bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A double responsive fluorescent platform for sensing heavy metal ions based on a dual-emitting fluorescent covalent organic framework hydrogel film
Authors: Jia Yinghua , Wang Jinmin , Zhao Limin , Yan Bing
Published: August 2022

A new luminescent hybrid material with dual-emission centers (Eu@Dye@TpDq hydrogel) exhibits a double-response towards different heavy metal ions: a ratiometric identification response to Cu(ii), and a turn-off fluorescence response to Cr(vi).
Copper cobalt tin sulphide (Cu2CoSnS4) anodes synthesised using a chemical route for stable and efficient rechargeable lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Inamdar Akbar I. , Hou Bo , Chavan Harish S. , Salunke Amol S. , Han Jonghoon , Shin Giho , Park Sunjung , Yeon Seungun , Shrestha Nabeen K. , Im Hyunsik , Kim Hyungsang
Published: August 2022

We demonstrate a lithium-ion battery performance with a novel Cu2CoSnS4 anode prepared by a hydrothermal method. It exhibits a specific capacity of 198.7 mA h g−1, 83% coulombic efficiency, excellent rate capability and capacity retention.
Optimizing the rate performance and cycle life of Li2 MTi3O8 (M = Mn, Co, Zn)/CNTs for lithium-ion battery anodes by constructing a one-dimensional carbon-based hybrid structure
Authors: Qian Mao , Tang Yakun , Liu Lang , Zhang Yue , Gao Yang , Li Xiaohui , Liu Ting
Published: August 2022

The synthesized carbon-based hybrid can accommodate volume changes, reduce the occurrence of side reactions and maintain the mechanical integrity of electrodes. Thus, Li2MTi3O8 (M = Mn, Co, Zn)/CNTs exhibit outstanding rate performance and long-term cycling stability.
Treatment of nonwoven polypropylene to increase adsorption of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein
Authors: Gangwish Justin , Bhattacharjee Abhishek , Sabino Roberta M. , Manivasagam Vignesh K. , Li Yan Vivian , Popat Ketul C. , Reynolds Melissa , James Susan
Published: August 2022

Two techniques for increasing adsorption of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to nonwoven polypropylene used in over-the-counter face masks.
Cephalotaxine-type and homoerythrina-type alkaloids with antiproliferative effects from Cephalotaxus fortunei
Authors: Zhao Chun-Xue , Liu Hui , Zhang Xin , Yang Meng-Yue , Wang Yue-Tong , Xing Yi-Jia , Hua Jun-Xin , Zhang Qin , Li Da-Hong , Bai Jiao , Jing Yong-Kui , Hua Hui-Ming
Published: August 2022

1 is the first nitrogen-oxidized homoerythrina-type alkaloid isolated from Cephalotaxus genus. 31 exhibited a significant antitumor effect in THP-1 and K562 cancer cell lines with GI50 values of 0.24 and 0.29 μM.
Molecular dynamics simulation insights into the cellular uptake of elastic nanoparticles through human pulmonary surfactant
Authors: Supakijsilp Akkaranunt , He Jing , Lin Xubo , Ye Jian
Published: August 2022

Adjusting inhaled NP elasticity affects their permeability across the human pulmonary surfactant monolayer.
Thermal decomposition of nano Al-based energetic composites with fluorinated energetic polyurethane binders: experimental and theoretical understandings for enhanced combustion and energetic performance
Authors: Tang Gang , Wang He , Chen Chunyan , Xu Yabei , Chen Dongping , Wang Dongli , Luo Yunjun , Li Xiaoyu
Published: August 2022

Novel fluorinated energetic polyurethanes (FPUs) were applied as binders for energetic composites with nano-aluminum and endowed the composites with decent mechanical and combustion properties.
Structural stability, electronic, optical, and thermoelectric properties of layered perovskite Bi2LaO4I
Authors: Joshi Radha K. , Bhandari Shalika R. , Ghimire Madhav Prasad
Published: August 2022

The mechanically stable layered perovskite Bi2LaO4I, a non-magnetic insulator, as a possible candidate for optoelectronic and thermoelectric applications.
Physical insights into the Au growth on the surface of a LaAlO3/SrTiO3 heterointerface
Authors: Le Ong Kim , Chihaia Viorel , Hong Hoa Phan Thi , Hai Pham Thanh , Son Do Ngoc
Published: August 2022

Au growth on the LAO/STO substrate generates an optical peak in the wavelength region of 600–1200 nm due to the interaction of the Au s and dz2 orbitals with the O pz orbital of the LAO film.
Benzodioxole grafted spirooxindole pyrrolidinyl derivatives: synthesis, characterization, molecular docking and anti-diabetic activity
Authors: Nivetha Narayanasamy , Martiz Reshma Mary , Patil Shashank M. , Ramu Ramith , Sreenivasa Swamy , Velmathi Sivan
Published: August 2022

A highly stereoselective, three-component method has been developed for the synthesis of pyrrolidine and pyrrolizidine containing spirooxindole derivatives that exhibits excellent anti-diabetic activity.
Wetting dynamics under periodic switching on different scales: characterization and mechanisms
Authors: Topp Leon , Stieneker Moritz , Gurevich Svetlana V. , Heuer Andreas
Published: August 2022

We study the dynamics of droplets on switchable substrates using continuum and particle-based models and compare the results to the molecular kinetic theory of wetting. The figure shows the switching scheme employing the periodic wettability change.
High yield selective electrochemical conversion of N2 to NH3via morphology controlled silver phosphate under ambient conditions
Authors: Gupta Divyani , Kafle Alankar , Kaur Sukhjot , Mohanty Prajna Parimita , Das Tisita , Chakraborty Sudip , Ahuja Rajeev , Nagaiah Tharamani C.
Published: August 2022

Ag3PO4 having cuboidal morphology is shown to have a superior activity and stability towards the electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction for ammonia production by effectually suppressing the HER.
Single atomic Fe-pyridine N catalyst with dense active sites improve bifunctional electrocatalyst activity for rechargeable and flexible Zn-air batteries
Authors: Deng Wenhui , Wu Tianjing , Wu Yufeng , Zheng Haitao , Li Guang , Yang Meixia , Zou Xiaoqing , Bai Yansong , Yang Yingchang , Jing MingJun , Wang Xianyou
Published: August 2022

A high-loading Fe-pyridinic N bonding structure is prepared through a one-step thermal-reduction method. In the process, activated carbon matrix stimulates the halfway and complete reduction of Fe3+, forming Fe-pyridinic N and single Fe atom.
FAFNet: Fully aligned fusion network for RGBD semantic segmentation based on hierarchical semantic flows
Authors: Chen Jiazhou , Zhan Yangfan , Xu Yanghui , Pan Xiang
Published: August 2022

Depth maps are acquirable and irreplaceable geometric information that significantly enhances traditional color images. RGB and Depth (RGBD) images have been widely used in various image analysis applications, but they are still very limited due to challenges from different modalities and misalignment between color and depth. In this paper, a Fully Aligned Fusion Network (FAFNet) for RGBD semantic segmentation is presented. To improve cross‐modality fusion, a new RGBD fusion block is proposed, features from color images and depth maps are first fused by an attention cross fusion module and then aligned by a semantic flow. A multi‐layer structure is also designed to hierarchically utilize the RGBD fusion block, which not only eases issues of low resolution and noises for depth maps but also reduces the loss of semantic features in the upsampling process. Quantitative and qualitative evaluations on both the NYU‐Depth V2 and the SUN RGB‐D dataset demonstrate that the FAFNet model outperforms state‐of‐the‐art RGBD semantic segmentation methods.
Optimum operation management of microgrids with cost and environment pollution reduction approach considering uncertainty using multi‐objective NSGAII algorithm
Authors: Kamarposhti Mehrdad Ahmadi , Colak Ilhami , Shokouhandeh Hassan , Iwendi Celestine , Padmanaban Sanjeevikumar , Band Shahab S.
Published: August 2022

Generating electricity near the consumption can provide more flexibility to supply various services to consumers as well as reduce system losses. The limited fossil fuels and air pollution are among the main incentives for the expansion of this technology. One of the perspectives proposed for effective increase in these resources’ involvement is to combine these resources with the objectives of the visibility of the relationship between distributed generation resources and power network, as well as control of these resources more efficiently. One of the methods of combining distributed generation sources is a new concept called micro grid; a topic that is of great importance in this regard is the proper management of distributed generation resources in micro grid aimed to reduce the costs of generating electricity and polluting the environment. The resource management in micro grid is a completely non‐linear and top‐order problem. In this paper, micro grid optimum programming has been studied considering the capacities available in the electricity market. In order to realize this, as well as reduce pollution and cost simultaneously, NSGAII multi‐objective genetic algorithm is used. Studies have been conducted in the form of three scenarios on a sample micro grid consisting of solar, wind, micro turbine, fuel cell and battery resources, considering the uncertainty of load and solar and wind generations. The probabilistic distribution function (PDF) and Roulette Wheel were used to create variables with uncertainty. The first scenario objective was to reduce costs by PSO, GA, and ABC algorithms’ optimization. In the second scenario, pollution was reduced and the studies were repeated using these three algorithms. Finally, in the third scenario, there was a simultaneous reduction in pollution and cost by these three algorithms, taking into account weight coefficients as well as NSGAII algorithm.
Continuum source catalog for the first APERTIF data release
Authors: Kutkin A. M. , Oosterloo T. A. , Morganti R. , Adams E. A. K. , Mancini M. , Adebahr B. , de Blok W. J. G. , Dénes H. , Hess K. M. , van der Hulst J. M. , Lucero D. M. , Moss V. A. , Berger A. , van den Brink R. , van Cappellen W. A. , Connor L. , Damstra S. , Loose G. M. , van Leeuwen J. , Maan Y. , Mika Á. , Norden M. J. , Offringa A. R. , Oostrum L. C. , van der Schuur D. , Vohl D. , Wijnholds S. J. , Ziemke J.
Published: August 2022

The first data release from Apertif survey contains 3074 radio continuum images, covering a thousand square degrees of the sky. The observations were performed between August 2019 and July 2020. The continuum images were produced at a central frequency 1355 MHz, with a bandwidth of ~150 MHz and angular resolution of up to 10″. In this work, we introduce and apply a new method to obtain a primary beam model based on a machine-learning approach, namely, Gaussian process regression. The primary beam models obtained with this method have been published, along with the data products for the first Apertif data release. We applied the method to the continuum images, carried out a mosaicking process on their basis, and extracted the source catalog. The catalog contains 249672 radio sources, many of which have been detected for the first time at these frequencies. We cross-matched the coordinates with the NVSS, LOFAR/DR1/value-added, and LOFAR/DR2 catalogs – resulting in 44523, 22825, and 152824 common sources, respectively. The first sample provides a unique opportunity for detecting long-term transient sources, which have significantly changed their flux density over the past 25 yr. A combination of the second and the third samples provides valuable information on the spectral properties of the sources in addition to redshift estimates.
Constraining hierarchical mergers of binary black holes detectable with LIGO-Virgo
Authors: Li Guo-Peng
Published: August 2022

Most of the binary black hole (BBH) mergers detected by LIGO and Virgo could be explained by first-generation mergers formed from the collapse of stars, while others might come from second (or higher) generation mergers, namely hierarchical mergers, with at least one of the black holes (BHs) being the remnant of a previous merger. A primary condition for the occurrence of hierarchical mergers is that the remnant BHs can be retained by the host star cluster. We present a simple formula to estimate the hierarchical merger rate in star clusters. We find this latter to be proportional to the retention probability. Further, we show that ∼2% of BBH mergers in nuclear star clusters (NSCs) may instead be of hierarchical mergers, while the percentage in globular clusters (GCs) is only a few tenths of a percent. However, the rates of hierarchical merger in GCs and NSCs are about the same, namely of ∼𝒪(10−2) Gpc−3 yr−1, because the total BBH merger rate in GCs is larger than that in NSCs. This suggests that if a gravitational-wave event detected by LIGO-Virgo is identified as a hierarchical merger, then it is equally likely that this merger originated from a GC or an NSC.
X-ray flares of the young planet host Ds Tucanae A
Authors: Pillitteri I. , Argiroffi C. , Maggio A. , Micela G. , Benatti S. , Reale F. , Colombo S. , Wolk S. J.
Published: August 2022

The discovery of planets around young stars has spurred novel studies of the early phases of planetary formation and evolution. Stars are strong emitters at X-ray and UV wavelengths in their first billion of years and this strongly affects the evaporation, thermodynamics, and chemistry in the atmospheres of the young planets orbiting around them. In order to investigate these effects in young exoplanets, we observed the 40 Myr old star DS Tuc A with XMM-Newton. We recorded two X-ray bright flares, with the second event occurring about 12 ks after the first one. Their duration, from the rise to the end of the decay, was about 8 − 10 ks in soft X-rays (0.3–10 keV). The flares were also recorded in the 200–300 nm band with the UVM2 filter of the Optical Monitor. The duration of the flares in UV was about 3 ks. The observed delay between the peak in the UV band and in X-rays is a probe of the heating phase, followed by evaporation and an increase in the density and emission of the flaring loop. The coronal plasma temperature at the two flare peaks reached 54–55 MK. Diagnostics based on the temperatures and timescales of the flares applied to these two events have allowed us to infer a loop length of 5 − 7 × 1010 cm, which is about the extent of the stellar radius. We also inferred the values of electron density at the flare peaks of 2.3 − 6.5 × 1011 cm−3, along with a minimum magnetic field strength on the order of 300–500 G that is needed to confine the plasma. The energy released during the flares was on the order of 5 − 8 × 1034 erg in the bands 0.3 − 10 keV and 0.9 − 2.7 × 1033 erg in the UV band (200–300 nm). We speculate that the flares were associated with coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that hit the planet about 3.3 h after the flares, which dramatically increased the rate of evaporation for the planet. From the RGS spectra, we retrieved the emission measure distribution and the abundances of coronal metals during the quiescent and flaring states, respectively. Finally, we inferred a high electron density measurement, which is in agreement with the inferences drawn from time-resolved spectroscopy and EPIC spectra, as well as the analysis of RGS spectra during the flares.
Greening level and pricing decisions of the green product supply chain in the presence of consumers’ anticipated regret
Authors: Liu Lili , Li Yizhong
Published: August 2022

When a firm introduces a new improved eco-friendly product into the market of the congeneric non-green product with the same baseline attribute, consumers are uncertain about the true valuation of this green product. Thus, when choosing between the green product and non-green product, consumers will anticipate the potential regret in the future and try to minimize it, and their purchasing decisions will be affected. This paper investigates the impact of consumers’ anticipated regret on the manufacturer’s and retailer’s optimal pricing and greening level decisions of these two kinds of products. By a game theoretic model in which the manufacturer is the leader, we derive the optimal wholesale price, greening level and retail price. Our analysis shows that the manufacturer and retailer can benefit or loss from consumers’ two types of anticipated regret in equilibrium. Furthermore, the green product’ optimal wholesale price and retail price, and greening level all decrease with green product-purchase regret but increase with non-green product-purchase regret in equilibrium. Interestingly, we also find that the non-green product’s optimal wholesale price and retail price are not affected by the consumers’ anticipated regret and the green product. This study provides retailers and manufacturers with new marketing management insights from the perspective of consumers’ anticipated regret behavior, and outlines the guidelines for them on invoking or mitigating consumers’ regret to increase profit or demand at the right time.
Evolutionary game study on information nodes setting in supply chain tracing based on compensation mechanism
Authors: Liu Ran , Zhao Lindu
Published: August 2022

Consumption compensation is the driving force for motivating each supply chain link to set up information nodes, which is of great significance for promoting informatization, modernization, transformation, and upgrading of the supply chain system. This study simulates the evolution process of strategic selection for each supply chain link to set information nodes independently or collectively under the unconstrained government rewards conditions and punishments. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) When each link in the supply chain provides source tracing information independently, the vendor chooses to set up information nodes for the links with large information cost compensation coefficients. (2) When the vendor provides source tracing information cooperatively if the collaborative benefit is less than the cooperation cost, the information node will be set to the link with the large compensation coefficient. If not, information nodes will be set in each link. (3) Under the government incentive mechanism, enterprises are willing to cooperate. The punishment mechanism helps avoid situations where neither side sets up information nodes. The compensation coefficient is a prerequisite for mechanisms to work.
A note on the double domination number in maximal outerplanar and planar graphs
Authors: Abd Aziz Noor A’lawiah , Jafari Rad Nader , Kamarulhaili Hailiza
Published: August 2022

In a graph, a vertex dominates itself and its neighbors. A subset S of vertices of a graph G is a double dominating set of G if S dominates every vertex of G at least twice. The double domination number γ×2(G) of G is the minimum cardinality of a double dominating set of G. In this paper, we prove that the double domination number of a maximal outerplanar graph G of order n is bounded above by n+k/2, where k is the number of pairs of consecutive vertices of degree two and with distance at least 3 on the outer cycle. We also prove that γ×2(G) ≤ 5n/8 for a Hamiltonian maximal planar graph G of order n ≥ 7.
Improving accuracy of wind speed forecasting
Authors: Ikenson Ben
Published: August 2022

Technique combines large-scale meteorological data with input from multiple modeling sites.
Silica-templated silver nanorods may lead to earlier disease diagnosis
Authors: Green Leigh Ann
Published: August 2022

Metal enhanced fluorescence boosts the sensitivity of biosensors.
One career, many pathways, no direction: the challenge facing Allied Health clinician researchers
Authors: Brandenburg Caitlin , Ward Elizabeth C.
Published: August 2022

Career pathways for Allied Health clinician researchers in Australia are currently underdeveloped. As these pathways are limited in structure, there are a wide variety of pathways that are ‘cobbled together’ by Allied Health professionals to combine clinical and research careers. This perspective piece summarises some of these pathways and discusses recommended improvements to create more streamlined career pathways, vital to Australia’s research and patient care excellence.
Two complementary features of humoral immune memory confer protection against the same or variant antigens
Authors: Van Beek Matthew , Nussenzweig Michel C. , Chakraborty Arup K.
Published: August 2022

The humoral immune response, a key arm of adaptive immunity, consists of B cells and their products. Upon infection or vaccination, B cells undergo a Darwinian evolutionary process in germinal centers (GCs), resulting in the production of antibodies and memory B cells. We developed a computational model to study how humoral memory is recalled upon reinfection or booster vaccination. We find that upon reexposure to the same antigen, affinity-dependent selective expansion of available memory B cells outside GCs (extragerminal center compartments [EGCs]) results in a rapid response made up of the best available antibodies. Memory B cells that enter secondary GCs can undergo mutation and selection to generate even more potent responses over time, enabling greater protection upon subsequent exposure to the same antigen. GCs also generate a diverse pool of B cells, some with low antigen affinity. These results are consistent with our analyses of data from humans vaccinated with two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. Our results further show that the diversity of memory B cells generated in GCs is critically important upon exposure to a variant antigen. Clones drawn from this diverse pool that cross-react with the variant are rapidly expanded in EGCs to provide the best protection possible while new secondary GCs generate a tailored response for the new variant. Based on a simple evolutionary model, we suggest that the complementary roles of EGC and GC processes we describe may have evolved in response to complex organisms being exposed to evolving pathogen families for millennia.
Comparing EMI university reading materials with students’ reading proficiency
Authors: Holzknecht Franz , Guggenbichler Elisa , Zehentner Matthias , Yoder Monique , Konrad Eva , Kremmel Benjamin
Published: August 2022

This study investigated to what extent the complexity of EMI university reading materials matches EMI students’ reading
proficiency. Text complexity and student proficiency were compared utilizing the Lexile® Framework for Reading text measures, reading test results, student questionnaire responses, and interviews with EMI lecturers. The results of the study
indicate that, on average, Lexile text measures of EMI reading materials match students’ Lexile reading scores well. However, the analyses
also show that there are wide disparities between texts in terms of difficulty and students in terms of proficiency. The questionnaire and
interview data show that factors such as students’ topical knowledge, text length, and text structure and organization are relevant aspects
of perceived text complexity beyond word frequency and sentence length. In terms of assessment practices in EMI contexts, the findings of
the study suggest that (1) EMI language admission tests should consider reading ability separately; (2) integrated reading/speaking and
reading/writing tasks should be authentic; (3) language tests for admission in EMI settings should also consider text length; and (4) texts in
language tests for admission should vary in terms of Lexile scores to reflect real-world EMI contexts.
Spanish-speaking individuals within the U.S. dairy industry: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Wagner B.K. , Garcia A. , Calvo-Lorenzo M. , Pairis-Garcia M.D.
Published: August 2022

Spanish-speaking caretakers currently serve, and will continue to function, in roles essential for the sustainability and long-term success of United States (U.S.) animal production industries. Specifically, Latinx individuals have stepped up to fill labor shortages in the U.S. dairy industry and an estimated 62% of the U.S. milk supply comes from farms that employ foreign-born labor. Multilingual working environments presents unique challenges and considerations for caretaker well-being and farm success. Farm infrastructure must work toward ensuring the health and safety of a diverse, multicultural, and multilingual workforce. This overview outlines the current role of Spanish-speaking individuals working in the U.S. dairy industry, identifies current challenges that must be thoughtfully addressed as the agricultural workforce continues to diversify, and highlights opportunities for improvement specific to this subpopulation.
Dehnen halo effect on a black hole in an ultra-faint dwarf galaxy
Authors: Pantig Reggie C. , Övgün Ali
Published: August 2022

There had been recent advancement toward the detection of ultra-faint dwarf galaxies, which may serve as a useful laboratory for dark matter exploration since some of them contains almost 99% of pure dark matter. The majority of these galaxies contain no black hole that inhabits them. Recently, there had been reports that some dwarf galaxies may have a black hole within. In this study, we construct a black hole solution combined with the Dehnen dark matter halo profile, which is commonly used for dwarf galaxies. We aim to find out whether there would be deviations relative to the standard black hole properties, which might allow determining whether the dark matter profile in an ultra-faint dwarf galaxy is cored or cuspy. To make the model more realistic, we applied the modified Newman-Janis prescription to obtain the rotating metric. We analyzed the black hole properties such as the event horizon, ergoregion, geodesics of time-like and null particles, and the black hole shadow. Using these observables, the results indicate the difficulty of distinguishing whether the dark matter is cored or cuspy. To find an observable that can potentially distinguish these two profiles, we also calculated the weak deflection angle to examine the effect of the Dehnen profile in finite distance and far approximation. Our results indicate that using the weak deflection angle is far better, in many orders of magnitude, in potentially differentiating these profiles. We conclude that although dwarf galaxies are dark matter-dominated places, the effect on the Dehnen profile is still dependent on the mass of the black hole, considering the method used herein.
Simulation and experimental investigation of a 6.6 ps passively mode-locked TEM00 Nd:YVO4/KTP green laser based on SESAM
Authors: Salimian Rizi S , Jandaghi M , Mohammadzaheri Z , Alipour S , Hajinia E , Javadidashkasan M , Nabavi H
Published: August 2022

The design, construction, and characterization of a diode-pumped SESAM mode-locked

TE

M

00

Nd:YV

O

4

green laser were reported. Based on the simulation results, the technical route for the construction and optimization of the resonator was determined. A KTP was used as the intracavity frequency doubling crystal. The maximum output average power at 532 nm was 500 mW with a repetition rate of 82 MHz at a pump power of 5 W. In addition, the measured and simulated beam quality was about

M
2

<
1.4

, indicating the single-mode operation of the laser. Moreover, the spectral characteristics of the laser at 1064 nm and 532 nm were analyzed. The time duration of the pulses at 1064 nm was about 9.4 ps. The theoretical calculations based on the time-bandwidth product evaluation method predicted the time duration of 6.6 ps for the pulses at 532 nm.
Phase dependent of electromagnetically induced grating in a quantum system
Authors: Kadhim Zainab Jawad , Alkaaby Hussein Humedy Chlib , Izzat Samar Emad , Adhab Ayat Hussein , Dawood Ashour H , Shams Marwah A , Kadhim Athmar Ali
Published: August 2022

In this letter, we theoretical investigated electromagnetically induced phase grating in a three-level quantum system. The quantum system interacts with two weak probe and signal lights and a strong coupling light. We show that in two different parametric conditions i.e. in electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) and Autler–Townes splitting (ATS) regimes, the probe and signal beams can be diffracted into the high-order directions. We realized that in the EIT regime, some of probe energy transfer from zero order to the high orders, while in ATS regime most of probe energy transfers to the high orders and small portion remain in the zero order.
A Numerical Study of Decarbonizing Marine Gas Turbine Emissions Through Ammonia/Hydrogen Fuel Blends
Authors: Medhat Moataz , Khalil Adel , Yehia Mohamed A
Published: August 2022

The employment of gas turbine in combination with diesel engines and steam generators is a well-known power generation technique in modern marines and ship propulsion. Previously, it rendered its foundations in marine industry through higher power weight ratios and lower NOx emissions if compared to pure diesel engine driven marines. As climate change concerns are becoming more serious, the decarbonization of marine combustion products is becoming of environmental concern. In the present study a modified design of the burner and combustor was suggested to allow for the longer residence time required for releasing the combustion products from the ‘slow’ burning ammonia molecule. Afterwards, the more formidable challenge of relatively higher NOx emissions was treated through analysis of the effect of altering the equivalence ratio, hydrogen blending, increasing the combustor working pressure and staging the combustion. The latest tactic resulted in lowering values of exit NOx to around 30 ppmv, which is a quite promising result.
Effect of 14.7 MeV Protons on Beryllium Micro Brush / Copper ITER First Wall using SRIM
Authors: Radwan S I , El-Khabeary H
Published: August 2022

Many simulations carried out on the first wall of ITER. Using SRIM program, the mean distance of 14.7 MeV protons produced from the fusion reaction in ITER which propagated parallel and perpendicular to the beryllium micro brush / copper first wall was calculated. Also, the backscattered ions and vacancies produced per incident proton was calculated. In this study, two simulations were used to show the effect of different numbers of protons incident at normal angle on this target and the other effect was the different incident angles of definite protons number. It was clear that by increasing the number of incident protons, all parameters were not changed except the number of backscattered ions. It was found that with increased the incident protons angle, the lateral projected range increased and reached 1.46 mm at 89° angle. Also, it was found that with increased the incident protons angle, the longitudinal range decreased and both the number of backscattered ions and vacancies have different change.
Improved treatment of home-made glow discharge ion source
Authors: Abdel Rahman M M , Abdel Salam F W , Soliman B A
Published: August 2022

For a better treatment, a new class of DC ion source (DCIS) was developed and adapted to provide low-power, highly-density plasma and ion-current applications. Such an ion source operates under the mode of abnormal glow discharge being of the self-extraction category, with specific features such as simple operation, stable discharge, and the ability to use for a variety of plasma, ion, and electron beam applications. A teflon disc with different diameters has been installed in between the two electrodes. This disc covered the cathode area, reducing the discharge area on the cathode surface for discharge confinement, and thus allowing for a higher output ion beam current. Pressures of 10−4 mbar, a 3 mm gap between the electrodes, and a 5 mm teflon diameter were observed to be the optimal operating conditions. At this ideal distance, hydrogen, nitrogen, and argon gases were used to investigate internal and external operational parameters. Finally, the Paschen curves were determined for hydrogen, air, as well as nitrogen gases.
Effective Hybridization of Biogeography Based Optimization and Simulated Annealing
Authors: Zahran E G , Arafa A A , Saleh H I , Dessouky M I
Published: August 2022

Since the optimization process constitutes a great step in solving complex real world problems, the development of novel optimization algorithms is one of the growing interest topics that attracted researchers in the recent decades. This paper presents the hybridization of bio-inspired Biogeography Based Optimization (BBO) algorithm and physics-inspired Simulated Annealing (SA) algorithm, into a new variant called BBO-SA. The proposed algorithm uses the concepts of the SA to enhance the diversity of BBO solutions which in turn improves the obtained solution. For validating the performance of BBO-SA, it is compared to that of BBO algorithm in solving a set of thirteen complex benchmark functions. Validation results prove the superior performance of the proposed BBO-SA algorithm over the BBO algorithm in solving complex function in terms of escaping from local optima and reaching near optimal solution in lower execution times. Besides, the proposed algorithm is applied to solve a very challenging problem denoted as the RFID Reader Deployment Problem (RRDP). Such problem can be solved by finding the optimal distribution of the RFID readers which fulfils the set of RFID planning objectives. A comparison is held between the BBO-SA algorithm and other optimization algorithms on a large RFID model. Simulation results verified the superiority of the algorithm over the compared ones for solving the RRDP with satisfying the deployment objectives.
Design and Simulation of Terahertz Apodized Bragg Grating Using Coplanar Stripline Transmission Line a 1 µm-thin Membrane
Authors: Gomaa Walid , Darcie Thomas
Published: August 2022

A guided-wave THz System-on-Chip THz System-on-Chip (TSoC) is emerging as an attractive alternative to the routine free-space THz systems to reduce physical bulk, propagation loss, pulse dispersion and cost of free-space THz systems. Recently, our research group succeeded in demonstrating a novel waveguided TSoC based on the coplanar stripline Coplanar Stripline (CPS) transmission lines on a 1 µm-thin Silicon Nitride membrane. The novelty of this membrane-based platform was bonding the transmitter and receiver directly on the transmission line to eliminate the radiation loss by the routine THz optics. Besides, the delicate thin-membrane dramatically reduces the dielectric loss of the platform which results in low-loss and low-dispersion THz-bandwidth pulses.

In this paper, we introduce the design, theoretical model and the simulation results of a novel THz Apodized Bragg Grating (TABG) based on a periodic reflection of consecutive different impedance sections of CPS transmission lines on the membrane platform. This structure was introduced based on theoretical modelling and the simulation results. The CPS-TABG consists of 20 λ/2-length cascaded sections. The central frequency of the bandstop filter was selected around 0.8 THz to avoid signal distortion of the received terahertz pulse.
Preliminary Study on Biethanol Production from Starchy Foodwastes by Immobilized Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Abdulla R , Matam N A A , Derman E , Sani S A , Jawan R , Sabullah M K
Published: August 2022

Dumping of food wastes into the landfill resulted in major environmental pollution. However, attempted had been made to develop these wastes into a new renewable and sustainable energy. Liquid biofuels, bioethanol can be produced from a variety of feedstock including biomass and food crops or wastes. Therefore, in this study, starchy food wastes of bread, rice and potatoes were utilized as a potential feedstock for the bioethanol production. Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was immobilized in 2% calcium alginate beads using entrapment technique. Then, the effect of temperature on bioethanol efficiency was investigated using the immobilized yeasts. From the result, highest fermentation efficiency of 1.24% was obtained at temperature 30°C, 48 h with agitation speed of 150 rpm. However, further research and studies are required in order to optimize the bioethanol production from fermentation process of starchy foodwastes.
Recompense the Color Loss for Underwater Image using Generalized Color Compensation (GCC) Technique
Authors: Yao D N L , Bade A , Waheed Z
Published: August 2022

The light absorption of the water medium often caused the underwater image enhancement to become challenging due to the loss in color channels where the red color vanished faster than others. The color loss often affected the underwater image quality especially having the color cast like greenish, bluish, and yellowish. Therefore, this paper introduced a Generalized Color Compensation (GCC) technique which will recompense the color loss based on maximum channel and then remove the color cast using the mean adjustment. For the experiments conducted, the GCC technique improved the image contrast successfully. The experiments showed that the proposed technique was able to remove the color cast effectively regardless of greenish, bluish, and yellowish and improve the underwater image quality.
Geochemical Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination in Coastal Sediment Cores from Usukan Beach, Kota Belud, Sabah, Malaysia
Authors: Ling S Y , Junaidi A , Mohd Harun A , Baba M
Published: August 2022

This article discussed on the status of heavy metals (As, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) pollution in coastal sediment cores and assess the sediment quality from Usukan Beach, Kota Belud. Several geochemical parameter analyses such as pH, moisture content (MC), organic matter (OM) and granulometric size were performed to identify the physico-chemical properties of sediments that affect the assessment of metal pollution. Heavy metals in the sediment samples were extracted using aqua regia methods and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) were employed for determination of heavy metals in extracted sediment solutions. The results show that the coastal sediment changes from acidic to alkaline when heading from inland to seaward direction, with an average pH of 5.6-8.5. The moisture content and organic matter fluctuate from low to moderately high, within the range of 4.9-21.9% and 0.30-6.73%, respectively. The coastal sediments are dominated by a sandy texture near the marine environment and change to sandy loam and sandy clay loam when heading toward the inland. The hierarchical average metal concentration shows Fe>Mn>Ni>Cr>Zn>Cu>Pb>As. Sediment quality assessment is evaluated based on the sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) and from the pollution indices such as geoaccumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF), modified degree of contamination (mCd) and pollution load index (PLI). The results indicated the sediment has only low degree of contamination by anthropogenic sources and the current status of the study area is safe from pollution.
Comparative study on the growth and yield of Sabah corn cultivars planted on 25% dairy farm effluent compost and 75% Silabukan soil
Authors: Calley D Y , Lum M S
Published: August 2022

Environmentally friendly soil amendments are becoming increasingly popular currently. This experiment was conducted in the insect-proof rain shelter from 15th August until 1st December 2020. This study compares the growth and yield of five local corn cultivars collected in Sabah; Jagung Kuning Ranau, Jagung Kampung Telupid, Jagung Pulut Telupid, Jagung Manis Telupid, and Jagung Manis Sandakan, planted on the same planting medium consisting of 25% dairy farm effluent (DFE) compost and 75% Silabukan soil. The experiment was laid in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with five replications. Corn cultivars had a significant influence (p<0.05) on all growth and yield parameters except for flag leaf width and the number of cobs per plant. Jagung Manis Telupid (C4) outperformed other cultivars in plant height (296.5 cm) and the number of leaves per plant (13.75). The highest flag leaf length (67.67 cm) was recorded by Jagung Kampung Telupid (C2). In comparison, Jagung Manis Sandakan (C5) had the highest cob length (16.24 cm), cob diameter (38 mm) and cob weight (106.63 g). Therefore, planting Jagung Manis Telupid (C4) is highly recommended for silage purposes, while Jagung Manis Sandakan (C5) for its cob yields. Further study in the open field is suggested as the growth and yield performance might be different due to other variables.
Vegetative-phase Growth Performance of rice (Oryza sativa L.) Cultivated Using Hydroponic System
Authors: Bidin K , Ahmad A H , Cleophas F , Kamu A , Lum M S
Published: August 2022

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the most important staple food for many countries including Malaysia. But the country is still relying on the import to meet its domestic demand. Though significant public resources allocated for the rice industry, rice cultivation is still perceived to be uneconomical and associated with poverty. Therefore, a hydroponic system is seen as an alternative rice cultivation system that possibly be able to overcome common problems encountered in conventional and traditional paddy cultivation such as irrigation systems, limited cultivation area, control of nutrient inputs, control of pests, and loss of community interest particularly the new generation towards paddy cultivation. This net house study which one of the objectives was conducted to examine the vegetative growth of two local rice varieties under hydroponic condition. The experiment was a split plot design with nutrient solution concentration as the main plot, and the subplot is a local rice variety consisting of low land variety TQR-8 Sri Aman and upland rice variety called as ‘Tadong’. Each treatment was replicated in four plants or pots. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to determine the effect of nutrient solution concentration and variety on rice growth cultivated using hydroponic system. The results revealed that the hydroponically grown rice of TQR-8 Sri Aman has greater tillering ability compared to Tadong for both NCSs. On the other hand, Tadong variety showed higher plant height than TQR-8 Sri Aman grown under hydroponic system. In addition, interaction of variety and nutrient solution concentration was significantly difference on tiller number and plant height. Further analysis should be conducted to evaluate the yield and feasible of the rice grown using hydroponic system.
How do El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) Events Impact Fish Catch in Sarawak Water?
Authors: Kemarau Ricky Anak , Valentine Eboy Oliver
Published: August 2022

The response of chlorophyll to climate variability plays an important role in regulating the regional marine ecological environment and carbon cycle. This study focuses on the impact of changes in chlorophyll on the catches of deep-water fish and offshore fish. The chlorophyll factors from satellite image MODIS were analysed during La Niña in 2008/2011 and El Niño in 2015/2016. Remote sensing reflectance’s 443 nanometres and 555 nanometres were utilized to examine the bias of the chlorophyll concentration, Thus the higher phytoplankton absorption coefficient at 443, and backscattering coefficient for dissolved and detrital material stated the more phytoplankton biomass and higher suspended sediment concentration. The results found that the fish catch during El Niño is higher at 295572 metric tons compared to during La Niña which is 255783 metric tons. The El Niño event was found to have experienced an increase in catch of 29789 metric tons. This is due to the influence of the change in the mean value of the concentration in the study area of 0.31 mg-3 during La Niña compared to during El Niño 0.4 m mg-3. A decrease in the average value concentration of -0.09 mg-3 resulted in a decrease in the number of catches. In addition, the maximum value of chlorophyll concentration was also found to be high during El Niño which is 22 m mg-3 compared to during La Niña which is 18 m mg-3. The high distribution of chlorophyll-a is in the coastal areas of Sarawak, which explains why the coastal fish catches are higher than in the deep sea. It is concluded that the distribution of chlorophyll concentration is different during the occurrence of ENSO. This may result in different fishing rates in the study area. Remote sensing technology successfully explains why fish catches during El Niño are higher than during La Niña based on different chlorophyll dispersions. The provision of information in this space is very important to fishermen to reduce operating costs.
The Effect of Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) Concentration on Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (OPEFB) Cellulose Yield
Authors: Sayakulu N F , Soloi S
Published: August 2022

Cellulose is one of the renewable resources and has become a core target among researchers in recent times to make sustainable biopolymer-based materials. The extraction of cellulose from oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) by using 4%-13% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and undergoes bleaching process with 1.7% sodium chlorite solutions (NaOCl) has been done in this study. The maximum yield of cellulose (89.78%) was obtained with 4% NaOH. The effectiveness of NaOH treatment to obtain the cellulose was reflected in Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis where the frequency of the C=C aromatic group of lignin resonated around 1600 cm−1 to 1590 cm−1 has been reduced in alkali treatment and disappeared after the bleaching treatment. Meanwhile, the peak for -OH group of cellulose and the -CH methylene group was observed at around 3330 cm−1 and 2900 cm−1 respectively. It was found that increasing the NaOH concentration increased the yield of cellulose to some extent.
Effect of soil physical properties on soil infiltration rates
Authors: Cleophas F , Isidore F , Musta B , Mohd Ali B N , Mahali M , Zahari N Z , Bidin K
Published: August 2022

The physical properties of the soil are studied to understand the influence of soil properties on infiltration rate. The effect of soil physical properties on infiltration rates on logged-over forests was measured with a mini-disk infiltrometer across various levels of soil disturbances. Results of soil analysis suggest are mostly loamy texture and the bulk density has varied from 0.74 - 1.02 g cm−3, respectively. The basic infiltration rate has varied from a minimum of 0.61 mmhr−1 to a maximum of 45.22 mmhr−1 with an average of 3.81 mmhr−1. The results of simple regression analyses showed that there was little association between the physical properties of the soil and the infiltration rate. This study suggests that the high variation of infiltration rate in this study site is attributed to the high spatial variability of soil properties.
Enzyme inhibition-based biosensors using Acetylcholinesterase from Monopterus albus for detection of carbamates contamination
Authors: Khalidi S A M , Sabullah M K , Gansau J A , Faik A A M , Sani S A , Jawan R , Hamdan D D M , Shukor M Y
Published: August 2022

Insecticides are an example of an environmental contaminant that can cause harmful effects on various types of organisms. Implementation of continuous monitoring program is needed to ensure the level of contamination can be controlled. In this present study, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) from the brain of Monopterus albus was elucidated to determine the potential alternative source of biosensor kit, which is sensitive towards various insecticides, especially carbamates. AChE from M. albus brain was extracted and purified through ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by procainamide-based affinity chromatography. Carbamate insecticides were used, such as bendiocarb, carbaryl, carbofuran, methomyl, and propoxur, to test their ability to inhibit AChE activity. Bendiocarb and methomyl show the capability to inhibit almost half of the enzyme activity at 51.05 and 51.20 %, respectively, while carbaryl, propoxur, and carbofuran inhibit 43.03, 42.80, and 15.06 %, respectively. Bendiocarb and methomyl were selected, and M. albus AChE was separately exposed with different concentrations of those carbamates and half maximal inhibitory concentration; IC50 was determined at 0.874 and 1.639 ppm, respectively. A field trial was conducted by testing the enzyme with various vegetable samples. All samples show no significant effect on AChE activity, meaning there was no existence of insecticides in each sample (p > 0.05). This study could be used as an alternative source for developing biosensor kits for the environmental monitoring program.