bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tuning the electronic properties of reduced bilayer graphene oxide: controllable flat bands and improved conductivity
Authors: Peymanirad F , Vishkayi S Izadi , Majidi R , Soleimani H Rahimpour
Published: June 2024

Going beyond conventional doping techniques, this work explores the interesting phenomenon of flat bands in single and double layer graphene induced by functionalization with epoxy and hydroxyl groups. We show that these flat bands, located near the Fermi level, provide a new level of control over electronic properties, influencing conductivity and potentially allowing bandgap manipulation. In particular, in bilayer structures we discover a remarkable asymmetry in flat band formation, where less distorted layers exhibit flatter bands and dominate the electronic landscape. Furthermore, the presence of hydrogen bonding in bilayer systems leads to a lower flat band energy, which has promising implications for stability. This work opens new avenues for designing next-generation electronic devices with engineered functionalities by harnessing the power of flat band engineering in functionalized graphene.
Investigation of axial buckling behavior in composite laminates reinforced with S-glass fiber and epoxy featuring double cutouts
Authors: Bulut Mehmet , Erkliğ Ahmet
Published: June 2024

This research examines the impact of double cutouts on the critical buckling load of woven S-Glass/epoxy composite laminates. The study is divided into two parts: the first part involves comparisons, while the second part introduces numerical analyses. Initially, critical buckling loads of composite laminates without cutouts are determined using numerical and experimental methods. Subsequently, the results are compared to ensure consistency of critical load values obtained from the different methods. In the second part, the study investigates the effects of fiber angle, shape (square and circular), size, and position of cutouts in the composite plate using finite element analysis. The findings suggest that the shape and position of the cutout on the plate primarily influence the critical buckling load of the composite plates with circular cutouts, resulting in a relatively lower change in buckling load compared to square ones.
Prospects on the detection of solar dark photons by the International Axion Observatory
Authors: O'Shea T. , Giannotti M. , Irastorza I.G. , Plasencia L.M. , Redondo J. , Ruz J. , Vogel J.K.
Published: June 2024

Dark (hidden) photons are widely recognised as well motivated candidates for physics
beyond the standard model, and have been invoked for the solution of several outstanding problems,
including to account for the dark matter in the universe. In this paper, we consider a simple
model for dark photons, which is coupled to ordinary matter only through kinetic mixing with
ordinary photons. Within this framework, we calculate the flux of solar dark photons on Earth and
revise the potential to detect it with the next generation of axion helioscopes, particularly with
the International AXion Observatory (IAXO). This paper extends on previous theoretical analyses
in two main ways. Firstly, it includes a more complete analysis of the possible sources of dark
photons from the sun, including the contribution of the solar magnetic field and of nuclear
processes, and secondly it includes predictions on the parameter space accessible in the
gas-filled phase of IAXO.
On the detectability of the moving lens signal in CMB experiments
Authors: Hotinli Selim C. , Pierpaoli Elena
Published: June 2024

Upcoming cosmic microwave background (CMB) experiments are expected to detect new signals
probing interaction of CMB photons with intervening large-scale structure. Among these the
moving-lens effect, the CMB temperature anisotropy induced by cosmological structures moving
transverse to our line of sight, is anticipated to be measured to high significance in the near
future. In this paper, we investigate two possible strategies for the detection of this signal:
pairwise transverse-velocity estimation and oriented stacking. We expand on previous studies by
including in the analysis realistic simulations of competing signals and foregrounds. We confirm
that the moving lens effect can be detected at ≥ 10σ level by a combination of CMB-S4 and
LSST surveys. We show that the limiting factors in the detection depend on the strategy: for the
stacking analysis, correlated extragalactic foregrounds, namely the cosmic infrared background and
thermal Sunyaev Zel'dovich effect, play the most important role. The addition of foregrounds make
the signal-to-noise ratio be most influenced by large and nearby objects. As for the pairwise
detection, halo lensing and pair number counts are the main issues. In light of our findings, we
elaborate on possible strategies to improve the analysis approach for the moving lens detection
with upcoming experiments. We also deliver to the community all the simulations and tools we
developed for this study.
Proton irradiation of FPGA-embedded hadron fluence sensors
Authors: Giordano R. , Tortone G. , Vincenzi D. , Loffredo F. , Quarto M. , Pestotnik R. , Lozar A. , Seljak A. , Verroi E.
Published: June 2024

Hadron fluence monitors based on static random access
memories (SRAMs) are in use at particle accelerators for the
protection of electronics and at proton-therapy facilities for
measuring secondary neutrons. One shortcoming of current solutions
is that they necessitate SRAMs to detect radiation-induced single
event upsets and require additional components to transfer the
counts from the radiation area. This approach limits the
practicality of the sensors due to their power requirements,
increased board complexity, larger physical footprint and reduced
total ionizing dose tolerance. In this work, we present proton
irradiation test results of a novel proton and neutron fluence
sensor we designed. The sensor is fully embedded in a SRAM-based
field programmable gate array (FPGA) solving the abovementioned
limitations of the state of the art. The FPGA configuration SRAM is
used as a sensitive element, while the Joint Test Action Group
interface is leveraged as a read out circuitry. We irradiated six
sensor units by means of a variable-energy proton beam at the Trento
Institute for Fundamental Physics and Applications (TIFPA, Trento,
Italy). We discuss our results in terms of proton to upset cross
section as a function of the proton energy in the range from 70 to
228 MeV, also parameterized with respect to the power supply
voltage. We evaluate the variability of the cross section in the set
of irradiated samples. Moreover, we show how we used the device to
image the proton beam and measure beam profiles for aligning the
configuration RAM and beam centers. We also suggest alternate
reading modes to measure the fluence on the device by measuring the
drawn current, rather than counting upsets.
Earth system resilience and tipping behavior
Authors: Yi Chuixiang , Dakos Vasilis , D L Ritchie Paul , Sillmann Jana , Rocha Juan C , Milkoreit Manjana , Quinn Courtney
Published: June 2024

Anthropogenic climate change, marked by unprecedented extremes, is an immediate concern. The Earth’s limited ability to adapt to abrupt changes within our societal timeframe has raised global alarm. Resilience, the capacity to withstand and recover from disturbances, diminishes as disturbances intensify. For avoiding potential catastrophic changes, it is crucial to identify tipping points, where a change in part of a system becomes self-perpetuating beyond some threshold, leading to substantial, widespread, often abrupt and irreversible, impacts. This ERL focus collection has published 27 papers, which contribute novel research findings into the scientific literature in: (1) formulating theories of resilience and tipping points, (2) determining ecological resistance, resilience, and recovery, (3) examining tipping behavior of the Earth system, and (4) identifying social-ecological resilience and tipping points. Some of these results also are useful for policymakers and resource managers in addressing catastrophic disasters as a result of increasingly anthropogenic heating.
Plan evaluation for heat resilience: complementary methods to comprehensively assess heat planning in Tempe and Tucson, Arizona
Authors: Meerow Sara , Keith Ladd , Roy Malini , Trego Shaylynn
Published: June 2024

Escalating impacts from climate change and urban heat are increasing the urgency for communities to equitably plan for heat resilience. Cities in the desert Southwest are among the hottest and fastest warming in the U.S., placing them on the front lines of heat planning. Urban heat resilience requires an integrated planning approach that coordinates strategies across the network of plans that shape the built environment and risk patterns. To date, few studies have assessed cities’ progress on heat planning. This research is the first to combine two emerging plan evaluation approaches to examine how networks of plans shape urban heat resilience through case studies of Tempe and Tucson, Arizona. The first methodology, Plan Quality Evaluation for Heat Resilience, adapts existing plan quality assessment approaches to heat. We assess whether plans meet 56 criteria across seven principles of high-quality planning and the types of heat strategies included in the plans. The second methodology, the Plan Integration for Resilience Scorecard™ (PIRS™) for Heat, focuses on plan policies that could influence urban heat hazards. We categorize policies by policy tool and heat mitigation strategy and score them based on their heat impact. Scored policies are then mapped to evaluate their spatial distribution and the net effect of the plan network. The resulting PIRS™ for Heat scorecard is compared with heat vulnerability indicators to assess policy alignment with risks. We find that both cities are proactively planning for heat resilience using similar plan and strategy types, however, there are clear and consistent opportunities for improvement. Combining these complementary plan evaluation methods provides a more comprehensive understanding of how plans address heat and a generalizable approach that communities everywhere could use to identify opportunities for improved heat resilience planning.
Impacts of future scenarios on the nitrogen loss from agricultural supply chains in the Chesapeake Bay
Authors: Gomez Michael , Grady Caitlin , Wainger Lisa , Cibin Raj , Abler David , Bosch Darrell , Kaye Jason
Published: June 2024

Excessive nitrogen (N) pollution in the Chesapeake Bay is threatening ecological health. This study presents a multilayer N flow network model where each network layer represents a stage in the production step from raw agricultural commodities such as corn to final products such as packaged meat. We use this model to assess the impacts of alternative future agricultural production and land use changes on multiple pathways of N pollution within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed (CBW). We analyzed N loss via all pathways under multiple future scenarios, considering crop-specific projections based on empirical data and US Department of Agriculture projections. We found two model parameters, fertilizer nitrogen application rate (FNAR) and feed conversion ratio (FCR), to be particularly important for seeing measurable N loss reductions in the Bay. Our results indicate a large increase in N loss under the business-as-usual trajectory in geographic locations with intensive agricultural production. We found that numerous management scenarios including improvements in FNAR and FCR, N losses fall short of the 25% total maximum daily load targets. Our work suggests that achieving the CBW N loss reduction goals will necessitate large deviations from business as usual. Our model also highlights substantial regional variations in nitrogen loss across the U.S., with central regions like the Corn Belt and Central Valley of California experiencing the highest losses from crop-related stages, while eastern areas such as the Chesapeake Bay exhibit major losses from live animal production, underscoring the need for region-specific management strategies. Thus, implementation of effective N management strategies, combined with improved crop residue management, remains pivotal in mitigating N pollution in the Chesapeake Bay.
Stability analysis of a stochastic port-Hamiltonian car-following model
Authors: Rüdiger Barbara , Tordeux Antoine , Ugurcan Baris E
Published: June 2024

Port-Hamiltonian systems are pertinent representations of many nonlinear physical systems. In this study, we formulate and analyse a general class of stochastic car-following models with a systematic port-Hamiltonian structure. The model class is a generalisation of classical car-following approaches, including the optimal velocity model of Bando et al (1995 Phys. Rev. E 51 1035), the full velocity difference model of Jiang et al (2001 Phys. Rev. E 64 017101), and recent stochastic following models based on the Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process. In contrast to traditional models where the interaction is totally asymmetric (i.e. depending only on the speed and distance to the predecessor), the port-Hamiltonian car-following model also depends on the distance to the follower. We determine the exact stability condition of the finite system with N vehicles and periodic boundaries. The stable system is ergodic with a unique Gaussian invariant measure. Other properties of the model are studied using numerical simulation. It turns out that the Hamiltonian component improves the flow stability and reduces the total energy in the system. Furthermore, it prevents the problematic formation of stop-and-go waves with oscillatory dynamics, even in the presence of stochastic perturbations.
Large sampling intervals for learning and predicting chaotic systems with reservoir computing
Authors: Xie Qingyan , Yan Zixiang , Zhao Hui , Gao Jian , Xiao Jinghua
Published: June 2024

Reservoir computing (RC) is an efficient artificial neural network for model-free prediction and analysis of dynamical systems time series. As a data-based method, the capacity of RC is strongly affected by the time sampling interval of training data. In this paper, taking Lorenz system as an example, we explore the influence of this sampling interval on the performance of RC in predicting chaotic sequences. When the sampling interval increases, the prediction capacity of RC is first enhanced then weakened, presenting a bell-shaped curve. By slightly revising the calculation method of the output matrix, the prediction performance of RC with small sampling interval can be improved. Furthermore, RC can learn and reproduce the state of chaotic system with a large time interval, which is almost five times larger than that of the classic fourth-order Runge–Kutta method. Our results show the capacity of RC in the applications where the time sampling intervals are constrained and laid the foundation for building a fast algorithm with larger time iteration steps.
Locate hyperbolas on Ground Penetrating Radar slices with auto filter selection algorithm
Authors: Tam N H , Trung Đ H , Van N T
Published: June 2024

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a geophysical method of using high frequency electromagnetic waves to study shallow objects below the ground. In the GPR sections, the position of point anomalies is represented as reflected hyperbola. In some cases, the reflected hyperbolas on the GPR cross-section have a relatively large number and overlap which making the positioning very complicated and time-consuming. This article presents the development of an automatic selection algorithm with the aim of accurately determining the position of hyperbolas on GPR cross-sections. The automatic selection algorithm is a combination of an edge detection algorithm and the establishment of filtering conditions based on image and physical properties of geological objects. The algorithm is applied to determine the hyperbolic position of several GPR cross-sections at specific locations and provides relatively accurate results. This result will enhance the accuracy in problems related to drawing tree root maps, underground construction, landslide surveys, subsidence, and soil pollution research.
Groundwater geochemistry and hydro-geochemical processes in coastal area South Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan Province, Vietnam
Authors: Luyen N T T , Van L T T , Thien N M , Tien N B B , Tuan L H , Du N H , Dung N T
Published: June 2024

As one of the largest dragon fruit areas and many tourism projects, the southern coastal area of Phan Thiet (including three communes: Tien Thanh, Thuan Quy, and Tan Thanh) has been a bright spot in the economy of Binh Thuan. Economic development puts pressure on water resources, especially groundwater resources, the main supply for irrigation and domestic water in the region. In this research, 19 groundwater samples from the Holocene and Pleistocene aquifers were collected in February 2023 and analyzed for the concentration of Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, NH4
+, NO3
−, PO4
3-, Cl−, HCO3
–, and SO4
2-, thereby evaluating groundwater geochemistry, hydro-geochemical processes, and the suitability for irrigation purposes. The rank of cations in the aquifers of the region is Na+ > Ca2+ ∼ Mg2+, and Ca2+ ∼ Mg2+ > Na+ respectively. The concentrations of major anions in the study area are in order Cl− > HCO3
− > SO4
2- respectively. The predominant processes in the aquifer involve the interplay between rock and water as well as anthropogenic activity. The saturation indices of dolomite, gypsum, and halite are under-saturated in all collecting sample sites. According to the quality evaluation for irrigation, 14 of the 19 samples with % sodium levels less than 60 are suitable, while the others should be treated before use. The study area also indicated nitrate pollution (4/19 groundwater samples exceeding 15 mgN L−1 of the Nitrate limited for groundwater, National technical regulation on underground water quality). It is recommended that local authorities have strategies to supply water for different purposes, control pollution sources, and treat water waste to protect these aquifers.
Analysis of bed changes in the segment of the Tien river flowing through Tan Chau
Authors: Kim Tran Thi , Huy Nguyen Dam Quoc , Phung Nguyen Ky , Nga Tra Nguyen Quynh , Bay Nguyen Thi
Published: June 2024

The segment of the Tien River flowing through Tan Chau town is a meandering section with complex flow patterns, influenced by the flow dynamics and the lack of upstream sediment supply. This has resulted in the formation of deep erosional channels that affect the bank stability. This study focuses on evaluating the bed change of the Tien River within Tan Chau town through the analysis of measurement data and some scenarios from numerical modeling. The findings reveal that the Tan Chau - Hong Ngu curved section experiences severe channel erosion, particularly concentrated in the topographic channel and inclined towards the concave bank of Tan Chau (the inner bank). An analysis of causative factors indicates that reduced sediment supply due to dam construction and sand mining activities have led to changes in the riverbed, deeper erosion, and bank erosion near the sand mining area. The results quantifies the sediment deficit in the area at 0.86%, while the impact of sand mining in this area is 0.26%. The findings from this research provide a database to support local planning for bank protection projects and disaster mitigation measures due to bank erosion.
Erosion - accretion study in Cua Lo area, Nui Thanh district, Quang Nam province
Authors: Quy Ngo Tran Thien , Trung Pham Ba , Khin Lau Va
Published: June 2024

Cua Lo, Nui Thanh district, Quang Nam province is an estuary that plays an important role in the province’s socio-economic development. This area is often greatly influenced by natural processes, which have changed the topography of the beach, the shoreline and seabed topography. The seabed topography in Cua Lo areas is being gradually accreted and filled, but the erosion process is strongly occurring in the southern coastal. These processes have happened every year and are getting more and more serious, causing great damage to property and people. By using remote sensing images and combining them with survey data, it is possible to evaluate the changes of the Cua Lo area on a large scale and for a long period. The north bank of Cua Lo has strong sedimentation to the south, with the area being accreted being approximately 19.86 hectares (2010-2014) and 13.64 hectares (2018-2023). The southern of Cua Lo, the shoreline that has been seriously eroded at a rate of 45-50m/year. From the research results, the preliminary determination of the main law of change is the southward movement of the seabed topography.
The proposal of geotourism program in Ho Chi Minh City
Authors: Khanh Le Ngoc Phuong , Hai Ha Quang , Nam Nguyen Thi Que
Published: June 2024

Ho Chi Minh City can be considered as a famous destination of Vietnam attracting millions of visitors per year with varieties of tourist products. Also, many tourist places contain specific geology features which are essential factors for geotourism; however, this field of tourism is ignored these days. “The proposal of geotourism program in Ho Chi Minh” aimed to create geotourism strategy in Ho Chi Minh City with 4 journeys, including: 1) The journey to the North; 2) The journey to the South; 3) The journey to the West; 4) The journey to rewind the clock. It is worth noting that all proposal journeys were based on Reynard’s geo-product system including original offers and derived offers. The original offers contained the destinations having specific geology characteristics. The derived offers consisted of 9 groups: 1) Geo-Info; 2) Geo-routes; 3) Geo-activities; 4) Geo-academics; 5) Geo-houses; 6) Geo-gifts; 7) Geo-cuisine; 8) Geo-festival; 9) Geo-farms. This geotourism proposal’s purposes were raising geology consciousness, creating the diversity of tourist products, and increasing income for the locals.
The level of nitrate and nitrite in some fruits available in the local markets in District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Authors: Dung T T T , Nhan D T , Chau T B
Published: June 2024

Nitrate and nitrite are main contaminants in fruits that must be controlled due to their potential adverse health effects on humans. The objectives of this study were to analyze levels of nitrate and nitrite in some selected fruits in local markets in District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, and to determine whether estimated dietary exposure to nitrate and nitrite poses a risk to human health. Mango, banana, tomato, and cucumber were collected and tested. Nitrate levels varied widely, ranging from 89 mg/kg to 1104 mg/kg across different fruits. Mango had the highest average nitrate level (588 mg/kg), while tomato had the lowest (109 mg/kg). Nitrite levels in fruits were significantly lower than nitrate levels, ranging from 0.090 mg/kg to 2.60 mg/kg. Mango had the highest average nitrite level (0.77 mg/kg), and cucumber had the lowest (0.01 mg/kg). The nitrate and nitrite health risk quotient (RQ) was within acceptable limits, indicating that nitrate and nitrite intake from fruit consumption poses no health risk to the local population. When the endogenous process of nitrate to nitrite transformation was considered, the EDI of nitrite increased significantly compared to the original calculation, but the result remained within the acceptable limit.
Evaluation of the optimum conditions of an anaerobic Down-flow Stationary Fixed Film reactor for swine wastewater treatment
Authors: Phan N N , Duong Y H , Tran K T , Bui H M , Ngo T T
Published: June 2024

The Down-flow Stationary Fixed Film (DSFF) reactor is a downstream anaerobic reactor combined with a fixed layer of adhesive media that is capable of handling large organic loads, has cheap investment costs, and has a shorter treatment time than other conventional anaerobic technologies. In this study, the DSFF reactor was used to investigate its potential to remove contaminants from swine wastewater. The optimal operating conditions of the DSFF reactor including hydraulic retention time (HRT), organic concentration, and nutrient ratio were investigated. The obtained results showed that the COD removal efficiency increased from 50% to 79.721% when the influent COD enhanced from 500 to 3000 mg/L. The COD removal efficiency was 85.66%, 61.71% and 50.81% at three different nutritional ratios of C/N/P:250/1.5/1, C/N/P:250/7.5/1, and C/N/P:250/7.5/0.2, respectively. The overall results revealed that the optimal HRT is 12 hours, the optimal COD concentration is between 2000 mg/L and 3000 mg/L, and the optimal nutrient ratio is C/N/P:250/1.5/1. The DSFF reactor effectively manages BOD and phosphorus removal while handling a range of contamination levels in swine wastewater. Furthermore, there is no significant sludge loss and the operation mode is simple. This reactor is potentially appropriate for implementation in pig farming households.
Filling up the water quality database to assess the water quality levels and self-cleaning capacities
Authors: Bui H V , Pham H T , Pham H V
Published: June 2024

The one of water resource’s functions is the self-renewable capacity about quality, quantity and energy. To assess the level or fluctuat trend of water resource functions, a complete set of continuous and representative data is needed. The water quality monitoring of environment management is implementing continuous in Ho Chi Minh City. Because of many causes, the water quality data set is asynchronous by years and observation locations. It causes the many difficulties to researches, studies as the assessment of water’s self-cleaning capacity. With the support of two interpolations equations (the Highest order polynomial fitting Curve Function (HopCEF) and Multivariable Regression Correlative Function (MrCEF)) and GIS tool, the water quality and self-cleaning capacity distributions are zoned/mapped with the fully and continuously data set. The research of water quality and self-cleaning capacity is implemented with the filled quality data set period 2012 – 2022 for urban inner canal system in HCMC. Based on the assessment’s results and the mapped distribution of levels, the fluctuations the quality and self-cleaning capacity of inner canal system are made high visualization. And they are a valuable basis for planning and decision making on the solutions of management agencies in HCMC.
Evaluation of surface water quality and carrying capacity as planned by 2030 in the Lai Giang River basin, Binh Dinh Province, Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen A H , Vu N V
Published: June 2024

The quality of surface water in the river basin under the influence of industrial development and urbanization is one of the issues that need attention in the management of water resources in Binh Dinh province. The study assessed water quality in the Lai Giang river basin gives an overview of the surface water quality situation and predicts future changes in wastewater reception through the 2030 planning scenario. The study corrected the NAM model flow at An Hoa hydrological station with R2 = 0.777 and BIAS = 5%. The results of adjustment of water level and flow in 2016 for R2 are 0.893 and 0.731, respectively. The test of water level and flow in 2017 for R2 is 0.882 and 0.582 respectively, along with the test result of water level in 2021 is 0.689. The calculation of the current carrying capacity in 2021 and the planning scenario in 2030 shows that there is still capability to receive, but consideration should be given to rational use of water resources.
Changes in water balance across climate zones of Vietnam over the past four decades
Authors: Xuan Do Hong , Le Tu Hoang
Published: June 2024

In a warming climate, it is important to understand the characteristics and changes in major components of the water balance. This information is crucial to countries spanning over multiple climate zones such as Vietnam, as such understanding will ensure new water policies are designed and implemented appropriately to support sustainable development. Long-term observations of the major components of the water cycle (i.e., precipitation, evapotranspiration, and runoff), however, are usually unavailable for many regions of the world, including Vietnam, making it challenging to obtain a holistic perspective on large-scale features of water resources. To address this challenge, this study selected seven catchments of Vietnam that have varying climate characteristics (each represents a climate zone of Vietnam) and developed a hydrological model for each of the assessed catchments. The models showed satisfactory performance (the Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency ranges from 0.53 to 0.9 and a percentage bias ranging from -15.1 to 19.4) and were able to reproduce the heterogeneous pattern of hydro-climate conditions across Vietnam. Long-term changes (from 1980 to 2019) in simulated water balance components were then assessed to provide a new perspective on changes in the water cycle across Vietnam in the last four decades.
Identifying impervious surface hot spots in Ho Chi Minh City using object-based classification and spatial statistics
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc Tuyen , Nguyen Nhu Ngoc , Pham Chi Cuong
Published: June 2024

Impervious surface is often a primary indicator for urbanization. The rapid expansion of impervious surface area (ISA) can lead to a variety of environmental issues such as the change in local climate, urban heat islands, urban flooding, biodiversity loss, and the depletion of air quality. In this paper, satellite data from Landsat 5 TM, Landsat 8 OLI, and Sentinel-2 were employed to extract impervious areas in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) from 2009 to 2022 by integrating the object-based image analysis and Kernel density estimation method. Regarding spatial analysis, optimized hot spot analysis (OHSA) and emerging hot spot analysis (EHSA) were used to detect specific spatial distribution and spatio-temporal changes of ISA hot spots over the 12 years. Study results show the hot spots of ISA with 99% confidence interval increased considerably from 28,625 ha in 2009 to 44,400 ha in 2022. Through emerging hot spot analysis, many kinds of ISA hot spots including persistent, new, intensifying, sporadic, and potential hot spots were traced over time. New hot spots had a total area of 14,975 ha, located mainly in Cu Chi, Thu Duc city, whereas potential hot spots, which are likely to become new hot spots in the future, were over 28,000 ha, making up 19% of the study area. Thus, the results from this study can provide a preliminary prediction of ISA distribution for HCMC in the coming years.
Possibility Of Using Sonneratia Caseolaris (L.) Engl) In the Aquaponic Model with White Shrimp combined with Tilapia
Authors: Quoc Dao Phu , Anh Tran Phuong , Trang Le Thi , Trinh Phan Thi Hoai , Mui Ho To Thi Khai
Published: June 2024

The Aquaponic system has been widely implemented in various locations, primarily in freshwater environments, requiring adaptation to be compatible with saltwater ecosystems. The objective of this research is to explore the wastewater treatment capability of the Sonneratia caseolaris in a saltwater environment when applied to a recirculating aquaponic model for white-leg shrimp cultivation. The investigative process involves cultivation and determination of the water treatment coefficient of the Sonneratia caseolaris. The environmental parameters under scrutiny include NH4
+, NO2
−, NO3
−, and total phosphorus per gram of plant biomass. Phase 1 consists of seedling production and model design; when the plants reach three months old, they will be tested with shrimp wastewater to assess their treatment capabilities. The results will provide parameters for operating the model in Phase 2. In Phase 2, the aquaponic model involves shrimp tanks (300 shrimp/1 m3), fish tanks (50 fish/0.5 m3), and the plant’s cultivation system. In Phase 1, the plant demonstrated treatment efficiencies of 90% for NH4
+, 95% for NO2-, 32% for NO3
−, and 27% for total phosphorus after 7 days. The treatment coefficients achieved were as follows (mg/g plants biomass): NH4
+: 0.006, NO2
− 0.005, NO3
− 0.017, total phosphorus: 0.057. Transitioning to Phase 2, the results confirm that the aquaponic model, incorporating Sonneratia caseolaris for water recirculation in shrimp farming, is not only technically feasible for small-scale aquaponic models but also scalable for large-scale farm production. Furthermore, the leaves and fruits of Sonneratia caseolaris can serve as a supplementary herbal source for aquaculture species, enhancing the economic sustainability of the recirculating model.
Assessment of Some Factors Affecting the Choice of Eco-Tourism Destination in Con Dao, Ba Ria -Vung Tau Province
Authors: Dung Pham Thuy
Published: June 2024

The study aims to assess the effect of a number of factors on the decision to choose a destination in order to propose some solutions to attract domestic tourists to ecotourism in Con Dao. The research model includes one dependent variable of the decision to choose the destination with five independent variables which are the factors affecting the decision to choose the destination. Study outcome was that the effect of factors on tourists’ decision to choose a tourist destination is Motivation (0.323); Quality of Service (0.243); Tourism resources (0.235); Experience of tourism (0.104) and Communication (0.095). A number of solutions proposed to attract domestic tourists to Con Dao, namely preserving the natural landscape; embellishing and upgrading historical and cultural relics; improving and upgrading tourism services; strengthening the dissemination of information about Con Dao’s eco-tourism resources; improving the professionalism of staff, and diversifying tourism services.
Behavioural determinants of adaptation of farmers to climate change in rice cultivation in the mountainous area of Vietnam
Authors: Ho-Xuan Huong , Hai Le Dinh , Huyen Nguyen Thi Thanh , Dung Bui Tri , Hang Pham Thi
Published: June 2024

Climate change adaptation is one of the essential solutions for sustainable agricultural development in the context of global change. Besides socio-economical drivers, a thorough understanding of the behavioural dimension of climate change adaptation will provide important information for policymakers in promoting adaptation activities and contributing to the improvement of people’s livelihoods. The purpose of this study is to explore the knowledge gaps in understanding behavioural factors that affect adaptive intention in rice cultivation in the mountainous area of Vietnam. This research was carried out through a sociological survey of 254 rice-farming households in Da Bac districts, Hoa Binh province. Based on applying the Extended Theory of Planned Behaviour (E-TPB) and the data analysis using the PLS-SEM model, the research pointed out that the perceived impact of climate change and policy support are the most important determinants that affect the adaptation intention in rice cultivation. The research also discovered that the Extended Theory of Planned Behaviour explained 56.8% of the change in adaptive intention, much more than 11.9% in comparison with the basic TPB theory. The research emphasized the crucial role of policy support and raising awareness of climate change for farmers to promote the implementation of adaptive measures.
Characteristics and distribution of greenhouse gas emissions from motorcycles in Hanoi, Vietnam
Authors: Tran Hien , Nghiem Trung Dung , Hoang Vu Khue Ngoc , Quoc Ho Bang
Published: June 2024

Motorcycles contribute to the notable emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) and air pollutants in urban areas. These vehicles are the most widely used means of road transportation in Vietnam. This study is the first to use the EMISENS model in combination with the IVE modelling system to calculate greenhouse gas emissions from motorcycles at tier 3 in IPCC guideline. There are more than 8700 motorcycles circulating on the roads in Hanoi per hour. With the characteristics of motorcycles compiled, the average age of motorcycles is around 11 years, and each vehicle travels an average of 16.4 km per day with an average start-up frequency of 3.46. The emission factors of greenhouse gases CO2 and CH4 when running (erunning) were 72.55 and 0.24 grams per km, respectively. The emission factors for CO2, CH4 and N2O during vehicle start-up (estart-up) were 6.96, 0.53 and 0.0009 grams per start-up, respectively. Inventory emission data from 2021-2023 reveal that that motorcycles in Hanoi emitted nearly 4.6 mil tons of CO2e per year. Emission distribution is concentrated in inner-city districts and some residential areas at the intersections with provincial roads, national highways, and industrial parks.
Integration of acoustic micromixing with cyclic olefin copolymer microfluidics for enhanced lab-on-a-chip applications in nanoscale liposome synthesis
Authors: Agha Abdulrahman , Abu-Nada Eiyad , Alazzam Anas
Published: June 2024

The integration of acoustic wave micromixing with microfluidic systems holds great potential for applications in biomedicine and lab-on-a-chip technologies. Polymers such as cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) are increasingly utilized in microfluidic applications due to its unique properties, low cost, and versatile fabrication methods, and incorporating them into acoustofluidics significantly expands their potential applications. In this work, for the first time, we demonstrated the integration of polymer microfluidics with acoustic micromixing utilizing oscillating sharp edge structures to homogenize flowing fluids. The sharp edge mixing platform was entirely composed of COC fabricated in a COC-hydrocarbon solvent swelling based microfabrication process. As an electrical signal is applied to a piezoelectric transducer bonded to the micromixer, the sharp edges start to oscillate generating vortices at its tip, mixing the fluids. A 2D numerical model was implemented to determine the optimum microchannel dimensions for experimental mixing assessment. The system was shown to successfully mix fluids at flow rates up to 150 µl h−1 and has a modest effect even at the highest tested flow rate of 600 µl h−1. The utility of the fabricated sharp edge micromixer was demonstrated by the synthesis of nanoscale liposomes.
Optothermal generation, steady-state trapping, and 3D manipulation of bubbles: an experimental and theoretical analysis of the Marangoni effect
Authors: Sarabia-Alonso Julio Aurelio , Ramos-García Rubén
Published: June 2024

Since Nobel Laureate Arthur Ashkin first introduced the trapping and manipulation of microparticles using light, numerous studies have explored this technique not only for dielectric/metallic particles but also for organic matter. This advancement has significantly expanded the landscape of non-contact and non-invasive micromanipulation at the nanometric scale. However, micromanipulation of particles with a refractive index smaller than the host medium, n
p
< n
m, proves challenging with Gaussian beams. To overcome this obstacle, a force known as thermocapillary, or the Marangoni force, has emerged as a straightforward trapping mechanism for bubbles in liquids. The Marangoni force results from the surface tension of bubbles, induced either thermally or chemically—by creating a temperature gradient or adding surfactants, respectively. The surface tension gradient on the liquid host induces tangential stress on the bubble wall, causing the bubble to move toward the region of lower surface tension, where it faces less opposing force. When the Marangoni force is generated by a laser beam’s temperature gradient, it becomes an exceptionally effective mechanism for the steady-state trapping and three-dimensional manipulation of bubbles, even with low optical power lasers. This force produces both longitudinal and transversal forces, resembling optical forces, creating a three-dimensional potential well capable of handling bubbles with radii of tens to hundreds of microns. This work provides guidance and demonstrates, both experimentally and theoretically, the step-by-step process of quasi-steady-state trapping and three-dimensional manipulation of bubbles through optothermal effects. The bubbles in question are tens of microns in size, significantly larger than those that optical tweezers can trap/manipulate. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the crucial role of the Marangoni force in this process, outlining its various advantages.
Effects of transparent conducting electrodes and hole transport layers on the performance of MAPbI3 solar cells fabricated on PET substrates
Authors: Bhandari Bishal , Bonner Justin C , Piper Robert T , Hsu Julia W P
Published: June 2024

This study investigates how the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) made on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates depends on transparent conducting electrodes (TCEs) and hole transport layers (HTLs). We fabricated PSCs using commercially available PET/TCEs and compared their performance with PSCs manufactured on Glass/indium tin oxide (ITO) substrates. Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) with varying levels of acidity and NiO nanoparticles were used as HTLs. The current density-voltage characteristics of PSCs made on PET/TCEs were found to be significantly lower when highly acidic PEDOT:PSS was used as the HTL. However, this was not observed for PSCs made on Glass/ITO. To investigate the interaction between HTL and TCE, atomic force microscopy was carried out after dipping the TCEs in PEDOT:PSS solutions of different acidity. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements further revealed differences in the chemical composition between ITO film on PET vs. on glass. Our results indicate that the performance of PSCs depends both on the TCE substrates and HTLs, which can be explained by their chemical interaction.
Stuff and Structure
Authors: Strawson Galen
Published: June 2024

Chapter 7 considers the relation between stuff and structure. It rejects all-out ontic structural realism. It suggests that just as structural difference entails stuff difference, so stuff difference entails structural difference: no two concrete entities can be [i] identical under all possible true structural descriptions and [ii] different in their stuff. It assesses this claim within a given world or universe with a given dimensionality or Existenzraum (Chapter 4), and across different worlds or universes. As regards the existence of relations: deploying the general notion of dimensionality presented in Chapter 2, it argues that concrete being entails relationality: for [1] being entails quality, [2] quality entails (positive) quantity, [3] quantity entails dimensionality or Existenzraum, [4] dimensionality entails position* and difference of position*, [5] quantity entails actual occupation* of different positions*, [6] actual occupation* of different positions* entails (concrete) relationality. It concludes with a brief discussion of Frank Jackson’s views.
A cloud-based training module for efficient de novo transcriptome assembly using Nextflow and Google cloud
Authors: Seaman Ryan P , Campbell Ross , Doe Valena , Yosufzai Zelaikha , Graber Joel H
Published: June 2024

This study describes the development of a resource module that is part of a learning platform named “NIGMS Sandbox for Cloud-based Learning” (https://github.com/NIGMS/NIGMS-Sandbox). The overall genesis of the Sandbox is described in the editorial NIGMS Sandbox at the beginning of this Supplement. This module delivers learning materials on de novo transcriptome assembly using Nextflow in an interactive format that uses appropriate cloud resources for data access and analysis. Cloud computing is a powerful new means by which biomedical researchers can access resources and capacity that were previously either unattainable or prohibitively expensive. To take advantage of these resources, however, the biomedical research community needs new skills and knowledge. We present here a cloud-based training module, developed in conjunction with Google Cloud, Deloitte Consulting, and the NIH STRIDES Program, that uses the biological problem of de novo transcriptome assembly to demonstrate and teach the concepts of computational workflows (using Nextflow) and cost- and resource-efficient use of Cloud services (using Google Cloud Platform). Our work highlights the reduced necessity of on-site computing resources and the accessibility of cloud-based infrastructure for bioinformatics applications.
A customizable secure DIY web application for accessing, sharing, and browsing aggregate experimental results and metadata
Authors: Lee Jaewoo , Achuthan Mehita , Chen Lucas , Carmona-Mora Paulina
Published: June 2024

A problem spanning across many research fields is that processed data and research results are often scattered, which makes data access, analysis, extraction, and team sharing more challenging. We have developed a platform for researchers to easily manage tabular data with features like browsing, bookmarking, and linking to external open knowledge bases. The source code, originally designed for genomics research, is customizable for use by other fields or data, providing a no- to low-cost DIY system for research teams.

Availability and implementation

The source code of our DIY app is available on https://github.com/Carmona-MoraUCD/Human-Genomics-Browser. It can be downloaded and run by anyone with a web browser, Python3, and Node.js on their machine. The web application is licensed under the MIT license.
SpecEncoder: deep metric learning for accurate peptide identification in proteomics
Authors: Liu Kaiyuan , Tao Chenghua , Ye Yuzhen , Tang Haixu
Published: June 2024

Motivation

Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) is a crucial technology for large-scale proteomic analysis. The protein database search or the spectral library search are commonly used for peptide identification from MS/MS spectra, which, however, may face challenges due to experimental variations between replicated spectra and similar fragmentation patterns among distinct peptides. To address this challenge, we present SpecEncoder, a deep metric learning approach to address these challenges by transforming MS/MS spectra into robust and sensitive embedding vectors in a latent space. The SpecEncoder model can also embed predicted MS/MS spectra of peptides, enabling a hybrid search approach that combines spectral library and protein database searches for peptide identification.

Results

We evaluated SpecEncoder on three large human proteomics datasets, and the results showed a consistent improvement in peptide identification. For spectral library search, SpecEncoder identifies 1%–2% more unique peptides (and PSMs) than SpectraST. For protein database search, it identifies 6%–15% more unique peptides than MSGF+ enhanced by Percolator, Furthermore, SpecEncoder identified 6%–12% additional unique peptides when utilizing a combined library of experimental and predicted spectra. SpecEncoder can also identify more peptides when compared to deep-learning enhanced methods (MSFragger boosted by MSBooster). These results demonstrate SpecEncoder’s potential to enhance peptide identification for proteomic data analyses.

Availability and Implementation

The source code and scripts for SpecEncoder and peptide identification are available on GitHub at https://github.com/lkytal/SpecEncoder. Contact: hatang@iu.edu.