36 research outputs found
The role of model crowders in the salt resistance of complex coacervates
Full text linkComplex coacervation is the phase separation of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes, resulting in a polymer-dense coacervate phase and a polymer-depleted supernatant phase. Coacervation is crucial for many biological processes and novel synthetic materials, where the environment is often filled with other neutral molecules (crowders). Yet, the complex role of crowders in complex coacervation has not been studied systematically under controlled conditions. We performed coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations of coacervation in the presence of polymeric crowders of varying concentrations and chain lengths. While short crowders do not have any significant effect on coacervation, larger crowders stabilize the coacervate against added salt, increasing its critical salt concentration. The change in critical salt concentration saturates for long crowders at a value determined by the crowder concentration. Rescaling all phase diagrams by their critical salt concentration leads to a collapse of the data, which demonstrates a universal phase behavior. Our simulation indicates that the inability of crowder chains to mix with the polyelectrolytes is the driving force behind crowding effects. These testable predictions provide a first step toward a comprehensive understanding of crowding effects in complex coacervation.</p
Collaborative workplace writing: insights from experienced workplace writers / Latisha Asmaak Shafie and Surina Nayan
Full text linkCollaborative workplace writing is a collective writing that combines the expertise of a group of workplace writers to produce well- written pieces of writing. It is more efficient than single-author writing at workplaces. However, collaborative workplace writing is challenging as the writers have their challenges, schedules and aspirations. Therefore, insights from experienced collaborative workplace writers assist novice workplace writers who do not know what to expect when they write collaboratively. The study is a qualitative multiple case study to investigate the collaborative workplace writing skills and collaborative technologies used by four experienced collaborative workplace writers. The data were collected were collected through semi-structured interview. The study investigates the characteristics of experienced collaborative writers, the collaborative writing skills and the collaborative technologies. The findings suggested that experienced collaborative writers are subject matter experts, independent learners, 21st - century learning skills and adaptability skills. Additionally, the findings show that collaborative writers use a framework for collaborative writing in their writing projects. The study also reveals that collaborative technologies are necessities to enrich the writers’ collaborative writin
String Diagrams for Physical Duoidal Categories
Full text linkWe introduce string diagrams for physical duoidal categories (normal -symmetric duoidal categories): they consist of string diagrams with wires forming a zigzag-free partial order and order-preserving nodes whose inputs and outputs form intervals.26 pages, 11 figures. The author thanks Nayan Rajesh for pointing out a mistake on a previous version of Definition 8.
The influence of N2 flow rate on Ar and Ti Emission in high-pressure magnetron sputtering system plasma
No full textWill Strict Gun Laws Stop Mass Shootings in Schools?
Full text linkThe firearm-related mass shooting incidents in schools often reignite the debate on gun rights and school safety. Some widely publicized mass school shootings have high mortality rates and fatalities, while the majority are less deadly and not noted widely, having fewer than two deaths or no fatalities. However, their effects are devastating as they leave lasting social and psychological impacts on children, their families, and others in communities. The author aims to understand if implementing strict gun laws is the best strategy to stop school mass shootings. A qualitative analysis of peer-reviewed articles was conducted to research the significance of gun ownership and gun control policies on school mass shootings. The study finds that more permissive firearm laws and higher rates of gun ownership were associated with higher rates of school shootings. While other strategies can prevent shootings in schools, implementing stringent gun laws can effectively stop children and youths from accessing firearms, a crucial factor in stopping mass shootings in schools. Also, data from the PEW research center indicate that most Americans favor strict gun laws to reduce gun violence. Stringent gun laws include safe storage of guns, rigorous background checks, and a ban on high-capacity magazines and assault weapons (Pew Research Center, 2022)
A molecular dynamics study of the structure and dynamics of screened polyelectrolyte complex materials
No full textNitrogen emission in reactive magnetron sputtering plasmas during the deposition of titanium nitride thin film
No full textDetermination of shift in energy of band edges and band gap of ZnSe spherical quantum dot
No full textReal Time Cross Platform Collaboration Between Virtual Reality & Mixed Reality
Full text linkabstract: Virtual Reality (hereafter VR) and Mixed Reality (hereafter MR) have opened a new line of applications and possibilities. Amidst a vast network of potential applications, little research has been done to provide real time collaboration capability between users of VR and MR. The idea of this thesis study is to develop and test a real time collaboration system between VR and MR. The system works similar to a Google document where two or more users can see what others are doing i.e. writing, modifying, viewing, etc. Similarly, the system developed during this study will enable users in VR and MR to collaborate in real time.
The study of developing a real-time cross-platform collaboration system between VR and MR takes into consideration a scenario in which multiple device users are connected to a multiplayer network where they are guided to perform various tasks concurrently.
Usability testing was conducted to evaluate participant perceptions of the system. Users were required to assemble a chair in alternating turns; thereafter users were required to fill a survey and give an audio interview. Results collected from the participants showed positive feedback towards using VR and MR for collaboration. However, there are several limitations with the current generation of devices that hinder mass adoption. Devices with better performance factors will lead to wider adoption.Dissertation/ThesisFinal OutputKeynoteThesis DemoMasters Thesis Computer Science 201
