Systematic parametric investigation on the CVD process of polysiloxane nano- and microstructures

Amorphous polysiloxane nano- and microstructures with different shapes can be synthesized from trifunctional organosilane precursors. In the present study, various polysiloxane nano- and microstructures have been produced via a chemical vapor deposition process using ethyltrichlorosilane as precursor. The structure formation and shape are the result of a delicate interplay between temperature, absolute amount of water, and relative humidity. The impact of these reaction parameters during a chemical vapor deposition process has been examined. Experiments have been performed to find a correlation between the reaction conditions and the final shape. Scanning electron microscopy data show that different structures like polysiloxane microrings, microrods, sprouts, nanofilaments, and mixtures of them can be synthesized depending on the reaction conditions. Furthermore, the in-depth comparison of the nanofilament diameters illustrates the dominating influence of relative humidity on structure formation. There is a general trend that at a higher value of relative humidity, structures with a larger diameter are formed independent from the temperature. Here, we clearly differentiate between relative humidity as major and absolute amount of water and temperature as minor important adjusting screws defining the thickness and shape of the resulting nano- and microstructures. Based on these observations, we proof the mechanism of the initial step of structure formation. It is shown that nano- and micro-sized water droplets formed on the substrate surface are likely to act as starting points for structure formation. All results described here strongly confirm the recently published droplet assisted growth and shaping mechanism.     

Essential oil and fractions isolated of Laurel to control adults and larvae of cattle ticks

Abstract

This study, was to evaluate the acaricidal effect of the essential oil (EO) and fractions (FR) obtained from Laurus nobilis leaves on Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. Eight fractions were obtained, however FR1: sabinene (37.83%), β-pinene (13.50%), 1,8-cineole (12.66%), α-pinene (12.56%) and FR8: α-terpineol (79.19%) were highlighted as to the larvicidal potential when submitted by Larval Packet Test. The EO was tested by the Adult Immersion Test, at concentrations of 200.00; 100.00 and 50.00?µL/mL caused mortality of engorged females, egg mass reduction and hatching inhibition. Two fractions are shown to be efficient in controlling larvae FR8 (LC₅₀?=?0.13?µL/mL, LC₉₉?=?0.51?µL/mL) and FR1 (LC₅₀?=?0.20?µL/mL, LC₉₉?=?0.56?µL/mL). The fractionation of EO was determinant to elucidate which compounds were responsible for the larvicidal potential. This study opens new perspectives to direct new bioassays with the compounds obtained in the fractionation, since they present high potential on cattle tick larvae.     

The Impact of Research Culture on Mental Health & Diversity in STEM

The onset of COVID-19, coupled with the finer lens placed on systemic racial disparities within our society, has resulted in increased discussions around mental health. Despite this, mental health struggles in research are still often viewed as individual weaknesses and not the result of a larger dysfunctional research culture. Mental health interventions in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) academic community often focus on what individuals can do to improve their mental health instead of focusing on improving the research environment. In this paper, we present four aspects of research that may heavily impact mental health based on our experiences as research scientists: bullying and harassment; precarity of contracts; diversity, inclusion, and accessibility; and the competitive research landscape. Based on these aspects, we propose systemic changes that institutions must adopt to ensure their research culture is supportive and allows everyone to thrive.     

Study of aerodynamic and release properties of inhaled particles containing cyclodextrins

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of different cyclodextrins (CyD) on physical characteristics of inhalation dry powders. The particle size was characterised by Aerosizer^® LD and aerodynamic behaviour of inhaled complexes assessed by twin-stage liquid impinger. The in vitro release profile of the powders was studied through Franz cell modified method. Produced particles showed a suitable size for pulmonary delivery, ranging between 1 and 5 μm. The nature of the CyD affected the powders performance on reaching the lower compartment (“Lungs”), mainly by the altering their aerodynamic properties, which is reflected on the different percentages of their emitted respirable fractions. HP-γ-CyD:fluticasone propionate complex showed a fast release of corticosteroid while γ-CyD had a constant release throughout time. The best characteristics for pulmonary delivery were obtained with acetyl-γ-CyD:fluticasone propionate complex.     

A plasma-fluid model for EHD flow in DBD actuators and experimental validation

A numerical method to simulate plasma induced electrohydrodynamic flow is proposed in this study. The numerical model consists of three components. Firstly, a potential module to simulate temporal potential and electric field generated in the ionized fluid. Secondly, a plasma module to simulate plasma development and charge particle densities. Finally, a fluid module to simulate the flow affected by the body forces induced by the movement of the charged particles. Fluid flow is modeled using modified predictor-corrector strategy as proposed in the marker and cell method. The velocity field was corrected to achieve incompressible flow by calculating pressure correction factors, considered in all cells. Numerical convergence and time sensitivity analysis were carried to confirm grid independence and determine an efficient time step for simulations. Numerical computations are validated by comparing with experimental results of discharge currents and current densities. They were found to be in very good agreement thus providing an extensive validation. Furthermore, quiescent flow over a dielectric barrier discharge actuator is simulated in the this study, using the proposed plasma-fluid model, to model flow evolution and resolve temporal flow features for detailed analysis. The streamline and vorticity plots were analyzed and compared with experimental results, and flow results were found to be in-line with the experiments.