bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the compressive strength of glass powder-based cement mortar subjected to the acidic environment using testing and modeling approaches
Authors: Alfaiad Majdi Ameen , Khan Kaffayatullah , Ahmad Waqas , Amin Muhammad Nasir , Deifalla Ahmed Farouk , A. Ghamry Nivin
Published: April 2023

This study conducted experimental and machine learning (ML) modeling approaches to investigate the impact of using recycled glass powder in cement mortar in an acidic environment. Mortar samples were prepared by partially replacing cement and sand with glass powder at various percentages (from 0% to 15%, in 2.5% increments), which were immersed in a 5% sulphuric acid solution. Compressive strength (CS) tests were conducted before and after the acid attack for each mix. To create ML-based prediction models, such as bagging regressor and random forest, for the CS prediction following the acid attack, the dataset produced through testing methods was utilized. The test results indicated that the CS loss of the cement mortar might be reduced by utilizing glass powder. For maximum resistance to acidic conditions, the optimum proportion of glass powder was noted to be 10% as cement, which restricted the CS loss to 5.54%, and 15% as a sand replacement, which restricted the CS loss to 4.48%, compared to the same mix poured in plain water. The built ML models also agreed well with the test findings and could be utilized to calculate the CS of cementitious composites incorporating glass powder after the acid attack. On the basis of the R2 value (random forest: 0.97 and bagging regressor: 0.96), the variance between tests and forecasted results, and errors assessment, it was found that the performance of both the bagging regressor and random forest models was similarly accurate.
Prevalence and risk factors of underweight among under-5 children in Bangladesh: Evidence from a countrywide cross-sectional study
Authors: Hossain Md. Moyazzem , Abdulla Faruq , Rahman Azizur
Published: April 2023

Background

Underweight is one of the important anthropometric components of malnutrition among under-five children and is a major public health concern in Bangladesh because it contributes to mortality as well as morbidity. In designing suitable health programs and policies with the goal of attaining UN SDG Goals, it is necessary to identify the critical risk factors of under-five malnutrition. It is evident that the quantile regression produces robust estimates in the presence of outliers. However, in the context of Bangladesh, no study has been conducted considering the sequential quantile regression on this topic. Therefore, the authors aimed to find the determinants of underweight among under-5 children in Bangladesh considering the latest country representative dataset.

Methods and materials

The paper considers a weighted sample of size 7762 children are used and data were extracted from the latest Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2017–18 data. Multivariable simultaneous quantile regression models were used to fulfill the objectives of this study.

Results

Findings depict that undernutrition affects the majority of children in the population as compared to the reference population. The WAZ-score of the child increases by 0.202 points at the 10th quantile of the conditional distribution, and by 0.565 points at the 90th quantile as we move from children of underweight to overweight women. Moreover, the WAZ scores of children from the richest families in the 10th, 50th, and 75th quantiles, respectively, are increased by 0.171, 0.016, and 0.084 points.

Conclusion

Quantile regression revealed the results of several socioeconomic and demographic factors acting differently across the WAZ distribution. Therefore, policymakers may consider the identified risk factors to lessen malnutrition among under-5 children in Bangladesh.
Comparison of antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance between a community hospital and tertiary care hospital for evaluation of the antimicrobial stewardship program in Japan
Authors: Morosawa Mika , Ueda Takashi , Nakajima Kazuhiko , Inoue Tomoko , Toyama Masanobu , Ogasiwa Hitoshi , Doi Miki , Nozaki Yasuhiro , Murakami Yasushi , Ishii Makoto , Takesue Yoshio
Published: April 2023

Assessment of risk-adjusted antibiotic use (AU) is recommended to evaluate antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs). We aimed to compare the amount and diversity of AU and antimicrobial susceptibility of nosocomial isolates between a 266-bed community hospital (CH) and a 963-bed tertiary care hospital (TCH) in Japan. The days of therapy/100 bed days (DOT) was measured for four classes of broad-spectrum antibiotics predominantly used for hospital-onset infections. The diversity of AU was evaluated using the modified antibiotic heterogeneity index (AHI). With 10% relative DOT for fluoroquinolones and 30% for each of the remaining three classes, the modified AHI equals 1. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was defined as resistance to ≥ 3 anti-Pseudomonas antibiotic classes. The DOT was significantly higher in the TCH than in the CH (10.85 ± 1.32 vs. 3.89 ± 0.93, p < 0.001). For risk-adjusted AU, the DOT was 6.90 ± 1.50 for acute-phase medical wards in the CH, and 8.35 ± 1.05 in the TCH excluding the hematology department. In contrast, the DOT of antibiotics for community-acquired infections was higher in the CH than that in the TCH. As quality assessment of AU, higher modified AHI was observed in the TCH than in the CH (0.832 ± 0.044 vs. 0.721 ± 0.106, p = 0.003), indicating more diverse use in the TCH. The MDR rate in gram-negative rods was 5.1% in the TCH and 3.4% in the CH (p = 0.453). No significant difference was demonstrated in the MDR rate for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacteriaceae species between hospitals. Broad-spectrum antibiotics were used differently in the TCH and CH. However, an increased antibiotic burden in the TCH did not cause poor susceptibility, possibly because of diversified AU. Considering the different patient populations, benchmarking AU according to the facility type is promising for inter-hospital comparisons of ASPs.
Self-managed physical activity in breast cancer survivors: A scoping review
Authors: Bò Maria Chiara , Merlo Andrea , Ligabue Maria Bernadette , Bassi Maria Chiara , Lusuardi Mirco , Campanini Isabella
Published: April 2023

Objective

Breast cancer survivors (BCS) experience many issues of rehabilitative concern due to the treatments they have undergone. Given the chronicity of these outcomes, the increasing number of survivors, and the positive results obtained by supervised exercise, professionals should consider offering self-managed physical activity (PA) programs to this population. Our aim was to map the currently available evidence about self-care rehabilitation for BCS.

Methods

Medline, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases were searched for primary literature. Scoping review methodological frameworks were used to tackle the heterogeneity of the topic. Studies investigating self-managed PA interventions prescribed to adult BCS were included.

Results

One hundred-eight studies were included, with sample sizes ranging from 6 to 692 patients. Information was systematically collected in tables displaying study design, type of PA, duration and recommended frequency, professional leading the study, type of supervision, initial training, strategies used to help patients integrate self-care into their daily lives, and self-managed PA efficacy. Tables were produced for every oncological side effect that BCS might experience: lymphedema, arthralgia, cancer-related fatigue, a decline in physical parameters, treatment-related cardiotoxicity, peripheral neurotoxicity, and a possible decline in the quality of life.

Conclusions

Self-managed PA has the potential to improve BCS oncological issues. Professionals can adopt many strategies to support patients and empower them with long-lasting self-care competencies. This scoping review provided a comprehensive and easy-to-consult overview of self-managed PA interventions for BCS. We also provided recommendations for future primary studies and secondary synthesis.
Barang-Barang, Erika Tan
Authors: Reynolds Lucy
Published: April 2023

Review of: Barang-Barang, Erika Tan

Stanley Picker Gallery, Kingston University, London, 17 February–9 April 2022
Incidentalomas en glándulas parótidas detectados mediante PET/TC con 18F-FDG. Revisión bibliográfica y metanálisis
Authors: Melgar-Martín Sandra , Pardal-Refoyo José Luis , Tamayo-Alonso María Pilar
Published: April 2023

Introducción y objetivo: Los incidentalomas parotídeos detectados mediante PET/TC con 18F-FDG de cuerpo entero se definen como focos hipermetabólicos incidentales e imprevistos presentes en las glándulas parótidas, en ausencia de lesión parotídea conocida, descubiertos al realizar una PET/TC por cualquier otra causa. EL objetivo principal de este estudio es eterminar la prevalencia de incidentalomas parotídeos en pacientes a los que se realizó una PET/TC con 18F-FDG corporal por cualquier otra causa. Método: Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática en las bases de datos PubMed, WoS y EMBASE, así como otras fuentes de datos, de artículos que incluían series retrospectivas de pacientes sometidos a PET/TC18F-FDG de cuerpo entero por otra causa y que presentaban captaciones incidentales en parótida. Se realizó estudio descriptivo de las variables recogidas de la muestra. Se realizó metanálisis para evaluar la prevalencia de captaciones parotídeas incidentales en toda la muestra. Resultados: Se seleccionaron 20 artículos que cumplían criterios de inclusión para estudio cualitativo; de los cuales se realizó estudio cuantitativo de 19. Los estudios suman un total de 151603 pacientes en los que se realizaron 154441 PET/TC 18F-FDG. En 859 pacientes (0,57% de los pacientes, IC 95% 0.53, 0.61%) hubo al menos una captación incidental en las glándulas parótidas. De los 859 pacientes iniciales, se estudiaron 537 pacientes, en los que se registró un total de 560 captaciones de 18F-FDG en las glándulas parótidas (0,36% de las exploraciones, IC 95% 0.34, 0.39%); el resto de los pacientes no pudieron ser estudiados por diferentes causas. Respecto a la distribución de las captaciones, fueron más frecuentes las captaciones únicas focales (82,7%, IC 95% 79.3, 85.6%) y las captaciones unilaterales (93,6%, IC 95% 91.2, 95.3%). La mayoría de los estudios histológicos resultaron benignos (50,4%, IC 95% 46.2, 54.5%). Según este estudio, el valor medio del SUVmax no es útil para diferenciar captaciones malignas de benignas ni de captaciones no tumorales. Según el metanálisis, la prevalencia de pacientes con al menos una captación incidental, respecto del total de exploraciones PET/TC 18F-FDG realizadas, es de 0,96% (IC 95% 0.005, 0.014%). Conclusiones: La prevalencia de incidentalomas parotídeos en pacientes en los que se realizó una PET/TC con 18F-FDG corporal por cualquier otra causa, excluyendo los tumores primarios de parótida, es de 0,96%.
Clinical field trial of parenteral amoxicillin for the treatment of clinical and subclinical mastitis in smallholder dairy farms in the upper region of Northern Thailand
Authors: Pangprasit Noppason , Srithanasuwan Anyaphat , Intanon Montira , Suriyasathaporn Witaya , Chaisri Wasana
Published: April 2023

Background and Aim: Mastitis, primarily caused by intramammary bacterial infection, is the most expensive disease in the global dairy industry due to its negative impact on milk composition and manufacturing properties. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of parenteral amoxicillin in the treatment of clinical and subclinical mastitis in smallholder dairy farms in Northern Thailand.

Materials and Methods: A total of 51 cows with clinical and subclinical mastitis from dairy cooperatives in Lamphun and Chiang Mai provinces, Northern Thailand, were enrolled in this study. Conventional bacteriological procedures were applied to identify the causative bacteria in milk samples from these cows before and 7 days after treatment, and antibiotic susceptibility tests were conducted using the disk diffusion method for all bacteria isolated before treatment. All cows with mastitis were administered 15 mg/kg of amoxicillin (LONGAMOX®, Syva Laboratories SA, Spain) intramuscularly every other day for 3 days.

Results: Environmental streptococcal bacteria (Streptococcus uberis and Streptococcus spp.) were commonly isolated from infected quarters and were highly susceptible to amoxicillin (100%). The clinical efficacy of amoxicillin treatment for clinical mastitis cases was 80.43%, and the bacteriological efficacy was 47.82%, with opportunistic staphylococcal bacteria (coagulase-negative staphylococci) and contagious streptococcal bacteria (Streptococcus agalactiae) being the most sensitive microorganisms (100%). In subclinical mastitis cases, the bacteriological efficacy of parenteral amoxicillin was 70.45%, with environmental streptococcal bacteria (S. uberis) being the most (100%) sensitive microorganisms.

Conclusion: Amoxicillin is highly efficacious and can be used to treat clinical and subclinical mastitis in dairy cows, particularly mastitis caused by environmental Streptococcus spp. These findings could be used to guide treatment regimens in veterinary practice in smallholder dairy farms in Thailand.

Keywords: bacteriological cure, clinical cure, dairy cow, mastitis, parenteral amoxicillin.
Os efeitos prosódicos do uso da máscara de pano na leitura de uma narrativa
Authors: Benevides Aline de Lima
Published: April 2023

O presente trabalho investiga se o uso de máscara de pano pode afetar parâmetros prosódicos por meio de tarefas de leitura de uma narrativa e, ainda, se tais mudanças se assemelham a disfarces de voz, como os utilizados por indivíduos em prática forense. Contrastaram-se, para tanto, três condições experimentais: leitura normal (condição controle), leitura com máscara e leitura com lápis, produzidas por quatro falantes nativos do PB, em um estudo piloto. Analisaram-se os seguintes parâmetros: taxa de elocução, taxa de articulação, pausas, duração das unidades V-V (BARBOSA, 2019), grupos acentuais e tons. Os resultados desta pesquisa mostram que as unidades V-V, o as pausas e o grupo acentual são os parâmetros prosódicos afetados pelo uso da máscara de pano. Além disso, observou-se que a leitura com máscara não apresenta comportamento similar à leitura com lápis, tampouco a leitura normal. Ao contrário, a leitura com máscara expõe comportamentos intermediários. Desse modo, estudos linguísticos que incidam sobre aspectos prosódicos devem considerar a máscara também como um disfarce de voz, uma vez que ela parece alterar alguns parâmetros prosódicos.
Are Scholars’ Wages Correlated with their Human Capital?
Authors: De la Croix David , Docquier Frédéric , Fabre Alice , Stelter Robert
Published: April 2023

Throughout our project on premodern academia, we use a heuristic human capital index to measure each scholar’s quality. This index is built by combining several statistics from individual Wikipedia and Worldcat pages. The question we address here is whether this measure is correlated with the actual wages professors received. This note is a technical appendix to our paper on the academic market (De la Croix et al. 2020) but also has an interest as a stand-alone publication.

There is considerable evidence that compensations for academic contractswentwell beyond paid salaries.1 They included payments from students, prebends,2 and many forms of in-kind benefits. Yet, it is interesting to examine the relationship between scholars’ human capital and existing data on monetary remunerations. Such remunerations have been used by Dittmar (2019) to show that professor salaries increased significantly relative to skilled wages after printing spread, with science professors benefiting from the largest salary increases. In the two sections below, we first review the available data on salaries, and argue that such data are imperfect proxies for the overall remuneration for academic services (i.e. a scholar’s market value). Keeping in mind such limitations, we thendocument a positive correlation between monetary income and scholars’ human capital.
SAÚDE OCUPACIONAL E SEGURANÇA NO CONTEXTO DE ATUAÇÃO DO PROFISSIONAL FARMACÊUTICO: REVISÃO DE ESCOPO
Authors: Silva Augusto Santana Palma , Silva Sheila Torres Feitosa , Valotta Luis Alberto
Published: April 2023

Ao profissional farmacêutico é permitida, respeitadas as atividades afins às demais profissões, a sistematização de ações voltadas à Saúde Ocupacional e Segurança. Tais ações devem considerar as evidências disponíveis que permitam (re)discussões envolvendo processos de tomada de decisão, por sua vez passíveis de sumarização na forma de estudos de mapeamento sistemático da literatura. A atual literatura científica disponível não contempla estudos desta natureza envolvendo a temática da Saúde  Ocupacional e Segurança no contexto de atuação farmacêutica. Objetivou-se, via revisão de escopo, a identificação da literatura científica disponível sobre a temática. O estudo adotou as recomendações do Instituto Joanna Briggs, bem como o frame work (composto por cinco dimensões) proposto por Kaynak e colaboradores. Após buscas em 10 bancos de dados (incluindo literatura cinzenta) (envolvendo 24 estratégias e três idiomas distintos) e aplicação dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão, oito manuscritos foram incluídos, todos conduzidos por pesquisadores não brasileiros. Dois dentre os 10 campos de atuação profissional (Farmácia e Farmácia Industrial) foram identificados, e a dimensão Prevenção de Riscos fora a mais identificada ao longo dos manuscritos, estando presente em quatro dos manuscritos recuperados. As evidências orientam para a necessidade de condução de abordagens investigativas voltadas à complementação do  corpus de evidência apresentado, em sintonia à valoração dos colaboradores enquanto agentes corresponsáveis e promotores da saúde em contextos laborais.
Challenges to smallholder forestry policy reform on a postindustrial logging frontier: lessons from the Amazon estuary
Authors: Cromberg M. , Cronkleton P. , Menton M. , Sears R.R.
Published: April 2023

In 2013, policy makers from the Brazilian State of Amapá launched regulatory reforms intended to streamline options to formalize smallholder forest management. This paper reviews that policy reform process and analyses observations from local stakeholders to identify lessons
for the promotion of smallholder forestry. In 2014, 2017 and 2021, interviews were conducted with family timber producers and sawmill operators in floodplain communities and regional timber buyers to evaluate the impact of the policy reform on their operations. Interviews with policy makers
sought to understand the rationale behind the reform and how the process played out. Although the r eform efforts were well intentioned, results illustrate how bureaucratic inertia and complexity obstructed efforts to simplify policy and how policy did not address smallholder needs. While
the reforms did not have the intended effect, the case offers lessons for future policy reform efforts.
Kinetics and ability of binding antibody and surrogate virus neutralization tests to predict neutralizing antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant following BNT162b2 booster administration
Authors: Simon Germain , Favresse Julien , Gillot Constant , Closset Mélanie , Catry Émilie , Dogné Jean-Michel , Douxfils Jonathan , Wieërs Grégoire , Bayart Jean-Louis
Published: April 2023

Objectives

To assess the long-term humoral immunity induced by booster administration, as well as the ability of binding antibody and surrogate virus neutralization tests (sVNT) to predict neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) against the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant.

Methods

A total of 269 sera samples were analyzed from 64 healthcare workers who had received a homologous booster dose of BNT162b2. Neutralizing antibodies assessed by sVNT and anti-RBD IgG measured with the sCOVG assay (Siemens Healthineers®) were analyzed at five timepoints; before and up to 6 months following the booster. Antibody titers were correlated with neutralizing antibodies against the Omicron BA.1 variant obtained by pseudovirus neutralization test (pVNT) as a reference method.

Results

While Wild-type sVNT percentage of inhibition (POI) remained above 98.6% throughout the follow-up period after booster administration, anti-RBD IgG and NAbs assessed by Omicron BA.1 pVNT showed respectively a 3.4-fold and 13.3-fold decrease after 6 months compared to the peak reached at day 14. NAbs assessed by Omicron sVNT followed a steady decline until reaching a POI of 53.4%. Anti-RBD IgG and Omicron sVNT assays were strongly correlated (r=0.90) and performed similarly to predict the presence of neutralizing antibodies with Omicron pVNT (area under the ROC: 0.82 for both assays). In addition, new adapted cut-off values of anti-RBD IgG (>1,276 BAU/mL) and Omicron sVNT (POI>46.6%) were found to be better predictors of neutralizing activity.

Conclusions

This study showed a significant drop in humoral immunity 6 months after booster administration. Anti-RBD IgG and Omicron sVNT assays were highly correlated and could predict neutralizing activity with moderate performance.
Synergistic improvement to dimensional stability of Populus cathay
ana via hemicellulose removal/alkali lignin impregnation
Authors: Yang Meng , Zhang Runhua , Ma Erni
Published: April 2023

Poor dimensional stability restricts the commercial utilization of fast-growing wood. In this study, fast-growing poplar (Populus cathayana) was treated by removing hemicellulose with hydrothermal treatment and impregnating alkali lignin via full-cell process, synergistically, for enhanced dimensional stability. After modification, hydroxyl groups were reduced in hemicellulose removed wood (DHC), alkali lignin was observed to fill in the cell lumens of vessels and wood fibers in the impregnated wood (AL) and in the wood modified by hemicellulose removal with alkali lignin impregnation (DHCAL). Compared with untreated wood, the volumetric swelling ratio of DHC and AL decreased by 11 % and 21 % under relative humidity (RH) of 89 %, respectively. The volumetric swelling ratio of DHCAL decreased by over 50 %, indicating a positive synergistic effect. The combination of hemicellulose removal and alkali lignin impregnation treatment improved the dimensional stability of wood significantly by reconstructing wood chemical components with various levels of hygroscopicity. This work could meaningfully contribute to the efficient utilization of fast-growing wood and promote the added value of industrial alkali lignin.
Coexistence of quantum key distribution and optical communication with amplifiers over multicore fiber
Authors: Kong Weiwen , Sun Yongmei , Gao Yaoxian , Ji Yuefeng
Published: April 2023

In this paper, the influence of classical signals on quantum key distribution (QKD) is studied over multi-core fiber (MCF) when optical amplifiers exist. Firstly, the long-distance simultaneous transmission architectures of QKD and classical signals are proposed based on advanced asymmetric sending or not sending QKD (SNS-QKD) and classical Bennett–Brassard 1984-QKD (BB84-QKD), and the segment length between optical amplifiers can be adjusted according to requirement. Then, theoretical models of spontaneous Raman scattering noise and four-wave mixing noise are established based on the proposed architectures. Next, the calculation models of the secure key rate under the influence of noises from classical signals are derived. Finally, the experimental results show that the theoretical models match well with the experimental photons, and the maximum difference between experimental and simulated noise photons is less than 2.6 dB. Simulation results show that the performance of asymmetric SNS-QKD is better than that of BB84-QKD architecture when classical signals and quantum signals are transmitted in different cores of MCF.
Hybridization of surface lattice modes: towards plasmonic metasurfaces with high flexible tunability
Authors: Braïk Macilia , Geronimi-Jourdain Théo , Lau-Truong Stéphanie , Belkhir Abderrahmane , Gam-Derouich Sarra , Chevillot-Biraud Alexandre , Mangeney Claire , Félidj Nordin
Published: April 2023

When assembled in periodic arrangements, metallic nanostructures (NSs) support plasmonic surface lattice (SL) resonances resulting from long-range interactions these surface lattice resonances differ radically from localized surface plasmon (LSP). Similarly to the hybridization of LSP resonances, observed in short-range interactions, we demonstrate the possibility to generate a hybridization of surface lattice (SL) plasmon resonances, by the excitation of grazing order diffraction within the metasurface. This hybridization leads to the emergence of bonding and anti-bonding modes. If hybridization of LSP modes has been widely described in recent literature, there is still no experimental proof-of-concept reporting such hybridization with SL plasmon resonances. We fill this gap in the present paper by considering surfaces made of binary arrays with unit cells made of two gold disks of distinct diameters. We demonstrate the possibility to maximize or cancel the interaction between the hybridized SL resonances by simply controlling the distance between particles. All our experimental results are supported by FDTD calculations. The hybridization of SL modes results in much richer hybridization scenario in terms of wavelength and quality factor control, compared to a hybridization of LSP in a short-range configuration. It offers unprecedented opportunities to generate innovative optical devices, with high flexible tunability.
Modelling the Impact of Climate Change on the Flow Regime and Channel Planform Evolution of the Lower Drava River
Authors:   UNICEF, Division of Data, Analytics, Planning and Monitoring, Gashi Nazim , Czigány Szabolcs ,   University of Pécs, Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Geography and Earth Sciences, Department of Physical and Environmental Geography, Pirkhoffer Ervin ,   University of Pécs, Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Geography and Earth Sciences, Department of Physical and Environmental Geography, Kiss Kinga ,   University of Pécs, Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Geography and Earth Sciences, Department of Cartography and Geoinformatics
Published: April 2023

Climate change is expected to have a significant impact on changing the flow regime of the lower Drava River. Four flume experiments were run to see how stabilized, increased and decreased flow and the occurrence of a series of floods affect channel planform evolution. Constant discharge produced alternate bars that subsequently merged into bigger bedforms, bedform migration, and a higher sinuosity of the channel. While merging and migration of bedforms may happen in the lower reaches of Drava, its sinuosity is unchanged due to river regulation. Reduced flow initiated transition from a braided to incised single-thread planform, with the formation of dormant channels. Drava already has a single-thread planform (because of dikes) and, in cases of flow reduction, will have the remnant of inactive channels. Increased discharge showed greater erosion and reworking of channel banks, a decrease of sinuosity ratio and active high bluff zones. On Drava sinuosity ratio is more difficult to change because of levees, but erosion, reworking of banks, and increased high bluff risks are possible. Floods simulation generated the construction of an anabranching planform alongside the incised main channel with terraces along banks (active during floods), bars, alluvial islands, and side channels (active during low flows). On the lower Drava River, this situation correlates with past floods.
Impact of Addition of Fly Ash (as Sand Replacement) and Polypropylene Fibers on Energy Absorption Characteristics of Foam Concrete
Authors: Gandhi Indu Siva Ranjani , Boddepalli Uday , Bisht Reena , Wagh Chandrashekhar
Published: April 2023

Foam concrete has recently piqued the interest of defense engineering because of its innovative properties of absorbing energy, softening impact, exhausting oscillation, and lowering stress amplitude behavior. However, only a few investigations on foam concrete’s mechanistic behavior and energy absorption properties have been published. This study examines the effects of adding fly ash (sand replacement) and polypropylene fibers to foam concrete with design densities of 1,000 and 1,500 kg/m3 on fresh state features (stability and consistency), mechanical properties, and energy absorption capacities. The consistency of foam concrete increases with the addition of foam and fly ash, but the inclusion of fibers has a significant impact. Though the addition of fibers reduced the compressive strength of foam concrete, the bonding of fibers with the matrix is strengthened in fly ash–based mixes, resulting in increased strength, showing the synergistic effect. An improvised low-velocity drop-weight impact test is carried out on foam concrete target slabs produced with various mix compositions to investigate the impact mitigation properties of foam concrete under impact loading. The energy absorption capacity of different mixtures of foam concrete specimens is found to vary between 0.3 and 1.18 J using the conservation of energy law and assuming no energy losses. Because of the availability of sufficient bubble space for crushed debris and the better impact resistance provided by the fibers, mixes with more air and fibers displayed relatively more energy absorption. To examine the mixes based on the local area effect of impact loading, observations on both energy absorption and failure mechanism are carried out.
LOW-FAT COOKIES WITH CHLORELLA VULGARIS: EFFECTS ON DOUGH RHEOLOGY, PHYSICAL, TEXTURAL AND SENSORY PROPERTIES OF COOKIES
Authors: DÜNDAR Ayşe Neslihan , ŞAHİN Oya Irmak , SARICAOĞLU Furkan Türker
Published: April 2023

Microalgae are an enormous biomass used for fortification in foods that represent a promising source of protein. Enrichment of baked foods with microalgae is a challenge for its textural and structural impacts. In this study, dough rheology, physical, textural and sensorial properties of low-fat cookies with Chlorella vulgaris at various concentration (0.5, 1.5 and 3.0 %) were evaluated. Dry matter (93.20 to 94.89, %), protein (5.55 to 7.08, %), ash (0.47 to 0.55, %) and fat (12.35 to 13.37, %) contents of cookies were significantly increased with increasing microalgae concentration, whereas carbohydrate amount did not change significantly. The creep parameters, recovery behavior and viscoelasticity were increased with the addition of Chlorella biomass where results clearly showed more stiff dough structure. As the microalgae concentration increased, a significant color change (33.25, ΔE) with high hardness (198.69 up to 330.86, N) and fracturability (88.66 up to 165.18, N) properties were observed.
ŞEKER EKSTRAKSİYONUNDA VURGULU ELEKTRİK ALAN UYGULAMA POTANSİYELİNİN DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ
Authors: İŞGÜZAR Elif Esra , FİNCAN Mustafa
Published: April 2023

Şeker ekstraksiyonunda yaygın olarak kullanılan ısıl işlem, yüksek enerji tüketimine ve ısıya bağlı bazı istenmeyen reaksiyonların oluşumuna yol açmaktadır. Özellikle, kullanılan enerji miktarı ve ısıya bağlı safsızlıkları şerbetten uzaklaştırmak için ek bir saflaştırma işleminin gerekliliği, nihai ürünün fiyatına olumsuz katkıda bulunmaktadır. Vurgulu elektrik alanları (PEF), bu olumsuz sonuçları azaltmanın bir aracı olarak ekstraksiyonda kullanılmak üzere önerilen termal olmayan ve düşük enerjili bir doku parçalanma yöntemidir; Bu alandaki çalışmalar günümüze kadar artarak devam etmektedir. Bu derlemede, PEF tekniğinin altında yatan temel ilkelerin yanı sıra şeker ekstraksiyonundaki potansiyel uygulama yöntemleri ve bunların ekstraksiyon üzerindeki etkileri hakkında genel bir bakış sunmak için önceki araştırmaların bulguları özetlenmektedir.
Psychology Faculty Overestimate the Magnitude of Cohen’s d Effect Sizes by Half a Standard Deviation
Authors: Schuetze Brendan A. , Yan Veronica X.
Published: April 2023

In this experiment, we recruited 261 psychology faculty to determine the extent to which they were able to visually estimate the overlap of two distributions given a Cohen’s d effect size; and vice-versa estimate d given two distributions of varying overlap. In a pre-test, participants in both conditions over-estimated effect sizes by half a standard deviation on average. No significant differences in estimation accuracy by psychology sub-field were found, but having taught statistics coursework was a significant predictor of better performance. After a short training session, participants improved substantially on both tasks on the post-test, with 63% reduction in absolute error and negligible overall bias (98% bias reduction). Furthermore, post-test performance indicated that learning transferred across answering modes. Teachers of statistics might find it beneficial to include a short exercise (less than 10 minutes) requiring the visual estimation of effect sizes in statistics coursework to better train future psychology researchers.
Study and modeling of a CdS /PbS betavoltaic cell by Monte Carlo simulation
Authors:   a Laboratory of Semiconductor Devices Physics, University Tahri Mohammed of Bechar, Algeria, Moughli H. , Azeddine B. ,   a Laboratory of Semiconductor Devices Physics, University Tahri Mohammed of Bechar, Algeria, Tiouti Z. ,   a Laboratory of Semiconductor Devices Physics, University Tahri Mohammed of Bechar, Algeria, Rajczyk M. ,   Poltichnika Czestochowska, University of Technology, City, Poland
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we present simulations of the concentration of electron-hole pairs generated from each point in solid targets under Ni-63 source bombardment of a CdS/PbS-based betavoltaic cell. This model is an accurate representation of the electronic interaction has been reported. We can obtain the distribution of the electron-hole pairs generated in the CdS/PbS junction as a function of the depth by Monte Carlo simulation, this distribution allowed us to find the concentrations of excess minority carriers as a function of the thickness, which can be function and injection into the continuity equations to determine the diffusion current and then the selected petavoltage properties. The model was tested for the Ni-63 CdS/PbS structure, with energy of 17 keV.
Modelling and simulation of PN junction CdS/CdTe for betavoltaic cell
Authors:   Laboratory of Environmental and Energetic Systems , University Centre Ali Kafi Tindouf, Algeria, Talhi A. , Azeddine B. ,   b Laboratory for the Development of Renewable Energies and their Applications in Saharian Areas; University Tahri Mohammed Bechar, Algeria, Tiouti Z. ,   Laboratory of Physics and Semiconductors Devices, University Tahri Mohammed Bechar, Algeria, Rajczyk M. ,   Politechnika Częstochowska, University of Technology, Poland
Published: April 2023

The method for producing power by integrating a beta source to semiconductors junction’s devices is called as betavoltaic energy conversion. [1]. In this study by using Monte Carlo (MC) method to simulate the distribution of electron- hole pairs (EHP) generated at each point in the cell under bombardment of 63Ni source for betavoltaic cell then the result of that Monte Carlo simulation will be used in the modelling and simulation of a betavoltaic cell CdS/CdTe heterojunction and their characteristics.
Synthesis of Mn2+modified CdS nanoparticles and its application as catalyst in photodegradation of methyl red dye
Authors:   Department of Electronics and communication Engineering, Birla Institute of Technology Mesra, Patna Campus, Patna-800014, India, Ranjan R. , Negi C. M. S. ,   Department of Physical Sciences,Banasthali Vidyapith-304022 (Rajasthan), India, Tiwary K.P. ,   Department of Physics, Birla Institute of Technology Mesra, Patna Campus, Patna-800014, India
Published: April 2023

Photocatalytic degradation of methyl red dye using Mn(5%) doped CdS nanoparticles was studied.Mn doped CdS nanoparticles was synthesized by microwave assisted solvo thermal method where the chemicals used wereCadmium Acetate [(CH3COO)2Cd, H2O], Manganese Chloride [MnCl2.2H2O] and Sodium Sulfide [Na2S.xH2O]. X-Ray diffraction(XRD) analysis was carried out in order to analyze the structural dimensions of the synthesized nanoparticles and the average crystallite size has been calculated at the full width half maximum (FWHM) of the diffraction peaks using Debye-Scherer equation and it was found to be around2.3nm. FTIR spectra analysis was done in order to analyze different functional and vibrational groups present in the as synthesized sample of Mn doped CdSnanoparticles.The morphology of sample wasstudied by scanning electron microscope. The aqueous solution of methyl red[C15H15N3O2] has been prepared and was mixed with the as synthesized Mn doped CdSnanoparticles and was exposed for photocatalytic degradation using 100 W bulb. UV-visible spectra of the light irradiated methyl red solutions were studied at different interval of time and no red shift was observed with increase of exposure time. The intensity of the absorption peak was also found to be reduced with the increasing time interval. The photo degradation of methyl red dye was observed up to 90% at the exposure time of 90 minutes.
Exceptional and innovational analysis of n-CdS/p-Si solar cells based on software packages and bias point models: insights into theoretical and experimental characteristics of fabricated solar cells
Authors:   Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia, Hassan A. A. , Al-Nami S. Y. ,   Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia, Alrafai H. A. ,   Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia, Al-Amery E. ,   Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Applied Science, Taiz University, Taiz 6350, Yemen, Shaaban E. R. ,   Department of physics, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, 71542, Egypt, Qasem A. ,   Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City 11884, Cairo, Egypt
Published: April 2023

The characteristics of a single solar cell made by CdS thin film deposition on a silicon glass substrate were estimated using simulation models in this study. An aluminum electrode was attached to a silicon wafer to produce a heterojunction, and the indium fingers were fashioned into another electrode and connected directly to the CdS layer. Simulation steps were performed using PV*SOL 3.0 software package and bias points (ISC, VOC ) models. In addition to the use of advanced programs such as MATLAB software (Shell SQ150 PV module), Mathcad 2000 program, and Origin Lab 2019 program.Simulation programs for extracting photovoltaic parameters have been executed together with the laboratory procedures. The simulation programs and experimental procedures aimed in general to know the (current-voltage) and (power-voltage) characteristics of the studied single-diode photovoltaic.
Structural, optical and electrical properties of CuO thin films deposited by spray pyrolysis technique: influence annealing process
Authors:   LRPCSI, University 20 Août 1955-Skikda, P.B. 26, Route d’El-Hadaiek, 21000, Skikda, Algeria, Daira R. , Boudjema B. ,   Laboratory of Materials Physics and its Applications, University of M’sila, 28000 M’sila, Algeria, Mohammedi A. ,   Faculty of Sciences, University of M’sila, 28009 M’sila, Algeria
Published: April 2023

In this work, CuO thin films about the synthesis of the thin films are prepared on glass substrate using spray pyrolysis technique at room temperature different annealing times in temperature 450 0 C.In order to study the effect of annealing times onthe structural, optical and electrical properties.XRD analysis has shown that films with a polycrystalline structurehave a(Monoclinic) structure.In addition, the crystallite phase CuO increases with increasing of annealing temperature.Moreover, with a preferred orientation along (002) peak.The optical properties confirmed that the elaborated films have a transmittance of 70%. We have found that the band gap energy (Eg) is a decreasing function with respect to the annealing temperature time. In addition, the electrical resistivity varies from 18.97 to 4.58 KOhm.cm for the films grown at different annealing times.
Photoelectret effect in polymer-AIIBVI (CdS, ZnS) composites of photosensitive semiconductors
Authors:   Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University, Azadlig ave. 34, Baku AZ1010, Azerbaijan, Gochuyeva A. F. , Hashimov Kh. Kh. ,   Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University, Azadlig ave. 34, Baku AZ1010, Azerbaijan, Bayramov I. Y. ,   Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University, Azadlig ave. 34, Baku AZ1010, Azerbaijan
Published: April 2023

The photoelectret effect in composite heterostructures consisting of polar (fluorinecontaining) and non-polar (polyolefins) polymers - high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), F42, F2-ME and the inorganic phase AııBvı (CdS, ZnS) has been studied. It has been established that the difference in photoelectret potentials in a given volume share of the inorganic phase mainly depends on the polarity of the polymer matrix. A possible mechanism of the photoelectret effect formed under the combined action of a strong electric field and light in these composites. It has been experimentally established that the potential barrier formed at the polymer- AııBvı semiconductor interface separates the electric charge carriers formed as a result of the internal photoelectric effect and ensures the formation of an electret potential difference. The electret charge state of polymer- AııBvı composites was studied using the spectrum of thermally stimulated current.
The effects of etching time and hydrogen peroxide concentration on the ZnO/glass substrate
Authors:   Chemical Engineering Studies, College of Engineering, Universiti Technologi MARA, Cawangan Pulau Pinang, Kampus Permatang Pauh, 13500 Jalan Permatang Pauh, Pulau Pinang, Alias S. M. , Mohd Yusoff M. Z. ,   School of Physics and Material Studies, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia, Yahya M. S. ,   Faculty of Ocean Engineering Technology and Informatics, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu
Published: April 2023

The purpose of the study is to determine the best technique for etching ZnO thin films. ZnO is deposited on the glass substrate using a radio frequency sputtering equipment. To etch the ZnO thin film, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentrations of 10%, 20%, and 30% are utilised, with etching times of 30 and 60 seconds. The optical band gap is lowered after a specific quantity of etching, which shows that the film's crystallinity quality has improved. The impact of various ZnO thicknesses on the sample's optical properties is investigated using OPAL 2 simulator. In comparison to other ZnO layers of varied thickness, the OPAL 2 simulation shows that the 400 nm ZnO layer has the lowest transmission in the UV wavelength range.
Dye-sensitized solar cells fabricated using ZnO:Cu thin films and dye extracted from Hypericum perforatum L. flowers
Authors:   Department of Physics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, 15030 Burdur, Turkey, Göde F. , Balpınar N. ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, 15030 Burdur, Turkey
Published: April 2023

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) were designed utilizing pure and copper-doped zinc oxide (ZnO:Cu) nanoparticles and the dye extracted from dried Hypericum perforatum L. (H. perforatum) flowers. The ZnO:Cu thin films were grown using the successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method on tin-doped indium oxide-coated (ITO) glass substrates at 85 °C. Regarding the molar ratio of Cu ions to Zn ions, Cu had a doping concentration of 0.5%, 1%, and 2%. The crystalline nature, morphological, compositional, and optical properties of the synthesized ZnO:Cu thin films were studied using an X-ray diffractometer (XRD), a scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry (EDS), UV-vis spectroscopy, and Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The SEM results indicated the formation of a porous structure on the surface of ZnO:Cu thin films, which provided more active sites for dye molecules and electrolyte ions. A DSSC, produced by using a pure ZnO thin film, showed a current density (Jsc) of 7.66 mA/cm2 with an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.98 V and an overall efficiency (η) of 2.47%
Simulation design and optimization of amorphous silicon/crystalline silicon heterojunction solar cells based on localized p-n junctions
Authors:   Department of Physics, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China, Wang J. S. , Yuan J. R. ,   Department of Physics, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China, Liu S. Q. ,   Department of Physics, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China, Deng X. H. ,   Department of Physics, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
Published: April 2023

Hydrogenated amorphous silicon/crystalline silicon heterojunction solar cells are currently a hot research topic in the field of photovoltaics, where parasitic absorption due to hydrogenated amorphous silicon layers has not been effectively addressed. For this reason, amorphous silicon/crystalline silicon heterojunction solar cells with localized p-n junctions (HACL cells) have been designed, which can significantly improve the parasitic absorption losses while maintaining the original advantages such as high open-circuit voltage. In this paper, we mainly use ATLAS 2D simulation software to conduct device simulation and parameter optimization of HACL cells, and simulate the effects of factors such as passivation inlet region width, insulation layer width, emitter width, passivation inlet region doping concentration and substrate doping concentration on the cell performance, respectively.
Synthesis, optical and AC electrical characteristics of nanocomposites (Bi2O3/ZnO) films prepared by thermal evaporation technique
Authors:   University.of Babylon, College of Education.for Pure Sciences, Department of Physics., Iraq, Suhail H. S. , Abdulridha A. R. ,   University.of Babylon, College of Education.for Pure Sciences, Department of Physics., Iraq
Published: April 2023

In this paper, pure bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) and ZnO-doped with a ratio of (0, 0.12, 0.24, 0.36 and 0.48 wt.%) thin films are prepared by thermal evaporation methods under pressure 1×10-7 bar with a rate of deposition 0.5 nm.s-1 , at ambient temperature on glass substrates (RT) with thickness 50 nm and annealed at temperature 573 K for 2 hours. The phase structures of Bi2O3 (monoclinic) and Bi2O3/ZnO NCPs are confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) investigation. The concentration of ZnO-doping reduces the average crystallite size from 17,35 nm to 8.67 nm. Moreover, using XRD data, the average strain, stress, and dislocation density values are computed. The spectroscopy techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy with field emission probes were used to examine the structures. The FT-IR results showed no chemical interactions between the (Bi2O3/ZnO) NPs. The results of the field emission-scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) analysis the (Bi2O3/ZnO) NPs were distributed uniformly throughout. The actually result of optical characteristics for (Bi2O3/ZnO) showed that the absorbance, and absorption coefficient, increase with the increased concentrations of (ZnO). At the same time, the transmittance and energy band gaps were decreased with a rise in concentrations (ZnO) that have a high ability to absorb UV-light. The dielectric characteristics were checked in the frequency range from 100 Hz to 5 MHz. The results of the insulating characteristics showed that the dielectric constant and the dielectric loss of thin films (Bi2O3/ZnO) decreased with increasing frequency. In contrast, they increase when the concentration of (ZnO NPs) increases. The A.C conductivity of the thin films (Bi2O3/ZnO) increases with the frequency and concentration of (ZnO) NPs. Finally, the structural and insulating results the indicated characteristics of the (Bi2O3/ZnO) thin films may be helpful in various nano-electronic devices and sensors.