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GaSe nanoflakes on silicon substrates covered by SiO2 films are prepared by mechanical exfoliation from the bulk Bridgman-grown GaSe crystals using a scotch tape. The thickness of SiO2 films on Si substrates providing the highest optical contrast for observation of GaSe flakes is estimated by taking into account the spectral sensitivity of a commercial CMOS camera and broadband visible light illumination. According to our estimations, the optimal SiO2 thickness is [Formula: see text]126 nm for the visualization of GaSe flakes of 1–3 layers and [Formula: see text]100 nm for the flakes of 40–70 layers. The obtained nanoflakes are investigated by optical and atomic force microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The observed spectral positions of the Raman peaks are in agreement with the positions of the peaks known for bulk and nanolayered GaSe samples. It is found that the 50 nm thick flakes are stable but are covered by oxide structures with lateral size about 100 nm and height [Formula: see text]5 nm after [Formula: see text]9 months exposure to ambient atmosphere.

This manual describes simple tests for evaluating the condition of built heritage and cultural monuments. The tests were selected for their simplicity and widespread availability, especially in countries where few institutions deal with the conservation of important buildings or monuments and where laboratories capable of the necessary analyses are scarce.Most tests can be carried out without the resources of a complete conservation laboratory. Methods include microscopy, ion test strips, the Scotch Tape test, RILEM tube water absorption, water vapor transmission, and three tests that can be run sequentially: capillary water absorption coefficient, total immersion, and evaporation curves. Some of these tests aid in the examination of building materials and the characterization of salts and other condition problems, which will help to determine the appropriate methods and materials for conservation and restoration.

We have demonstrated both interference and diffraction of a pseudo-double slit using two glass plates with a width and a length of about 5 cm and a thickness of about 5 mm. The plates are attached at the upper and lower ends with Scotch tape of about 0.1 to 0.3 mm between the plates. By adjusting the angle between the two plates, we are able to demonstrate a single-slit diffraction pattern or a double-slit interference pattern. Also we can simulate a changing separation between slits by changing the angle between the plates.

Introduction. One of the major concerns of public health agencies is the incidence of parasitic diseases, especially in developing countries, such as Brazil. These diseases are associated with several factors such as the lack of knowledge of the population regarding health education, the incorrect destination of waste, lack of basic sanitation and numerous processes of environmental contamination. Objective. To evaluate the contamination by forms of enteroparasites in bus routes in the city of São Mateus. Methodology. The method used in this study was that of Graham, with modifications, that consists in the apposition of tape in tactile supports, turnstiles, entrances and exits of the buses, all in average estimated heights at the reach of the hands and later deposition in glass slides by direct contact. The obtained material was analyzed in the Laboratório de Parasitologia e Hematologia Clínica of the Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, campus São Mateus under light microscope (10X and 40X), without any addition of dyes. Results. A total of seventy-two samples were analyzed, distributed among the eight public transport lines selected in the study. The results indicated the contamination of 50% of the vehicles analyzed and the main parasites and commensal were Balantidium coli, Iodamoeba butschlii and Entamoeba coli. Conclusions. Public transportation buses in the city of São Mateus have potential for human contamination and can createrisks for the population that uses this service. Introducción. Una de las principales preocupaciones de las agencias de salud pública es la incidencia de parásitos, especialmente en países en desarrollo como Brasil. Estas enfermedades están asociadas a varios factores como el desconocimiento de la población en materia de educación sanitaria, la incorrecta disposición de residuos, la falta de saneamiento básico y numerosos procesos de contaminación ambiental. Objetivo. Evaluar la contaminación por formas de enteroparásitos en rutas de autobús en la ciudad de São Mateus. Material y métodos. El método de elección fue el de Graham, con modificaciones, que consiste en fijar cinta adhesiva en soportes táctiles, torniquetes, entradas y salidas de autobuses, todo ello a alturas medias estimadas al alcance de las manos, y posterior depósito de la cinta sobre portaobjetos. vidrio por contacto directo. El material obtenido fue analizado en el Laboratorio de Parasitología Clínica y Hematología de la Universidad Federal de Espírito Santo, campus São Mateus, bajo microscopio óptico (10X y 40X), sin adición de colorantes. Resultados. Se analizaron 72 muestras, distribuidas entre las ocho líneas de transporte público seleccionadas en el estudio. Los resultados indicaron la contaminación del 50% de los vehículos analizados y los principales parásitos y comensales encontrados fueron Balantidium coli, Iodamoeba butschlii y Entamoeba coli. Conclusiones. Los autobuses de transporte público en la ciudad de São Mateus tienen el potencial de contaminación humana y pueden presentar riesgos para la población que utiliza este servicio. Introdução. Uma das grandes preocupações dos órgãos de saúde pública é a incidência de parasitoses, principalmente em países em desenvolvimento, como o Brasil. Essas doenças estão associadas com diversos fatores como deficiência de conhecimentos da população no que diz respeito à educação sanitária, destino incorreto de lixos, falta de saneamento básico e inúmeros processos de contaminação ambiental. Objetivo. Avaliar a contaminação por formas de enteroparasitos em rotas de ônibus na cidade de São Mateus. Material e Métodos. O método de escolha foi o de Graham, com modificações, que consiste na aposição de fita adesiva em suportes de apoio táteis, catracas, entradas e saídas dos ônibus, todas em alturas médias estimadas ao alcance das mãos, e posterior deposição da fita em lâminas de vidro por contato direto. O material obtido foi analisado no Laboratório de Parasitologia e Hematologia Clínica da Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, campus São Mateus, em microscópio de luz (10X e 40X), sem qualquer adição de corantes. Resultados. Foram analisadas setenta e duas amostras, distribuídas entre as oito linhas de transporte público selecionadas no estudo. Os resultados indicaram a contaminação de 50% dos veículos analisados e os principais parasitos e comensais encontrados foram Balantidium coli, Iodamoeba butschlii e Entamoeba coli. Conclusões. Os ônibus de transportes públicos da cidade de São Mateus apresentam potencial para a contaminação humana e podem gerar riscos para a população que utiliza este serviço.

Tribolium castaneum is a species of beetle in the family tenebrionidae, the darkling beetle. Conventional insecticides used for controling stored product pests are expensive and arguably associated with various severe adverse side effects hence the need to develop botanical pesticides that are effective as alternative. Though Azadrachta indica has been used for the control of so many insects, review of the literature show no scientifically investigated report of its effectiveness against T. castaneum . This study was therefore designed to evaluate bioinsecticidal activity of ethanolic leaves extract of Azadirachta indica against stored Tribolium castaneum . Different concentrations (60, 70, 80, 90, and 100%) of ethanolic leaves extract of A. indica was applied on the filter paper and were allowed to dry for a reasonable time period. Control was maintained by treating the filter paper with water only. For examining the percent mortality, 15 adults was taken in the Petri dishes embedded with Whitman’s filter paper, covered with lid and tightened with scotch tape on both sides. The A. indica extracts at different concentrations tested showed insecticidal activity against T. castaneum . Further, phytochemical screening results showed that the A. indica extract have phytochemicals associated with insecticidal activity. The study has established that the ethanoloc extract A. indica is effective in managing stored product pest.

Flexible memristor devices based on plastic substrates have attracted considerable attention due to their applications in wearable computers and integrated circuits. However, most plastic-substrate memristors cannot function or be grown in high-temperature environments. In this study, scotch-tape-exfoliated mica was used as the flexible memristor substrate in order to resolve these high-temperature issues. Our TiN/ZHO/IGZO memristor, which was constructed using a thin (10 μm) mica substrate, has superior flexibility and thermostability. After bending it 103 times, the device continues to exhibit exceptional electrical characteristics. It can also be implemented for transitions between high and low resistance states, even in temperatures of up to 300 °C. More importantly, the biological synaptic characteristics of paired-pulse facilitation/depression (PPF/PPD) and spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) were observed through applying different pulse measurement modes. This work demonstrates that flexible memristor devices on mica substrates may potentially allow for the realization of high-temperature memristor applications for biologically-inspired computing systems.

During the last decades, the discovery of nanolime and its introduction in the field of Cultural Heritage has entailed a significant advance for the consolidation of historic wall paintings. Nevertheless, its use is not completely generalized yet within the conservation practitioner’s community due to its undesired white veiling deposit on the surface after treatment which usually covers the pictorial layer. Given the scarcity of existing literature which specify how to mitigate this undesired side-effect, the aim of this work is to carry out the first assessment of possible cleaning and treatment methods to eliminate those deposits and, at the same time, to analyse their effects on the consolidation properties. To do that, we have developed laboratory fresco wall paintings specimens. After applying an artificial ageing cycle to all of them, we consolidated them with CaloSil IP25, one of the most currently used commercial product in the practice. The elimination of the whitish deposits has been investigated with different methods: (1) wiping off the superficial excess of product immediately after each application during the treatment; (2) mechanical cleaning (scalpel) after consolidation; chemical cleaning with rigid gels of water (3), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) (4) and citric acid (5) after consolidation. The effectiveness of each cleaning method has been assessed by non-destructive methods before and after the consolidation, and repeated after cleaning, by measuring differences in colour, water absorption by capillarity (i.e., sponge test), superficial adhesion (i.e., Scotch Tape Test) and by quantifying the thickness of the deposits eliminated by means of photogrammetry. Results show that both the mechanical cleaning and the removal of the excess of product after each application during the treatment yielded the most promising results for conservation practice., Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, Gobierno de España, with the project PID 2019-105706GB-I00/SRA (State Research Agency/10.13039/501100011033)., Marie Skłodowska-Curie (MSCA-IF) grant agreement No 893762 (NANOMORT)

Since graphene became available by a scotch tape technique, a vast class of two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) layered materials has been researched intensively. What is more intriguing is that the well-known physics and chemistry of three-dimensional (3D) bulk materials are often irrelevant, revealing exotic phenomena in 2D vdW materials. By further constructing heterostructures of these materials in the planar and vertical directions, which can be easily achieved via simple exfoliation techniques, numerous quantum mechanical devices have been demonstrated for fundamental research and technological applications. It is, therefore, necessary to review the special features in 2D vdW materials and to discuss the remaining issues and challenges. Here, we review the vdW materials library, technology relevance, and specialties of vdW materials covering the vdW interaction, strong Coulomb interaction, layer dependence, dielectric screening engineering, work function modulation, phase engineering, heterostructures, stability, growth issues, and the remaining challenges.

The traditional use of Scotch tape for exfoliating layers of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) has been compared with a gel-assisted mechanical exfoliation technique, using MoS2 as a representative TMD. The gel-assisted exfoliation process, which makes use of both Scotch tape and a gel film, is superior to the use of Scotch tape alone, as it gives a higher probability of obtaining larger surface area few-layer flakes. A quantitative analysis has been made between the samples prepared by the two techniques. The total density of flakes transferred onto a sample by Scotch tape alone was much higher than when using the gel film. However, most of the transferred flakes were several microns in thickness with lateral dimensions 20 µm) transferred using gel film is very advantageous. Since samples prepared using gel film have fewer flakes, the contacting of potential thin flakes on the sample can be done conveniently. Also, unlike Scotch tape, the gel film does not leave adhesive residue on the substrate. Optical microscopy, contrast difference measurements and Raman spectroscopy were used for identification of the few-layer MoS2 flakes.

The effect of hydroxyapatite (HA) formed by reacting limestone with mixture of diammonium hydrogen phosphate (DAP) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) in the consolidation and protection of carbonate stones was investigated. Different concentration of CTAB was used in the experiments with mild condition in order to study how the CTAB affect the structure of HA. Moreover, the strengthening effect was evaluated with artificially limestone samples. The result of BET and XRD both showed that the structure of HA remained almost unchanged except its crystallinity was affected and specific surface area was decreased as the consequence of the addition of CTAB. A double application (as both coupling agent and consolidant) was also investigated, in which the samples were coated with DAP then followed by self-made product. The Scotch Tape test and hardness test both proved the cohesion between consolidant and limestone powder as well as its ability against acid rain were increased, which were ascribed to HA and CTAB.

We report on the enhancement of superconductivity in FeSe thin crystals induced by in-plane biaxial compressive strain, with an underlying scotch tape as an in-situ strain generator. It is found that, due to the compressive strain, the superconducting transition temperature T c ≈ 9 K of FeSe is increased by 30%–40% and the upper critical field H c 2 (0) ≈ 14.8 T is increased by ∼ 20%. In parallel, the T *, which characterizes an onset of enhanced spin fluctuations, is raised up from 69 K to 87 K. On the other hand, the structural transition temperature T s ≈ 94 K, below which an orthorhombic structure and an electronic nematic phase settle in, is suppressed down by ∼ 5 K. These findings reveal clear evolutions of the orders/fluctuations under strain effect in FeSe, the structurally simplest iron-based superconductor where the lattice/spin/charge degrees of freedom are closely coupled to one another. Moreover, the presented research provides a simple and clean way to manipulate the superconductivity in the layered iron compounds and may promote applications in related materials.

Tituli Picti are an ancient form of urban graffiti very common in the archaeological site of Pompeii (Naples, South—Italy). They are generally made of red pigments applied on walls of Campanian ignimbrite. This paper deals with a scientific investigation aimed to their conservation. This is a challenging task since it requires a multidisciplinary approach that includes restorers, archaeologists and conservation scientists. The study has provided suggestions on the proper way to conserve Tituli Picti over time. In the present work, several specimens of Campanian ignimbrite were painted with red earth pigment; lime and Arabic gum have been used as binders as well. Such painted stones were treated with three consolidants: a suspension of reactive nanoparticles of silica, ethyl silicate and an acrylic microemulsion. Treated and untreated specimens were subjected to thermal aging, artificial solar radiation and induced crystallization decay. It has been assessed the colorimetric variations induced by treatments. Moreover, the micromorphologic features of the consolidated surfaces have been highlighted by means of electron microscope observations. The scotch tape test allowed to compare the superficial cohesion induced by the three used products. According to the results, ethyl silicate seems to represent the most successful product.

A simple optical vapor sensor based on conventional Scotch adhesive tape, for analyzing ethanol&ndash, methanol mixtures, is proposed and demonstrated. The sensing signal relies on the variation of optical power transmitted through the tape, resulting from the response of the adhesive material to vapor sorption. The optical sensor exhibits high selectivity for ethanol vapor over methanol vapor. When exposed to vapors from ethanol&ndash, methanol liquid mixtures, the sensor shows a linear detection range of 0&ndash, 100 vol%, and detection limits of 8.8 vol% ethanol and 17.6 vol% methanol. Repeatability, reproducibility, reversibility, and sensitivity to other volatile organic compounds are also studied.

Vascular anastomosis, connecting two vessel ends together, is the foundation of plastic and reconstructive surgery. Every living tissue transplantation requires vascular anastomosis. While optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging can provide objective information for intraoperative evaluation, currently it suffers from limited imaging penetration depth for relative large vessels, which will result in information loss at the bottom region of vessel. In this work, we designed a multi-view scanning scheme for the vessel imaging to increase the FOV effectively. To push the clinical translation, we used MEMS mirror to steer the beam and made a miniature handheld probe for testing. Preliminary results on IR sensing card, multilayer scotch tape, and plastic tube imaging showed the performance of our probe.

We report on an inexpensive and very selective gas sensor implemented by simply combining colorimetric indicators casted on top of Scotch tape, with a commercial microchip adapted here to measure optical reflectance. This sensor can be easily reproduced (leading to quantitatively consistent results), refreshed and reconfigured to sense different target gases (CO 2 , NH 3 ) just replacing the colorimetric tape.

In this paper, we report a simple method for enhancing the electrical property of silver nanowire transparent conductive electrodes (AgNW-TCE). When scotch tape was attached to the surface of AgNW-TCE and then removed, the sheet resistance of the AgNW-TCE was drastically decreased, while the transmittance was insignificantly lost; namely, the sheet resistance was reduced from 98.5 Ω/□ to 27.3 Ω/□ and the transmittance was decreased from 92% to 89%. The improved sheet resistance could be due to the transfer of the glue on the tape onto the AgNW-TCE, resulting in better contact at the junction between AgNWs.

Background : Pityriasis versicolor is a chronic, recurrent and often asymptomatic infection of stratum corneum, Which is caused by lipophilic yeasts of Malassezia. Human to human transmission through direct contact is possible. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of pityriasis versicolor in the dormitories of the Lorestan University of Medical Sciences by the three methods: skin scraping, use of scotch tape and wood’s lamp was perfumed. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study,115 students in the dormitories of the university of medical sciences were studied with the three methods:skin scraping, using scotch tape and wood’s lamp. Results: Among 115 patients, 66.94% were female and 33.05% were male. The mean age was 21.38 years.25% of boys and 11.1% of girls were affected.The prevalence of Pityriasis versicolor by the three methods was determined 15.7%. In this study, the most common site of infection was shoulder and neck. Conclusion: The recent study showed a high prevalence of Pityriasis versicolor in Lorestan University of Medical Sciences students . The prevalence of pityriasis versicolor had a statistically significant difference between males and females, and was more common in females . The pairwise comparison results obtained from the three methods using the Kappa coefficient, scotch tape method was the most consistent results than the other two methods.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is the most common lethal poison in every community yet studied. Accidental or suicidal CO poisoning has been reported as the most frequent manner of death. In the case we report here, a man was found dead inside his house with a strong smell of burning. The house presented no signs of effraction, and a lot of scotch tape was placed around the windows and doors edges as well as the keyholes to avoid any passage of air. Near the bed, there was an extinguished brazier with combusted carbon. After the external examination of the body a toxicological analysis was performed. The results pointed out 91% HbCO saturation in absence of signs of intermediate intoxication on the body or on the scene. This article aims to outline the importance of performing a multidisciplinary approach that includes an accurate crime scene investigation and a proper toxicological assessment, to evaluate the cause of death in cases of suspected CO inhalation suicide. The crime scene investigation together with the very high levels of HbCO saturation detected, suggest a possible correlation between time of exposure, source of CO, and saturation levels.

Triboluminescence is a luminous phenomenon resulted from friction; for example, peeling scotch tape, breaking rock sugar with a hammer, peeling mica and so on. Triboluminescence is well known over 50 years but in 2008 UCLA group reported the radiation of x-ray region by triboluminescence in vacuum for the first time1. UCLA group made an automatic machine which peels scotch tape. With a view to practical application of triboluminescence to roentgen diagnosis we made an automatic peeling machine similar to that of UCLA group. An x-ray tube for conventional roentgen diagnosis needs a high voltage power supply. In contrast, triboluminescence does not need it. So it is very useful for roentgen diagnosis to replace a conventional x-ray tube with triboluminescence. Thus far, we have attempted to confirm the x-ray generation from triboluminescence using a filtered phosphor screen when the parameters such as the followings are changed; peeling speed, atmospheric pressure, variety of scotch tape, emission angle etc. Then in a similar way we have also attempted to measure x-ray dose from triboluminescence using a potable dosemeter. It was found that the x-ray generation has a directional property. Because the method to peel scotch tapes does not enable to operate continuously, new method without scotch tapes has been proposed2 – 3. The new method repeatedly contacts silicone with epoxy to produce x-ray. In this conference, we have reported a novel method to generate xray radiation by triboluminescence. Two circular discs are co ntacted and rotated: The discs are made of different materials. We have made a new-type triboluminescence equipment and examined its characteristics when the following conditions are changed; combinations of contact materials, rotating velo city, radiation direction, pressure and so on.

Nanolime is a promising consolidant for the conservation of most historic structures thanks to its high compatibility with carbonate-based substrates. Nanolime can recover the superficial cohesion of deteriorated surfaces thanks to its potential to complete the carbonation process, recreating a thin network of new cementing calcium carbonate. In this paper, the nanolime was produced by an innovative, time and energy-saving and scalable method, and its efficacy was tested preliminary on biocalcarenite stones from Agrigento. The stones characterization as well as the treatment effectiveness, in terms of protection against water and superficial consolidation, was investigated by several techniques such as X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, scotch tape test, water absorption by capillarity, mercury intrusion porosimetry, drilling resistance measurement system and colorimeter. Investigations showed that nanolime could guarantee a complete transformation in pure calcite together with a superficial consolidation and a reduction in water absorption.

3M has long been known as an innovative company. Who hasn’t used the firm’s Post-it notes, applied Scotch tape to a ripped page, or seen city buses wrapped with its perforated Scotchcal graphic film, which covers windows with images while allowing drivers and passengers to see out? But these days innovation is about more than just cool properties or great functionality. Gayle Schueller, 3M’s chief sustainability officer, says if the firm is to continue its run of innovative products, it has to invent new products and redesign old ones with an eye toward reducing their environmental impact. A materials scientist with a PhD from the University of Virginia, Schueller is leading the effort to turn that goal into reality. Designing and developing products for industrial, health-care, and electronics industry customers for more than a century has made 3M a hugely successful company with close to $33 billion in annual sales.

The present study was carried out to determine the prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis in children of Barbhanjyang Village Development Committee, Tanahun, District, Nepal. A total of 110 Scotch tape (Cellophane tape) samples of children aged between 1-12 years were collected and microscopically examined. Altogether 14(12.72%) enterobias prevalence cases were reported in children including sixteen percent male and nine percent female cases. High prevalence of pinworm infection was the age group of 5-8 years (5.45%). The infection rate was significantly associated with ethnic groups (?2 =11.824, df=2, P=0.003) since the prevalence rate was highest in Dalit children (64.28%) compared to others. Itching behaviour of children around the perianal regions was directly associated with the prevalence rate of the pinworm (P=0.0325). Nail biting habit of children was also found to be statistically significant (P=0.024).Journal of Institute of Science and Technology, 2015, 20(2): 18-21

Hierarchical +1 composites consisting of carbon fibers with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) grown onto them and an epoxy matrix were processed, and the mode I fracture toughness of these composites was evaluated. The mode I fracture toughness of the initial batches of the hierarchical composites was lower than that of the baseline samples without CNTs. Hence, efforts to enhance the adhesion between carbon fibers and CNTs were made, resulting in enhanced adhesion. The enhanced adhesion was confirmed by Scotch tape tests and mode I fracture toughness tests followed by fractographic studies. The mode I fracture toughness of the hierarchical composites with enhanced adhesion was 51% and 89% higher than those of the baseline samples and hierarchical composites with poor adhesion, respectively. Moreover, fractographic studies of the fracture surfaces of the hierarchical composites with enhanced adhesion showed that CNTs were still attached to carbon fibers even after the mechanical tests.

Super-hydrophobic aluminium oxide layers were fabricated on aluminium surface with a simple anodisation method followed by fluorination treatment. It is proven that deliquesced NaCl particle can easily slip off the as-fabricated super-hydrophobic layer with low inclination angle for its low attraction to the layer. The super-hydrophobic layer can reduce corrosion of aluminium with an inhibition efficiency of 99.99%. Scotch tape test and Scratch test results indicated that the super-hydrophobic layers show good adherence to the substrate and abrasion resistance. These results demonstrate the advantages of the as-fabricated super-hydrophobic layer as a barrier to marine atmospheric corrosion.

The in-plane coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of freestanding single-crystal natural graphite was directly determined using the thermal bulge method. The Scotch tape method was used to obtain 40-nm-thick graphite flakes by the micromechanical cleavage of high-quality graphite flakes. The naturally bulged shape of the samples enabled us to easily measure the CTE without any need for transfer or additional processes. The measured CTE was negative and gradually decreased in magnitude from 1.8×10 −6 /°C to 0.7×10 −6 /°C when the samples were heated from 25 °C to 225 °C.

Investigators will collect evidence, control evidence chain-of-custody, maintain records, submit evidence to the laboratory, and then produce evidence as well as examination/analysis reports to the courts. It is also important for an investigator to understand the types of analysis or examinations that can be conducted on various types of evidence collected at crime scenes and/or from victims and suspects.

Demodex is an ectoparasite of pilo-sebaceous follicle and sebaceous gland, it can mimic many other inflammatory dermatoses such as folliculitis, rosacea and perioral dermatitis-like lesions. We present a case of a patient living in rural, with reddish brown scaly spots on his neck and chest resembling tinea versicolor. Laboratory examination of skin scraping and adhesive tapes revealed Demodex follicularum mites and no fungal elements. We conclude that scotch tape preparation for microscopic examination is a simple and helpful method to reveal mites presence and rule out false fungal suspicion.

Triboluminescence is a luminous phenomenon resulted from friction; for example, peeling scotch tape, breaking rock sugar with a hammer, peeling mica and so on. Triboluminescence is well known over 50 years but in 2008 UCLA group reported the radiation of x-ray region by triboluminescence in vacuum for the first time1. UCLA group made an automatic machine which peels scotch tape. With a view to practical application of triboluminescence to roentgen diagnosis we made an automatic peeling machine similar to that of UCLA group. An x-ray tube for conventional roentgen diagnosis needs a high voltage power supply. In contrast, triboluminescence does not need it. So it is very useful for roentgen diagnosis to replace a conventional x-ray tube with triboluminescence. Thus far, we have attempted to confirm the x-ray generation from triboluminescence using a filtered phosphor screen when the parameters such as the followings are changed; peeling speed, atmospheric pressure, variety of scotch tape, emission angle etc. Then in a similar way we have also attempted to measure x-ray dose from triboluminescence using a potable dosemeter. It was found that the x-ray generation has a directional property. Because the method to peel scotch tapes does not enable to operate continuously, new method without scotch tapes has been proposed2–3. The new method repeatedly contacts silicone with epoxy to produce x-ray. In this conference, we have reported a novel method to generate xray radiation by triboluminescence. Two circular discs are co ntacted and rotated: One is made of silicone and another is m ade of epoxy. We have made a new-type triboluminescence e quipment and examined its characteristics when the following conditions are changed; combinations of contact materials, rotating velocity, radiation direction, pressure and so on.

Deterioration of monuments constructed of limestone could be potentially arrested by applying a combination of coupling agents with consolidants, which can prevent acid attack and mechanical weakening. Two different coupling agents including N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyl methyl dimethoxysilane (AE-APMDMS) and diethyl phosphatoethyl triethoxysilane(DEPETES) were used to link calcite. Calcite was impregnated with these coupling agents and studied by FTIR, TG-DSC and contact angle measurement. According to these techniques, new bands, a two stage decomposition pattern appeared and a slight increase in surface hydrophobicity for AE-APMDMS and DEPETES that indicated interactions between the coupling agents and calcite. The Scotch Tape test and compressive strength test showed that the cohesion between consolidant and limestone powder improved, while the ability of consolidation decreased, which were resulted by coupling agents. Resist acid test on limestone powder coated with the coupling agents resulted in a decreased deterioration rate. Limestone treated with combined consolidant plus AE-APMDMS or DEPETES showed a significant decrease in capillarity water absorption.

Graphene research has accelerated exponentially since 2004 when graphene was isolated and characterized for the first time utilizing the ‘Scotch Tape’ method by Geim and Novoselov and given the reports of unique electronic properties that followed. The number of academic publications reporting the use of graphene was so substantial in 2013 that it equates to over 40 publications per day. With such an enormous interest in graphene it is imperative for both experts and the layman to keep up with both current graphene technology and the history of graphene technology. Consequently, this review addresses the latter point, with a primary focus upon disseminating graphene research with a more applicatory approach and the addition of our own personal graphene perspectives; the future outlook of graphene is also considered.

Standard principles for applying the so-called Scotch tape test for assessing the surface cohesion characteristics of materials were explained in an earlier paper on testing stone consolidation effects (Drdacký et al., Mater Struct 45(4):505–520, 2012). The method has also been used for evaluating the strengthening of surface mortar layers, though it is not supported by any standard or reliably verified recommendations for its application. As in the case of stone testing, its applicability can be overestimated, and arbitrary use of the test without adequate knowledge and sufficient understanding can lead to results and assessments that are not intercomparable or reproducible, and which are also in many cases incorrect and severely biased. This paper reports on the results of a recent study aimed at establishing limits for the application, reliable procedures, and a “standard” protocol for testing the cohesion characteristics of brittle and quasi-brittle materials, mainly mortars. This paper discusses the effects of various surface qualities of mortar or rendering, and suggests recommendations for performing peeling tests on mortar surfaces. It presents a mathematical procedure suitable for evaluating the results. Again the recommendation is to perform repeated peeling on an identical place on a surface in order to eliminate the effect of the natural decrease in the material detached from the subsurface layers, which might be incorrectly interpreted as a consolidation effect. The examples and the validation measurements presented here include laboratory measurements.

Standard application principles for the peeling test, also known as the scotch tape test, for assessing the surface cohesion characteristics of materials have been presented by the authors in earlier papers on laboratory testing of stone and mortar consolidation effects. The method has been in use for a long time for evaluating the strengthening of surface layers of mortars, but there have been no standards or reliably verified recommendations on how the test should be applied. Nevertheless, the method has been attracting continuing research, because it is a simple and quite reliable method for in situ testing of consolidation effects, if it is applied correctly. Our paper summarizes the basic principles, and presents illustrative results of an investigation of important historic buildings. It goes on to suggest some practical approaches and designs that are useful for in situ applications. We present a mathematical procedure suitable for evaluating the results that are obtained. We recommend repe...

The photoelectrode films were prepared by commercially available TiO2. No binder or surfactants were used in the paste making process. The TiO2 films were prepared by a glass rod similar to doctor blading where a scotch tape was used as a spacer. Thus formed films were treated at 140 °C for 2 h in air. Surface morphology and particle size distribution were carried out using SEM and TEM respectively. Surface studies of as grown films and after dye absorption were analysed using ATR-FTIR and XPS. Two types of dye anchoring were indicated by ATR analysis when different amount of acetic acid used for the paste preparation. The series resistance of the dye-sensitised solar cell was calculated from current–voltage plot in dark (e.g. LT-3 101.5 Ω) and found very close to the value under illumination conditions (e.g. LT-3 115.8 Ω). The solar cell parameters including the resistance of the cells were 1.23 mA, 3.3%, 88 Ω (1.85 mM acetic acid) and 1.14 mA, 3.35%, 94.5 Ω (8.5 mM acetic acid) for short circuit current, efficiency and resistance respectively.