University of Bolton

About: University of Bolton is a education organization based out in Bolton, Manchester, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Fire retardant & Higher education. The organization has 886 authors who have published 1980 publications receiving 41597 citations. The organization is also known as: Bolton Institute of Higher Education & Bolton Institute.

V and Ga Co-doping Effect on Optical Absorption Properties of TiO 2 Thin Films

Abstract: In this work, V and Ga co-doped TiO2 thin films were obtained by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) using sintered ceramic targets, followed by short term annealing at 1000°C. The structures of the thin films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and the optical absorption properties of the films were investigated using UV-VIS spectrophotometer. A narrow energy band gap of about 1.5 eV was obtained in a typical co-doped film with 1 at.% V and 0.5 at.% Ga as dopants. The analysis on the chemical states of Ti and Ga elements by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed that the Ga doping plays an important role in the band gap narrowing.

Controlled synthesis of TiO2 using a combined sol gel and dielectrophoresis method

Abstract: A controlled synthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) with uniform size and a specific crystal structure could be achieved by a combined sol gel/dielectrophoresis (DEP) approach. The applied voltage could influence the crystal structure and particle size.

Effect of emotion and articulation of speech on the uncanny valley in virtual characters

Abstract: This paper presents a study of how exaggerated facial expression in the lower face region affects perception of emotion and the Uncanny Valley phenomenon in realistic, human-like, virtual characters. Characters communicated the six basic emotions, anger, disgust, fear, sadness and surprise with normal and exaggerated mouth movements. Measures were taken for perceived familiarity and human-likeness. The results showed that: an increased intensity of articulation significantly reduced the uncanny for anger; yet increased perception of the uncanny for characters expressing happiness with an exaggeration of mouth movement. The practical implications of these findings are considered when controlling the uncanny in virtual characters.

Are biopolymers potential deodourising agents in wound management

Abstract: Objective: To investigate the odour-adsorbing properties of biopolymers, with a view to using the findings to develop a novel dressing with odour-adsorbing properties. Method: The odour-adsorbing properties of a selection of biopolymers (aloe vera, tea tree oil, neem oil and manuka honey) and three commercially available dressings containing activated charcoal cloth (ACC) were quantitatively assessed using laboratory test equipment. An aloe vera-containing composite dressing, designed and developed by the authors, was also compared with the ACC dressings. Results: Aloe vera was the most adsorbent of the biopolymers and a 40% dilution had comparable values to those of the ACC dressings. Furthermore, values for the novel composite dressing were similar to those of the ACC dressings. Conclusion: The novel composite dressing may be a potential alternative to ACC dressings, and has the added advantages of having antimicrobial properties as well as the ability to promote a moist wound environment. However, more...