wettability. In continuation to this study, the electrochemical corrosion resistance has been studied for polished and WEDMed samples of Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy. WEDM at the rough cut mode resulted into higher surface roughness, micro-cracks and thickness of a recast layer, whereas trim cut mode produces better surface finish and minimum surface damage. In comparison to polished surface and WEDMed at rough cut mode, trim cut mode results into higher corrosion resistance which is due to the formation of a stable protective rutile-TiO2 layer. WEDMed surface possesses higher wettability as compared to a polished surface.

Investigation of the Factor Structure of the Reflective Functioning Questionnaire (RFQ-8): One or Two Dimensions?

There is a need to have reliable and accessible screening measures of mentalizing ability to investigate the role of this capacity in social functioning and its development, emergence of psychopathological conditions, as well as to understand its role in psychotherapeutic processes. The 8-itemed Reflective Functioning Questionnaire (RFQ-8) has been developed for this purpose, however its factor structure and psychometric properties are unclear. The aim of the current study was to further investigate the factor structure of the RFQ-8 and explore its psychometric properties in a Polish sample. 538 participants aged 17–50 (M = 21.44, SD = 2.92) took part in the study. They were asked to complete the RFQ-8, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), the Relationship Structures (ECR-RS) questionnaire and the Borderline Personality Inventory (BPI). Results of both exploratory and confirmatory analysis indicated that the RFQ-8 may be regarded as a scale measuring a unidimensional construct. Our results confirmed good construct validity for the unidimensional RFQ-8, suggesting that the one-dimensional RFQ specifically assesses uncertainty concerning mental states. Our findings highlight the need for further studies investigating the factor structure and psychometric properties of the RFQ-8.

Tribological performance of micro textured surface machined by Nd:YAG laser with different incident angle

In this paper, the linear micro textures were fabricated on the cemented carbide surface by Nd:YAG laser with different incident angle. The morphologies of micro textures, residual stress and laser machining temperature were investigated by experiments and simulations. The friction properties of the textured samples and conventional polished samples were carried out by dry reciprocating sliding tests against 304 stainless steel balls. The experiments and simulations results indicated that with the decreasing of the laser incident angle, the depth of micro textures, laser machining temperature and residual compressive stress inside the micro textures were reduced, and the width of the micro textures and surface roughness were increased. In comparison with conventional polished samples, the micro textured samples exhibited better friction performance, especially for the TS-60 samples, the wear rate of the balls and average coefficient of friction were reduced about 71.1% and 63.2%, respectively. The worn surface of TS-60 samples also showed the smallest worn scratch width about 443 μm and a small quantity of adhesions. The mechanism of the micro textures geometry structure on the friction performance was discussed.

Effect of heat treatment environment on the structural characteristics and microhardness of high velocity oxy‐fuel sprayed tungsten carbide‐cobalt coatings

AbstractIn the present study, tungsten carbide‐cobalt was coated on the austenitic stainless steel using high velocity oxy‐fuel spraying. The as‐deposited coatings were heat treated at 750 °C in air and argon gas environments. Structural characteristics of these coatings were studied using x‐ray diffraction and Raman spectrum analysis. Further, the microhardness of the polished coated samples was also evaluated. The hardness of the coatings was significantly improved after heat treatment in air and argon gas environment. However, the highest hardness was observed with the coatings treated in argon gas environment. The formation of oxide phases such as tungsten trioxide and cobalt tungstate was observed after heat treatment in the air environment, whereas under the argon environment, no oxide phases were observed.