By means of optimized geometry analysis, pure Ge and Sn were found to adopt the alpha and beta structures, respectively, as observed experimentally. For all theoretical alloys, the corresponding αphase structure was found to have the lowest energy, for Sn percent compositions up to 90%. However at 50% Sn, the correspondingβ alloy energies are predicted to be only ~70 meV higher. The formation energy of α-phase alloys was found to be positive for all compositions, whereas only two beta formation energies were negative. Bond length distributions were analyzed and dependence on Sn incorporation was found, perhaps surprisingly, not to be directly correlated with cell volume. It is anticipated that the data collected in this project may help to elucidate observed complex vibrational properties in these systems.
The structure of this project will open with the dangers posed by inadequate screening techniques to both individuals with Body Dysmorphic Disorder and their plastic surgeons. This discussion will be followed by a summary of the existing mental health screenings implemented in plastic surgery clinics and their limitations. The assessments that will be examined include The Body Dysmorphic Disorder Examination, The Body Dysmorphic Disorder Examination - Self-Report, The Cosmetic Procedure Screening Questionnaire, The Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale Modified for Body Dysmorphic Disorder, and The Body Dysmorphic Disorder Questionnaire. These screening techniques were chosen based on a multitude of factors: frequency of use in psychiatric and cosmetic settings, innovation of screening methodology, and significance of studies that utilize the assessments. After describing the screening techniques, there will be a brief discussion of the limitations of developing a screening method for Body Dysmorphic Disorder, along with suggestions for methodology in future research. This thesis will demonstrate that no existing screening method for Body Dysmorphic Disorder in aesthetic surgery is flawless. Still, future research efforts should investigate combining questionnaires and clinical interviews to screen for the disorder within clinics efficiently and more reliably.
The work presented here explores the compatibility of magnesium electrolytes in TFSI–-based ionic liquids with a Mg anode (TFSI = bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide). Correlations are made between the Mg2+ speciation conditions in bulk solutions (as determined via Raman spectroscopy) and the corresponding electrochemical behavior of the electrolytes. It was found that by creating specific chelating conditions, with an appropriate Mg salt, the desired electrochemical behavior could be obtained, i.e. reversible electrodeposition and dissolution. Removal of TFSI– contact ion pairs from the Mg2+ solvation shell was found to be essential for reversible electrodeposition. Ionic liquids with polyethylene glycol chains pendent from a parent pyrrolidinium cation were synthesized and used to create the necessary complexes with Mg2+, from Mg(BH4)2, so that reversible electrodeposition from a purely ionic liquid medium was achieved.
The following document discusses findings from several electrochemical experiments on magnesium electrolytes in ionic liquids. Explanations for the failure of many of these systems to produce reversible Mg electrodeposition are provided. The key characteristics of ionic liquid systems that are capable of achieving reversible Mg electrodeposition are also given.