Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Devendra K. Namburi, Kirti Singh, Kai Yuan Huang, Suresh Neelakantan, John H. Durrell, David A. Cardwell
Summary: This study presents a detailed investigation into the microstructural and mechanical properties of recycled YBCO samples compared to primary grown samples. Despite a slightly lower trapped magnetic field, recycled samples show an improvement in mechanical properties such as flexural strength. Good correlations between microstructural parameters and mechanical properties were observed in both primary grown and recycled YBCO samples.
JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Kai Yuan Huang, Tomas Hlasek, Devendra Kumar Namburi, Anthony R. Dennis, Yunhua Shi, Mark D. Ainslie, Jasmin V. J. Congreve, Vladimir Plechacek, Jan Plechacek, David A. Cardwell, John H. Durrell
Summary: The use of thin-wall geometry can significantly improve the mechanical properties of high-temperature superconductors, allowing them to withstand higher electromagnetic stresses.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Physics, Applied
Yuchen Wang, Mark D. Ainslie, Difan Zhou, Yibing Zhang, Chuanbing Cai, John H. Durrell, David A. Cardwell
Summary: The practical magnetization of arrays of multiple single grain, bulk high temperature superconductors is crucial for various applications. A systematic investigation of the pulsed field magnetization (PFM) of a bulk assembly consisting of two rectangular Y-Ba-Cu-O bulk single grains was conducted. The induced screening currents during the rise of a pulsed field greatly enhance the flux density, resulting in uneven flux penetration and increased likelihood of flux jumps. By utilizing a two-step multi-pulse PFM process, the peak trapped field was significantly improved.
SUPERCONDUCTOR SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Physics, Applied
Josef Baumann, Yunhua Shi, Anthony R. Dennis, John H. Durrell, David A. Cardwell
Summary: We report the direct impact of porosity on the critical current density of a single grain YBCO bulk superconductor using 3D x-ray computer tomography scans and superconducting quantum interference device measurements. The study shows that porosity has a considerably more substantial impact on the measured critical current density than Y-211 on the micrometre scale, with a decrease in porosity leading to an increase in J (c). Any method that can reduce porosity improves J (c) and the trapped field of these technologically important bulk superconductors.
SUPERCONDUCTOR SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Wenchao Li, He Huang, Chen Guo, Chang Tu, Xinyuan Liu, Chao Yao, Xianping Zhang, Yanwei Ma
Summary: Iron-based superconductors have attracted extensive attention in the field of superconductivity mechanisms and high-field applications due to their ultra-high upper critical fields and low anisotropy. The fabrication of superconducting wires and tapes with high critical current density and low cost is a major goal in the application research of these materials. In this study, (Ba,K)Fe2As2 (Ba-122) tapes with a Cu/Ag composite sheath were successfully fabricated through a pre-composite process, and achieved a high J(c) of 6.2 x 10(4) A cm(-2) at 10 T and 4.2 K. The high-density superconducting cores, large-size grains, and uniform element distribution were identified as the main factors contributing to the high J(c). These results suggest that the low-cost Ba-122 tapes with pre-composite Cu/Ag sheath have great potential for practical applications in the future.
SCIENCE CHINA-MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Qianying Zhu, Yangyang Cai, Zheng Liu, Keqian Gong, Zhentao Wang, Litao Li, Yong Zhang
Summary: The influence of Cu interlayer thickness on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Al2O3/4J42 joints was investigated. The results show that the Cu interlayer thickness determines the microstructure and mechanical properties of the joints. When the Cu interlayer thickness is 50 mu m, the joint exhibits a discontinuous structure and a significant decrease in shear strength due to Ti diffusion. However, when the Cu interlayer thickness increases to 100 mu m, the joint shows maximum shear strength because Ti diffusion is prevented and residual stress is released.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Physics, Applied
N. Tutt, J. Congreve, Y. Shi, D. Namburi, A. Dennis, H. Druiff, J. Durrell
Summary: This study presents a technique of fabricating superconducting joints between GdBCO-Ag bulk superconductors using YBCO-Ag as an intermediate joining material. The joints provide reliable connections between multiple bulk superconductors, addressing the challenges in fabricating large superconductors or shaping hard and brittle ones. The experiment joined nine single grains of GdBCO-Ag with a YBCO-Ag intermediate and investigated the effect of different orientations on the superconducting properties of jointed samples. The results showed that the jointing process led to degradation of critical temperature and critical current, as well as inhibited current flow due to silver diffusion and formation of large pores at the joint interface.
SUPERCONDUCTOR SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Bernd Wolf, Theresa Lundbeck, Jan Zimmermann, Marius Peters, Kristin Kliemt, Cornelius Krellner, Michael Lang
Summary: In this study, the magnetic susceptibility of high-quality single crystals of EuPd2(Si1-xGex)2 with Ge concentrations 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.105 was measured under varying hydrostatic pressure (He-gas) of 0 to 0.5 GPa. The results reveal that the magnetic response changes drastically from valence-crossover behavior to long-range antiferromagnetic order as the Ge concentration increases to x = 0.105. The valence-crossover temperature shows a strong pressure dependence, while the pressure dependence of the antiferromagnetic order is small.
Article
Physics, Applied
Difan Zhou, Jan Srpcic, Kaiyuan Huang, Mark Ainslie, Yunhua Shi, Anthony Dennis, Martin Boll, Mykhaylo Filipenko, David Cardwell, John Durrell
Summary: The study reports a 4.8 T peak trapped magnetic field achieved in a 36 mm diameter GdBa2Cu3O7-delta-Ag bulk superconductor at 30K using pulsed field magnetization. A reliable two-step multi-pulse PFM process based on the understanding and exploitation of avalanche-like flux jump phenomenon in these materials was developed to achieve this. The applied pulsed magnetic field necessary for trapping 4.8 T was only 5.29 T, with a remarkable magnetization efficiency of 90% (BT/Ba).
SUPERCONDUCTOR SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Anita Kumari, Rakhi Sharma, Radhika Chauhan, B. D. Indu
Summary: This study analyzes the thermal conductivity of rare earth substituted high temperature superconductors and investigates the role of various scattering processes in thermal transport. The study finds that boundary scattering is the main contributor to thermal resistance at very low temperatures and explores the anisotropic nature of thermal conductivity in single-crystal YBCO.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Annick Degardin, David Alamarguy, Aurore Brezard Oudot, Samir Beldi, Christine Chaumont, Faouzi Boussaha, Antoine Cheneau, Alain Kreisler
Summary: This study investigates the performance of detectors made from calcium-doped and undoped a-YBCO films. The calcium-doped material shows lower DC conductivity and a slightly rougher surface compared to the undoped material. The calcium-doped device exhibits higher specific detectivity and shorter thermal time constant, suggesting significant improvements for fast infrared imaging applications.
Article
Physics, Applied
Y. Tsui, D. A. Moseley, A. R. Dennis, Y-H Shi, M. R. Beck, V Cientanni, D. A. Cardwell, J. H. Durrell, M. D. Ainslie
Summary: Bulk high-temperature superconducting materials can trap magnetic fields up to an order of magnitude larger than conventional permanent magnets. Recent advances in pulsed field magnetization techniques have allowed for the fast and cost-effective magnetization of these materials to fields of up to 5 T. Researchers have developed a portable, desktop magnet system that combines advanced pulsed field magnetization techniques with cryocooler technology and single-grain bulk superconducting materials. This system is capable of trapping magnetic fields of up to about 3 T.
SUPERCONDUCTOR SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Bing Ma, Yoshimistu Hishinuma, Hiroyuki Noto, Yifan Zhang, Jing Wang, Laima Luo, Takeo Muroga
Summary: The study revealed that using Cu 6 Y as the Y 2 O 3 source in ODS-Cu has the advantage of improving the dissolution of Y and suppressing the growth of mechanical alloying powders. However, samples prepared by in-situ fabrication method suffered from Fe contamination, leading to poor tensile performance, and efforts are needed to reduce the pollution.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Physics, Applied
Guo-Zheng Li, Chao Chen, Miao Wang
Summary: The doping effect of BiFeO3 (BFO) nanoparticles on the growth and properties of Y-Ba-Cu-O (YBCO) superconductors by the powder melt and infiltration growth technique was investigated. The results showed that nano-BFO doping reduced the growth rate of the Y-123 crystal and led to smaller grain size in the YBCO bulk. Improved levitation force and trapped field properties were observed in the 0.2 wt% BFO-doped YBCO sample, indicating superior performance compared to other samples with different BFO amounts.
SUPERCONDUCTOR SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jinlong Yin, Zeyu Gao, Fengyuan Wei, Chang Liu, Jun Gong, Jinmeng Li, Wenzheng Li, Li Xiao, Gongwei Wang, Juntao Lu, Lin Zhuang
Summary: Cu-decorated CeO2 composites were synthesized through a controllable method, leading to enhanced CO2 electroreduction efficiency and selectivity by adjusting the Cu loading. In situ infrared and Raman spectroscopy provided insights into the reduction pathway.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marise Silva de Carvalho, Luiz Henrique Sales de Menezes, Adriana Bispo Pimentel, Floriatan Santos Costa, Polyane Cabral Oliveira, Marta Maria Oliveira dos Santos, Iasnaia Maria de Carvalho Tavares, Muhammad Irfan, Muhammad Bilal, Joao Carlos Teixeira Dias, Julieta Rangel de Oliveira, Marcelo Franco
Summary: In this study, a comprehensive investigation was conducted on the production of xylanase by solid-state fermentation using Aspergillus oryzae ATCC 10124. Enzyme production was optimized through statistical designs for both the mixture of waste residues and fermentation parameters. The optimized process resulted in a significant increase (up to 165%) in enzymatic activity. The xylanase produced in this fermentation process exhibited alkaline characteristics and high thermal stability. Moreover, the multienzyme extract obtained directly from the fermentation process showed efficient saccharification capabilities without the need for enzyme purification.
WASTE AND BIOMASS VALORIZATION
(2023)
Article
Demography
Zeeshan Fareed, Mahdi Ghaemi Asl, Muhammad Irfan, Mohammad Mahdi Rashidi, Hong Wang
Summary: This study explores the relationship between international flight departures and COVID-19 deaths, revealing that international flights caused the spread of COVID-19 worldwide during May to June 2020. The overall findings also suggest asymmetry between daily international flight departures and COVID-19 deaths globally at different time-frequency periods due to the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shahid Ali, Qingyou Yan, Azer Dilanchiev, Muhammad Irfan, Shah Fahad
Summary: The study aims to evaluate the performance of adopting solar home systems (SHSs) to develop small-scale industries in Pakistan. The results indicate that SHSs can provide low-cost energy for small-scale industries, improve energy supply quality, and with the moderating effect of awareness and understanding of SHSs, enhance the performance of small-scale industries.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mirza Huzaifa Asif, Tan Zhongfu, Muhammad Irfan, Cem Isik
Summary: This study examines the factors influencing consumers' intentions to purchase eco-friendly appliances in an emerging economy's context. The research investigates the relationship between environmental knowledge, consumer attitude, green trust, and purchase intention. Survey data from 331 Pakistani consumers using energy-efficient household products are analyzed using structural equation modeling. The findings show that environmental knowledge positively influences consumer attitude and green trust. Additionally, green trust is significantly and positively related to purchase intention. The study also reveals the positive influence of perceived consumer effectiveness and perceived behavioral control on purchase intention. This research contributes to the B2B sales literature and provides implications for future research and practice.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yongrong Xin, Muhammad Irfan, Bilal Ahmad, Madad Ali, Lanqi Xia
Summary: This study explores the concept of online food purchasing and its relationship with perceived e-service quality and related customer service outcomes. Previous studies have neglected the influence of sustainable marketing practices on these factors. The study proposes a conceptual model and empirically examines how e-service quality affects customer outcomes. The results suggest that e-service quality significantly influences brand self-connection and the usefulness of online reviews, and brand self-connection significantly influences e-word-of-mouth and willingness to pay. Additionally, personal innovativeness moderates the relationship between e-service quality and brand self-connection. The study highlights the implications for food service delivery brands in emerging economies in a post-pandemic context.
Article
Respiratory System
Yasmin Rahim, Jaffar Khan, Shayan Shahid, Safia Awan, Muhammad Irfan
Summary: This retrospective study provides important information on the clinical characteristics, risk factors, outcomes, and mortality factors associated with pulmonary nocardial infections in Pakistan. The overall mortality rate among pulmonary nocardiosis patients was 33.3%, and factors such as respiratory failure, raised procalcitonin levels, concomitant fungal infections, concomitant TB, and patients on combination therapy were significantly associated with mortality.
RESPIRATORY INVESTIGATION
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
M. Asim Sarwar, Muhammad Irfan, Asif Nadeem Tabish, Haris Mahmood Khan, Muhammad Waqas Iqbal, Hira Fatima, Tanveer Iqbal
Summary: Pakistan, a farming and agricultural country, has been facing energy issues due to population growth and lack of technological development. This article explores the use of wood residue densification as an energy source and analyzes the effects of different pretreatments and binders on the densification process. The results show that densified pellets with a 5% natural binder exhibit better physical, mechanical, and thermal properties. This research highlights the potential of biomass materials for energy generation, offering insights towards meeting commercialization and population demands while mitigating the harmful effects of climate change.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRESS & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Muhammad Irfan, Yousuf Khan, Atiq Ur Rehman, Naqeeb Ullah, Svetlana N. Khonina, Nikolay L. Kazanskiy, Muhammad A. Butt
Summary: In this paper, a perfect absorber with a photonic crystal cavity (PhC-cavity) is studied for carbon dioxide (CO2) gas sensing. The use of silver metallic structures enables plasmonic effects for achieving perfect absorption. The sensor consists of a PhC-cavity, silver (Ag) stripes, and a host functional material deposited on the sensor surface. By varying the concentration of CO2 gas, the refractive index of the host material changes, resulting in a shift in the resonant wavelength of the device. The sensor demonstrates high sensitivity and a figure of merit of 2.9 RIU-1 for CO2 gas detection.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Misbah Batool, Hasan B. Albargi, Adnan Ahmad, Zahid Sarwar, Zubair Khaliq, Muhammad Bilal Qadir, Salman Noshear Arshad, Rizwan Tahir, Sultan Ali, Mohammed Jalalah, Muhammad Irfan, Farid A. Harraz
Summary: A novel bubbled-structured silica nanoparticle (SiO2) decorated electrospun polyurethane (PU) nanofibrous membrane (SiO2@PU-NFs) was prepared. The membrane exhibited a nanoscale hierarchical surface roughness and superhydrophobicity, along with excellent mechanical properties and breathability. It also showed high water/oil separation efficiency and maintained its superhydrophobic quality under severe conditions. This composite structure could be used in various functional applications.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Changjian Pan, Juan Felipe Espinosa Cristia, Muhammad Irfan, Zejiang Pan, Wafa Ghardallou, Muhammad Tahir, Basit Ali
Summary: Ecological footprint (EF) is created by human demands for water, infrastructure, energy and food, resulting in pollution, resource depletion and ecological disturbance. The sustainability goal is to reduce climate change impact on natural resources for long-term growth. Pakistan, facing an ecological deficit, struggles to balance economic development and environmental protection globally. EF has become a global phenomenon due to its significant role in achieving sustainability, vital for human life.
GEOLOGICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Muhammad Shoaib, Muhammad Adnan Munir, Muhammad Yasin Naz, Ghulam Abbas, Muhammad Irfan, Saifur Rahman, Abdulnour Ali Jazem Ghanim
Summary: The limited availability of clean water due to worldwide population growth and pollution necessitates the development of rapid water purification techniques. Photocatalytic degradation using the ZnO/MgFe2O4 heterostructure photocatalyst demonstrates high efficiency in eliminating water pollutants. The presence of magnetic ferrite in the heterostructure promotes radiation absorption, reduces electron-hole recombination, and improves charge transfer. The heterostructure photocatalyst also exhibits high stability and easy removal.
WATER AIR AND SOIL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Hasan Akbar Khan, Muhammad Shuaib, Saman Sabir, Ayesha Aimen, Murtaza Bukhari, Muhammad Irfan
Summary: The frequency of silent myocardial ischemia (SMI) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with microalbuminuria was found to be 41.9% in this study, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and management of T2DM and microalbuminuria to prevent cardiovascular events.
GOMAL JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shahid Ali, Qingyou Yan, Azer Dilanchiev, Muhammad Irfan, Narmina Balabeyova
Summary: After COVID-19, financing for renewable energy reserves in emerging nations was considered crucial for sustainable development. Investing in biogas energy plants was found to have significant benefits in reducing fossil fuel usage. This study evaluates the investment intentions of individual investors in biogas energy plants in Pakistan through a survey. The aim of the study is to promote investment in biogas energy projects post-COVID-19. Using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), the study focuses on financing biogas energy plants and examines the assumptions through purposive sampling. The findings suggest that attitudes, perceived benefits, investment attitudes, and supervisory structure evaluations influence the propensity to invest in biogas energy plants. Environmental responsiveness, monetary benefits, and risk aversion were also found to play a role. The study provides insights for policymakers on enhancing investments in biogas energy plants.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mirza Huzaifa Asif, Tan Zhongfu, Muhammad Irfan, Bilal Ahmad, Madad Ali
Summary: The energy needs of Pakistan have increased significantly in recent years due to improved lifestyle, population growth, and economic development. However, research on sustainable consumption behavior, specifically related to energy-saving home appliances, is limited in the country. This study aims to fill this research gap by analyzing the factors that influence sustainable consumption behavior in Pakistan, including eco-label knowledge, attitude toward environment, and customer green trust. The findings indicate that eco-label knowledge, attitude toward environment, and customer green trust positively influence purchase intention, highlighting the importance of promoting sustainable consumption practices in the country.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Naila Nureen, Da Liu, Bilal Ahmad, Muhammad Irfan
Summary: Numerous Chinese manufacturing organizations are faced with the challenge of incorporating green information acquisition into their supply chain to improve their performance. This study investigates the impact of green information acquisition and institutional pressure on firm performance, using a moderated-mediation framework. The results show that absorptive capacity plays a significant role in mediating the relationship between green information acquisition and firm performance, while institutional pressure moderates this relationship. The findings suggest that Chinese manufacturing enterprises should enhance their absorptive capacity and monitor institutional pressure to benefit from green information acquisition.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
