Intercalated nanosized MO2 (M: Sn, Ce) layers between CNTs and Pt or PtSn nanoparticles catalysts

Direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFCs) is receiving enormous attention as alternative electrical energy conversion systems. This paper gives an outline on some recent advances achieved in our laboratory regarding the development of high performing anode for ethanol oxidation. We developed multi-components binderless hierarchically organized layer onto layer nanostructured catalysts comprising a carbon paper (CP, current collector)/carbon nanotubes (CNTs, conductivity enhancer)/catalyst promoter (MOx, M: Sn; Ce)/Pt-based (electrocatalyst). The main focus was how to lower the onset oxidation potential (OOP) of ethanol at Pt75Sn25 catalyst. Towards that aim, metal oxides such as CeO2 and SnO2 were sought as catalyst promoters. It has been discovered that intercalating a nanostructured layer of SnO2 between CNTs and Pt75Sn25 considerably lowered the OOP of ethanol and also increased the specific mass activity (SMA) at low potentials. Indeed, the OOP at the CP/CNT/SnO2/Pt75Sn25 was 210 mV and 117 mV negative relative to that delivered by CP/CNT/Pt and CP/CNT/Pt75Sn25, respectively confirming by that the promoting effect of SnO2 of the oxidation of CO at low potentials. The SMA determined at slow potential scan rate of 5 mV/s at 0.4 V vs. Ag/AgCl revealed that CP/CNT/SnO2/Pt75Sn25 delivered an SMA of 1.2 times higher than that of the CP/CNT/Pt75Sn25 catalyst and 1.5 times greater than the one exhibited by the CP/CNT/CeO2/Pt75Sn25 catalyst

Study on fatty acids composition of lipid class in fish oil, proximate analysis and calorie value of kijar in Iran

This aim of this research was to determine fatty acids and raw proximate composition and calorie value of fish Kijar in Iran. The fatty acids and proximate composition Kijar was determined. The established AOAC (Association of Official Agricultural Chemist, USA) methods were followed for composition bio chemical of fish. Mean moisture, fat, protein, ash, carbohydrate contents and calorie value of raw fish were 70.81%, 5.88%, 17.80%, 3.41%, 2.1% and 132.52 kcal, respectively. Among fatty acids, palmitic acid was a major fatty acid while stearic acid was the other major constituent. Unsaturated monoenoic fatty acids (oleic and palmitoleic acids were major constituents. Important unsaturated fatty acids such as EPA and DHA, were also identified. percentage composition of fatty acids in the lipid classes of oil of Saurida undosquamis which the saturated fatty acids ranges from 58% to 72.14%. Palmitic acid is predominant and its composition ranges 38.64% to 48.98% while stearic acid ranges from 11.35% to 19.50%. Among unsaturated fatty acids, monoenoic are the major fatty acids. Oleic acid ranges from 12.15% to 27.48%. It is concluded that fish kijar found as health seafood for Iranian southern peoples form point of view of nutritional values and valuable fatty acids. Therefore it is recommended people put this fish in diet basket and it consumed three times in the week

Tilting chains of negative curves on rational surfaces

We introduce the notion of exact tilting objects, which are partial tilting objects $T$ inducing an equivalence between the abelian category generated by $T$ and the category of modules over the endomorphism algebra of $T$. Given a chain of sufficiently negative rational curves on a rational surface, we construct an exceptional sequence whose universal extension is an exact tilting object. For a chain of (-2)-curves, we obtain an equivalence with modules over a well known algebra.Comment: 13 page

Comprehensive sexuality education is ‘not for us’: rethinking ‘cultural relevance’ through Young Tanzanians' identifications with/against intervention knowledge

The need for comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) to be culturally relevant and inclusive is increasingly recognised as a fundamental aspect of supporting young people to live healthy sexual lives. Nevertheless questions remain about how to represent cultures and difference without subtly reinforcing inequalities. This paper makes a case for the need to explore this issue through analyses of how different gendered and demographic groups of young Tanzanian attendees of culturally relevant CSE, identify with (or against) intervention knowledge[s]. Grounded in dialogical social psychological theorising, we present a methodological approach for exploring how processes of belonging and Othering structure young people's negotiations of culturally relevant CSE amongst other knowledges. An adapted version of the ‘story completion’ method was used with university students and urban-poor young people (aged 18–34) to instigate dialogues about how a fictional protagonist might think, feel, and act in their relationship, looking to see if, and how, young people incorporated CSE knowledge. Twelve single-gendered focus-group discussions were held in September 2014 with 48 young people, and then findings from these were discussed further with 27 returning young people through three mixed-gendered workshops in August 2015. The analyses highlight how young Tanzanians explicitly Other CSE interventions, positioning their knowledge as ‘not for us’. More implicitly, difference is also constructed around ideas about change and gendered development, along with trust and support in relationships. The devices used to Other shifted and differed across demographic groups, ranging from complete denials of intervention knowledge to viewing it as unrealistic, dangerous, or self-stigmatised for not being able to use it. We propose that these findings highlight the need to rethink how both ‘culture’ and ‘relevance’ are conceptualised in CSE, most specifically necessitating greater recognitions of poverty, transnationality, and the lasting legacies of colonialism and behaviour change interventions that communicated through fear and morality

High Speed Latchup-Free CMOS Using TiSi2, N-Well, Technology

This report discusses high speed latchup-free 0.5 µ m-channel CMOS using self-aligned TiSi2 and deep-trench isolation n-well technology. This technology of deep-trench isolation combined with the epitaxial layer eliminates many problems such as poor device to device isolation, latchup susceptibility and relatively high sheet resistance of n+ and p+ diffusion layers. Thus CMOS devices operate at a propagation delay time of 140 p with a power dissipation of 1.5mW per inverter and attain a maximum clock frequency of 700 MHZ without suffering from latchup even at a latchup trigger current of 100 mA

Experimental damage localization in beam by using natural frequency distribution and modal strain energy change ratio based methods

Two methods for a beam like structures damage identification using frequencies distribution and Modal Strain Energy Change Rate (MSECR) are presented in this paper. Firstly, the measured frequencies sensitivity is improved, and the frequency distribution is used to determine the suspected damage location. Secondly, the change of modal strain energy before and after the occurrence of damage is employed to locate the damage location. To conduct these studies, an experimental modal analysis program was carried out on a cantilever Bernoulli-Euler beams subjected to a controlled crack levels and the first seven modes (natural frequencies and mode shapes) were extracted and used to localize the damage. The effect of crack sizing in the local stiffness and in the frequency fluctuation was evaluated. The localization magnitude of the damage by the frequency distribution was predicted within an acceptable error range. The experimental MSECR was computed and the location of the damage was accurately identified especially for crack sizing as small as 10 % of the beam height. Finally, finite elements models were built and validated, MSECR method was applied and the results demonstrate that the method is capable of localizing damage for beam structure

Factors Affecting Pupils’ Performance in Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) in Ruangwa District, Lindi Region, Tanzania

Education is the process by which the individual acquires knowledge and skills necessary for appreciating and adapting to the environment and the ever changing political, cultural, technological and social-economic conditions of the society and the means as means of realizing one’s full potential. The aim of this study was to investigate the “Factors Affecting Pupils’ Performance in Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) in Ruangwa District, Lindi Region, Tanzania. The study methods utilized qualitative and descriptive statistics with random sampling technique to select 165 respondents comprised of 8 standard seven pupils of the year 2013 with poor reading and writing skills but passed PSLE, 87 standard seven pupils of the year 2014, 30 parents and 40 teachers. The study findings revealed the variables with substantial impact on the academic performance were, “punishment of the pupils with low marks counted 50% of the respondents, pupils did not attend pre-primary classes about 63% , multiple choice exams helped them to pass PSLE about 63%, low education level of the parents 60%, lack of food in the schools 65%, cultural practices affecting pupils performance counted 65%, lack of motivation to the teachers by the government about 68%, while lack of in-service training 60%, and the ratio of Kiswahili books per pupils with one book shared more than four (4) pupils counted 53%. Therefore, it is recommended that in order to improve pupils’ performance in Ruangwa District attention should be given to all variables affecting pupils’ performance in primary schools level. Further research can be done on factors affecting school performance in Certificate of Secondary Education (CSE) and Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education (ACSE) in similar environment

The needs and opportunities for housing improvement for malaria control in Southern Tanzania

A Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Public Health Research of the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and TechnologyThere is evidence that mosquito-proofed houses can reduce malaria risk. However, housing improvement is rarely included in malaria control toolboxes. This study assessed the need, magnitude, and opportunities for housing improvement to control malaria in Tanzania. The exploratory mixed-methods study was conducted in 19 villages across four councils in southern Tanzania. A structured survey was administered to 1292 community members to assess need, perceptions, and opportunities for housing improvement. Direct observations of 802 houses and surrounding environments were done to identify the needs, opportunities, and to validate the survey findings. A market survey was done to assess availability, cost of resources and services necessary for mosquito-proofing homes. Focus group discussions were conducted with key stakeholders to explore insights on the potential and challenges of housing improvement. Of the 735 respondents who needed housing improvements, a majority needed window screening (91.1%), repairs of holes in walls (79.4%), door covers (41.6%), closing eave spaces (31.2%) and bettering roofs (19.0%). Community members invested significant efforts to improve their homes against malaria and other dangers, but these efforts were delayed due to high costs and limited incomes. Study participants suggested several mechanisms of support to improve their homes, including loans and subsidies. Addressing the need for housing improvement is a critical component of malaria control. A majority of the community members needed modest modifications and had plans to work on it. Thus, it is crucial to bring together key players across sectors to reduce barriers and making housing improvement accessible and affordable to residents

Constructing theory with big result now (BRN): Contribution of Tanzania to the theory of knowledge sharing behaviour

Purpose- This paper intends to discourse development of theory in the Tanzania context, based on potentiality of advancing of knowledge sharing theory globally.The aim of this paper is to develop a theoretical framework which essential for studying knowledge sharing behaviour which is critical significant for the organizational changes and national reforms as well for sustaining in tremendous competition.Moreover, the study established the needs to undergo investigation in order to illustrate the degree of performance of theory in the context of Tanzania, which will depict comparison with developed countries.Methodology- This paper reviewed the theory of planned behaviour and it portrayed TPB as underpinned theory for revising knowledge sharing in the context of Tanzania.Findings- The study revealed propositions which are fundamental in developing theory of planned behaviour for studying knowledge sharing in Tanzania context.Limitations of the study- this paper offers suggestions for proposition testing and direction for further studies in knowledge sharing behaviour.Implication of the study- the paper provides development of theory and practically, the research might provide insight for improving knowledge sharing practices in order to realise organizational development and national reforms(BRN) in the context of Tanzania.Value- This paper relies on theoretical approaches, particularly on advancement of theory of planned of behaviour under addition of the collectivist culture and interpersonal relation towards knowledge sharing behaviour in Tanzania

Optical studies of bonding in coevaporated amorphous silicon-tin alloys

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