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A great deal of attention has been paid to semiconductor nanowires due to their compatibility of conventional silicon-based technology. Metal-catalytic vapor-liquidsolid (VLS) and various solution-based techniques have widely been used to synthesize silicon/germanium (Si/Ge) nanowires. It is well characterized that the crystallographic orientations, diameter sizes, and surface morphologies of semiconductor nanowires can be controlled by varying process conditions and metal catalysts. Earlier experimental and theoretical studies have identified mechanism underlying metal catalyzed Si/Ge nanowire growth, involving Si/Ge diffusion into a metal catalyst, eutectic Si/Ge-catalyst alloy formation, and Si/Ge precipitation at the catalyst-nanowire interface. However, little is known about the atomic-level details of the structure, energetics and dynamics of amorphous metal alloys such as gold-silicon (Au-Si) and gold-germanium (Au-Ge) despite their importance for well controlled synthesis of Si/Ge nanowires, which is essential for the success of Si/Ge nanowires-based applications. Experiments provide many clues to the fundamental aspects of the behavior and properties of metal alloys, but their interpretations often remain controversial due largely to difficulties in direct characterization. While current experimental techniques are still limited to providing complementary atomic-level, real space information, first principles based atomistic modeling has emerged as a powerful means to address the structure, function and properties of amorphous metallic alloys. This thesis work has focused on developing a detailed understanding of the atomic structure, energetics, and oxidation of Au-Si alloys, as well as molecular mechanisms underlying Au-catalyzed Si nanowire growth. In addition, the surface reconstruction and chemistry of Si nanowires has been examined, with comparisons to planar Si surfaces. In this dissertation, based on first principles atomistic simulations, we present: 1) the atomic structure, energetics, and chemical ordering of amorphous Au-Si alloys with varying Au:Si composition ratios; 2) the behavior of boron (B) in the Au-Si alloy, such as diffusion and agglomeration, and the effect of B addition on the atomic distribution of Si and Au, with implications for in-situ doping of Si nanowires; 3) the origin and structural ordering of Si surface segregation in the Au-Si alloy, providing important insights into the nucleation and early-stage growth of Si nanowires; 4) the interfacial interaction between the Au-Si alloy and various facets of crystalline Si, such as (111), (211), (110), (110), which explains well the underlying reasons for the growth direction of Si nanowires; 5) the oxidation of the Au-Si alloy; and 6) the surface reconstruction and chemistry of Si nanowires with comparisons to planar Si surfaces. Outcomes from the thesis work contribute to: clarifying the atomic structure, energetics and chemical ordering of amorphous bulk Au-Si alloys, as well as their surfaces and interfaces; better understanding molecular mechanisms underlying the Aucatalyzed synthesis of Si nanowires; and identifying the surface reconstruction and chemistry of Si nanowires. The improved understanding can provide invaluable guidance on the rational design and fabrication of Si nanowire-based future electronic, chemical, and biological devices. This thesis work also offers a theoretical platform for studying metal alloy systems with various applications. / text

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2008. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

My work on canvas and in jewelry focuses on the tension between the hard edges of geometric shape and soft lines of organic form. Light plays an important part in the viewing of these opposing forms. It reflects off the shapes and textures creating sharp contrasts and enhancing the individual sections as they relate to the whole. In my paintings, I set organic floral forms against geometric architectural structures. I create texture and contrast by adding digitally enhanced transfers, torn paper, and acrylic putty. In my jewelry, I also set organic forms against geometric shapes, by adding stone, wire, and various types of metal to the raised surfaces. The different textures in both of my focus areas attract and reflect light, allowing the look and character of the piece to change as the light changes.

This paper aims to model and forecast the volatility of gold price with the help of other precious metals. The data applied for application part in the article involves three financial time series which are gold, silver and platinum daily spot prices. The volatility is modeled by univariate Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (GARCH) models including GARCH and EGARCH with different distributions such as normal distribution and student-t distribution. At the same time, comparisons of estimation and forecasting the volatility between GARCH family models have been done.

Kyoto University (京都大学) / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(工学) / 甲第15389号 / 工博第3268号 / 新制||工||1492(附属図書館) / 27867 / 京都大学大学院工学研究科物質エネルギー化学専攻 / (主査)教授 江口 浩一, 教授 井上 正志, 教授 垣内 隆 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当

Yes / The fabrication of precious metal (ruthenium, osmium, gold, and iridium) nanocrystals from single atoms has been studied in real-time. The dynamics of the first stage of the metal nanocrystallisation on a doped (B,S)-graphitic surface are identified, captured, and reported. / We thank the Leverhulme Trust (Early Career Fellowship No. ECF-2013-414 to NPEB), the ERC (Grant No. 247450 to PJS), EPSRC (EP/F034210/1 to PJS).

The aim of the thesis is to clarify the importance of diversifying investment portfolios with the help of precious metals at the present time and to analyze the fluctuation of precious metals market in terms of demand, supply and price developments. The core of the thesis focuses on analysis of the market of precious metals from 1998 to 2011 The used work method is comparison of precious metals between themselves and the world stock indices, the method of analysis in separate calculations of indicators, the method of deduction from the results of calculations.

Please read the abstract in the section 00front of this document / Dissertation (M Eng (Metallurgical Engineering))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering / unrestricted