bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
To Evaluate the Solubility of Different Permanent and Temporary Dental Luting Cements in Artificial Saliva of Different pH Values at Different Time Intervals—An In Vitro Study
Authors: Mehta Shak , Kalra Tarun , Kumar Manjit , Bansal Ajay , Avasthi Abhiskek , Malik Shefali Singh
Published: August 2020

Introduction Luting cements are susceptible to attack by moisture during the initial setting period that can result in an increased solubility. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the solubility of different permanent and temporary dental luting cements in artificial saliva of different pH values at different time intervals.

Materials and Methods Eight commercial luting cements were used. Out of which five were permanent cements (Rely X lute2, zinc phosphate cement, zinc polycarboxylate cement, Rely X U-200, GC GIC) and three temporary cements (ZOE, Oratemp NE, Temposil). A total of 200 samples were made into 25 specimens of each cement (five samples for each study solution group). The samples were made of dimension 20 mm × 1.5 mm in the metal mold. Once the cements were set, they were removed and after 3 minutes of removal they were placed in the incubator at 37°C ± 1 for 1 hour. Specimens of each cement type were separated into five groups for evaluation and comparison in distilled water and artificial saliva with four different pH values (pH 3, pH 5, pH 7, and pH 9). Percentage of solubility was calculated as 100% times weight loss divided by initial weight of the specimen.

Results When all permanent cements were tested the result showed that Rely X U-200 showed least dissolution even after 28 days, followed by Rely X lute-2, then Glass ionomer cement then zinc polycarboxylate cement and then zinc phosphate cement which gave maximum dissolution.

Conclusion When all temporary cements were tested the result showed that Temposil showed least dissolution even after 28 days, followed by OraTemp NE, compared with zinc oxide eugenol which gave maximum dissolution.
To Establish Cephalometric Floating Norms as a Guide toward Harmonious Cranial Individual Pattern among North Indian Adults
Authors: Mittal Sanjay , Chawla Dipti , Bhullar Mandeep , Aggarwal Isha , Palkit Tanzin , Chhatwalia Sumit
Published: August 2020

Introduction Floating norms put us at ease while diagnosing and establishing a treatment plan for an individual with abnormal skeletal pattern. It uses the variability of the associations among appropriate cephalometric variables and later on the basis of a regression model by combination of both skeletal parameters which are sagittal and vertical and construct a harmony box which make diagnosis straightforward. This study aims to establish floating cephalometric norms for the describing individual craniofacial skeletal pattern among North Indian Adults as an additional diagnostic tool for orthodontic treatment planning.

Materials and Methods The study includes North Indian adults in age range of 17 to 25 years. A total of 30 patients were selected and were subjected to cephalometric evaluation. Various angular measurements viz., SNB (sella-nasion-point B), NL-NSL (maxillary line-nasion sella line), ML-NSL (mandibular line-nasion sella line), N–S–Ba (nasion-sella-basion), SNA (sella-nasion-point A), and ML-NL (mandibular line-maxillary line) were considered for designing harmony box for North Indian adults.

Results The results of the study were subjected to various statistical analyses. SNB served as the independent variable and NL-NSL, NSBa, ML-NSL, ML-NL, and SNA were made the dependent variable due to lesser R2 values in multiple regression analysis. Correlation between some of the variables, such as (SNA–SNB, ML-NSL–NL-NSL, and ML-NSL–ML-NL), in the present North Indian sample showed positive correlation among each other and were statistically significant (p = 0.000). When compared with the other similar studies done previously, least variability was seen with the Segner study and maximum variability was seen with Thilander’s study.

Conclusion The analysis of the individual craniofacial pattern by means of floating norms appears to provide a helpful method in determining the parameters responsible for the skeletal disharmony, thus representing a viable option for additional diagnostic tool in orthodontic and orthopaedic/surgical treatment planning.
Vertical Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19): Are Hypotheses More than Evidences?
Authors: Auriti Cinzia , De Rose Domenico Umberto , Tzialla Chryssoula , Caforio Leonardo , Ciccia Matilde , Manzoni Paolo , Stronati Mauro
Published: August 2020

In spite of the increasing, accumulating knowledge on the novel pandemic coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), questions on the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) infection transmission from mothers to fetuses or neonates during pregnancy and peripartum period remain pending and have not been addressed so far. SARS-CoV-2, a RNA single-stranded virus, has been detected in the amniotic fluid, in the cord blood and in the placentas of the infected women. In the light of these findings, the theoretical risk of intrauterine infection for fetuses, or of peripartum infection occurring during delivery for neonates, has a biological plausibility. The extent of this putative risk might, however, vary during the different stages of pregnancy, owing to several variables (physiological modifications of the placenta, virus receptors' expression, or delivery route). This brief review provides an overview of the current evidence in this area. Further data, based on national and international multicenter registries, are needed not only to clearly assess the extent of the risk for vertical transmission, but also to ultimately establish solid guidelines and consistent recommendations.

Key Points
Anticoagulant Management and Synthesis of Hemostatic Proteins during Machine Preservation of Livers for Transplantation
Authors: Karangwa Shanice A. , Lisman Ton , Porte Robert J.
Published: August 2020

Liver transplantation remains the only curative treatment for patients with end-stage liver disease. Despite a steadily increasing demand for suitable donor livers, the current pool of donor organs fails to meet this demand. To resolve this discrepancy, livers traditionally considered to be of suboptimal quality and function are increasingly utilized. These marginal livers, however, are less tolerant to the current standard cold preservation of donor organs. Therefore, alternative preservation methods have been sought and are progressively applied into clinical practice. Ex situ machine perfusion is a promising alternative preservation modality particularly for suboptimal donor livers as it provides the ability to resuscitate, recondition, and test the viability of an organ prior to transplantation. This review addresses the modalities of machine perfusion currently being applied, and particularly focuses on the hemostatic management employed during machine perfusion. We discuss the anticoagulant agents used, the variation in dosage, and administration, as well as the implications of perfusion for extended periods of time in terms of coagulation activation associated with production of coagulation factors during perfusion. Furthermore, in regard to viability testing of an organ prior to transplantation, we discuss the possibilities and limitations of utilizing the synthesis of liver-derived coagulation factors as potential viability markers.
Small business response to regulation: incorporating a behavioral perspective
Authors: Shapiro Stuart , Borie-Holtz Debra
Published: August 2020

The use of behavioral economics in policy-making and public administration has neglected the heuristics that affect those who must comply with regulations. These heuristics affect the decision to comply with a regulation, and therefore they affect the effectiveness of regulations, and more generally the attitude of the regulated community toward government. In a survey and in interviews, small business owners described their compliance activities and their attitudes toward government. The business owners demonstrated the availability heuristic in their hatred of paperwork requirements, the bandwagon effect in seeking out reinforcement of negative reactions toward regulation, the anchoring of attitudes in particularly unpleasant interactions with government, and the impact of their economic well-being on their reaction to regulation. They also demonstrated the ineffectiveness of some information disclosure requirements. Incorporation of these behaviors and heuristics into the evaluation and enforcement of regulation may improve compliance and business relations with regulatory agencies.
Science diplomacy of Poland
Authors: Szkarłat Monika
Published: August 2020

Science diplomacy (SD) has recently gained unprecedented attention as a subject of both an academic enquiry and political discourse. Thus, states employ many efforts to conceptualise and implement their science diplomacy strategies. To date, the most advanced in this regard are the rich industrialized countries slowly followed by others, e.g., Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries like Poland. While science diplomacy of selected states is debated among practitioners and analysed empirically, these efforts do not include CEE countries. In this article we present the regulatory, institutional and operational frameworks of Polish science diplomacy. The opinions of SD stakeholders obtained in a series of interviews supplement the findings and give a wider perspective on the challenges Polish science diplomacy is facing. We argue that although a universal model of science diplomacy does not exist, states such as Poland may profit from the experience of more advanced systems. We also claim that Polish science diplomacy is currently significantly conditioned by the domestic political situation. This negatively impacts continuity and coordination in strategic programming and implementation of SD. The case of Poland is compared with two other countries—France and the Czech Republic.
Variance-reduction kinetic simulation of low-speed rarefied gas flow through long microchannels of annular cross sections
Authors: Bosco Ferdin Don , Zhang Yonghao
Published: August 2020

In micro/nano-devices, the low-speed transport of mass, momentum, and energy through long-ducts is frequently encountered, thereby necessitating scientific investigations. Here, long-ducts of various annular cross sections conducting low-speed gas flows under the influence of a small pressure gradient are considered, in order to understand how the mass flow rate is affected by rarefaction, variations in the radius ratio, and eccentricity of annular geometries. The Boltzmann model equation is treated by a low-variance formulation and simulated by a stochastic kinetic particle-based approach, which addresses the deviation of the molecular distribution function from equilibrium to reduce computational cost significantly. An efficient parallel solver has also been developed and utilized in this research, which is validated against the reported results in the literature. The efficient kinetic particle treatment provides a powerful simulation tool to reveal multi-scale flow physics, which is essential to develop and optimize micro/nano-fluidic devices.
Improved hybrid improper ferroelectricity in B-site substituted Ca3Ti2O7 ceramics with a Ruddlesden–Popper structure
Authors: Zhang B. H. , Hu Z. Z. , Chen B. H. , Liu X. Q. , Chen X. M.
Published: August 2020

Ca3Ti2O7 with a Ruddlesden–Popper structure has received great scientific attention due to its high ferroelectric polarization. However, the optimization of hybrid improper ferroelectricity is still a challenging issue. In the present work, the remarkably improved ferroelectric polarization has been achieved in B-site co-substituted Ca3Ti1.8Al0.1Nb0.1O7 ceramic. The improved ferroelectric polarization in this ceramic stems from the higher ferroelectric activity of Nb5+ cations and a larger amplitude of oxygen octahedral distortion. Moreover, the more saturated electric hysteresis loops together with the higher ferroelectric polarization can be achieved under a higher electric field and at a lower frequency. The first-order phase transition nature is proved by the thermal hysteresis, while the Curie temperature is directly proportioned to the tolerance factor. The present work provides an effective way to improve the ferroelectric properties without declining the Curie temperature in Ca3Ti2O7-based hybrid improper ferroelectricities.
Design of nearly perfect hyperuniform polymeric materials
Authors: Chremos Alexandros
Published: August 2020

Disordered hyperuniform materials are exotic amorphous systems that simultaneously exhibit anomalous suppression of long-range density fluctuations, comparable in amplitude to that of crystals and quasi-crystalline materials, while lacking the translational order characteristic of simple liquids. We establish a framework to quantitatively predict the emergence of hyperuniformity in polymeric materials by considering the distribution of localized polymer subregions, instead of considering the whole material. We demonstrate that this highly tunable approach results in arbitrarily small long-range density fluctuations in the liquid state. Our simulations also indicate that long-ranged density fluctuation of the whole polymeric material is remarkably insensitive to molecular topology (linear chain, unknotted ring, star, and bottlebrush) and depends on temperature in an apparently near universal fashion. Our findings open the way for the creation of nearly perfect hyperuniform polymeric materials.
Relationship between mobility and strain in CVD graphene on h-BN
Authors: Yamada Takatoshi , Okigawa Yuki , Hasegawa Masataka , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi
Published: August 2020

This study examines the relationship between the electrical properties and Raman spectra of field effect transistors (FETs) produced using chemical vapor deposited (CVD) graphene transferred onto hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) structures. Carrier mobility values were calculated based on the electrical properties of the fabricated FETs, where the highest carrier mobility was 39 989 cm2/Vs. Carrier mobility increased with a decrease in the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the 2D-band peak of CVD graphene. A linear relationship with a slope of 2.18 between the G-band and 2D-band peak positions was detected, indicating that a uniaxial strain existed in the CVD graphene FETs. Based on the peak shifts in the 2D-band, it was determined that both compressive and tensile strains were responsible for limiting carrier mobility. Ultimately, the analysis of peak positions and FWHMs of 2D-bands enabled us to evaluate the uniformity of electrical properties of CVD graphene without fabricating specialized measurement devices.
Strain induced Rashba splitting in CH3NH3PbBr3 organic–inorganic lead halide perovskite
Authors: Zhou Xianzhong , Zhang Ziyang
Published: August 2020

Recently, it has been demonstrated that CH3NH3PbBr3 exhibits extraordinary giant Rashba splitting, which represents great opportunity for applications in spintronics and orbitronics. In this work, the strain induced Rashba band splitting of CH3NH3PbBr3 with various lattice constants from 5.4 Å to 6.4 Å has been investigated in detail by means of density functional theory including the spin–orbit coupling using full-relativistic pseduopotential. The calculation results indicate that the triple states at the conduction band maximum can be split by both spin–orbit coupling and strain. The details of the band structure at the conduction band maximum further reveal that the Rashba band splitting is strongly anisotropic along different directions due to the distortion of the Pb–Br octahedron. The maximum Rashba coefficient can be up to 2.0 eV Å at the equilibrium lattice constant. Furthermore, the Rashba coefficient is approximately linearly dependent on the strain in the range of ±5%. The Rashba coefficient can be even increased by nearly two times if CH3NH3PbBr3 is compressed by about 5%. Such strain induced Rashba coefficient enhancement may be useful for the application of CH3NH3PbBr3 in spintronic and orbitronic devices.
Ligands of G-quadruplex nucleic acids
Authors: Andreeva Daria V. , Tikhomirov Alexander S. , Shchekotikhin Andrey E.
Published: August 2020

The review summarizes advances in the development of low-molecular-weight ligands for G-quadruplex (G4) nucleic acid structures published in the past five years. Main chemical classes of these ligands (polyaromatic compounds, macrocyclic systems, metal complexes and heterocyclic derivatives) are considered. The chemical structures of the ligands and their influence on the stabilization of quadruplexes are analyzed. Future prospects of design of G4 ligands and their applications are discussed.

The bibliography includes 188 references.
Two distinct pathways of pregranulosa cell differentiation support follicle formation in the mouse ovary
Authors: Niu Wanbao , Spradling Allan C.
Published: August 2020

Significance

This paper improves knowledge of the somatic and germ cells of the developing mouse ovary that assemble into ovarian follicles, by determining cellular gene expression, and tracing lineage relationships. The study covers the last week of fetal development through the first five days of postnatal development. During this time, many critically important processes take place, including sex determination, follicle assembly, and the initial events of meiosis. We report expression differences between pregranulosa cells of wave 1 follicles that function at puberty and wave 2 follicles that sustain fertility. These studies illuminate ovarian somatic cells and provide a resource to study the development, physiology, and evolutionary conservation of mammalian ovarian follicle formation.
Crystal structure of a glycoside hydrolase family 68 β-fructosyltransferase from Beijerinckia indica subsp. indica in complex with fructose
Authors: Tonozuka Takashi , Kitamura Junichi , Nagaya Mika , Kawai Reika , Nishikawa Atsushi , Hirano Katsuaki , Tamura Keisuke , Fujii Tadashi , Tochio Takumi
Published: August 2020

An enzyme belonging to glycoside hydrolase family 68 (GH68) from Beijerinckia indica subsp. indica NBRC 3744 was expressed in Escherichia coli. Biochemical characterization showed that the enzyme was identified to be a β-fructosyltransferase (BiBftA). Crystallization of a full-length BiBftA was initially attempted, but no crystals were obtained. We constructed a variant in which 5 residues (Pro199-Gly203) and 13 residues (Leu522-Gln534) in potentially flexible regions were deleted, and we successfully crystallized this variant BiBftA. BiBftA is composed of a five-bladed β-propeller fold as in other GH68 enzymes. The structure of BiBftA in complex with fructose unexpectedly indicated that one β-fructofuranose (β-Fruf) molecule and one β-fructopyranose molecule bind to the catalytic pocket. The orientation of β-Fruf at subsite −1 is tilted from the orientation observed in most GH68 enzymes, presenting a second structure of a GH68 enzyme in complex with the tilted binding mode of β-Fruf.
Inverse HuaLuogeng’s “Exception Set” Method
Authors: Zhou Mi , Liu Hairui
Published: August 2020

Hualuogeng for goldbach conjecture raised an exception collection methods: use a fraction value indicates the possibility of goldbach conjecture fails, take to infinity, the denominator fraction value infinite close to 0, come out a conclusion that goldbach conjecture is not set up the possibility of infinite close to 0. In this paper, the author USES the method of opposite to hualuogeng, with a score value indicates the possibility of goldbach conjecture was set up, the denominator is fixed, molecular ceaseless overlay, molecule is more and more big, such fraction value infinitely close to 1, thus it is concluded that the possibility of goldbach conjecture established infinitely close to 1.
Generalized uncertainty relations for semi-Markov processes
Authors: Vu Tan Van , Hasegawa Yoshihiko
Published: August 2020

The thermodynamic and kinetic uncertainty relations provide finite-time bounds on the observable fluctuation in Markov processes. Herein, we generalize these bounds for semi-Markov processes. Specifically, we prove that, unlike in the Markovian case, the fluctuation of time-antisymmetric observables is bounded not only by entropy production but also by a memory term. For generic observables, we analogously show that the fluctuation is bounded by both dynamical activity and a memory term. Our results indicate that memory plays an important role in the bounds. Interestingly, with a proper form of the waiting-time distribution, the memory can decrease the observable fluctuation. When the waiting-time distribution is Poissonian (i.e., the process becomes Markov), the memory terms vanish, and the derived bounds reduce to the conventional bounds.
Two Nonhomogeneous Boundary Value Problems for a Rectangle: Exact Solutions
Authors: Kerzhaev Alexander P
Published: August 2020

In the paper, for the first time we give exact solutions to two nonhomogeneous boundary value problems of the theory of elasticity for a rectangle with free long sides. Inside the rectangle there are applied two equal concentrated forces directed oppositely along the horizontal axis (even-symmetric deformation). The method of solution is based on the use of the solution to the biharmonic problem for a smooth semi-strip and the method of the integral Fourier transform. In the first problem, the short sides of the rectangle are free; in the second, they are rigidly clamped. The solutions to both problems are constructed on the superposition principle in the form of the sum of integrals and series in trigonometric functions and Papkovich–Fadle eigenfunctions. The coefficients of these expansions are determined by simple formulas as the Fourier integrals of given boundary functions.
The development of the LRnLA algorithm for cross stencil numerical schemes for the CUDA GPU model of parallelism
Authors: Perepelkina Anastasia , Levchenko Vadim
Published: August 2020

This document describes the recent progress in the constructing of a 3D and time (3D1T) spatial and temporal blocking algorithm for cross stencil numerical scheme implementation. This method serves the purpose of raising the operational intensity of the memory-bound problems and increasing the performance limit at least several times compared to the algorithm without temporal blocking. The method of construction of LRnLA algorithms involves choosing the prism shape that subdivides the dependency graph of the problem into a series of tasks with prescribed dependencies between each other. The algorithm is adjusted to the GPU architecture, taking into account all available levels of parallelism. The proposed algorithm had been implemented and called DiamondCandy. The obtained efficiency in our current implementation is 59% of the limit estimated by theoretical analysis.
The tissue as self-assembly of notochord with sequential linear programming
Authors: Wang Zhiren
Published: August 2020

Zebrafish serves as a model organism in morphogenesis studies in cell biology. One of the main difficulties of modeling a specific morphogenetic process come from the proper identification of its key features. To study the influence of geometric constraint in morphogenesis, here this article models the notochord as hard spheres assemble in an elliptical cylinder and optimize the packing density. This article implements linear approximation on the hard sphere constraints and find the optimal packing configuration by the sequential linear programming (SLP) method. During the process, this article modifies the SLP scheme into expanding the spheres in a fixed cylindrical confinement. This article finds the staircase and similar structures becomes predominant as increasing the ellipticity of the confinement. Our study deepens the understanding of the notochord morphogenesis, and also provides methodological guidance on related modeling studies involving geometric constraints.
The (2, m, 2, ∞, r)-Wizard of Houses
Authors: Prapaithrakul Tanayot , Trakultraipruk Nantapath
Published: August 2020

The (n, m, l, t, r)-Wizard of houses is a game played by n players p
1, p
2, p
3, …, pn
on a board with m houses. There are l colors of token, and t tokens for each color. Each player chooses one color from the l colors, so that each has a different color. Player p
1 starts the game by choosing one token of any color and putting it into any house. Players p
2, p
3, p
4, …, pn
follow suit, until one round is completed. The game is over when the rth
round ends or after the tokens are all played, whichever comes first. In each house, each player who has the highest number of his own colored tokens receives one point. The winner is the player who has the highest score. In this paper, we determine the (2, m, 2, ∞, r)-Wizard of houses. We provide non-losing strategies for both players.
Convergence of the linearized system for a compressible Navier-Stokes-Poission system
Authors: Dong Ying
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we are concerned with the limit for solutions of combining viscid and compressible isentropic Navier-Stokes-Poisson system in a bounded domain Ω ⊂ RN
, N ≥ 1, with Dirichlet boundary condition. We first derive Navier-Stokes-Poisson system by using Energetic Variational Approach. Then the convergence of the compressible isentropic Navier-Stokes-Poisson system to the linearized system is proven for the global weak solution and for the case of general initial data with satisfying appropriate conditions.
The Analysis of Solar Radio Burst Type III Associated with Solar Activities Due to Magnetic Reconnection from 2012-2017
Authors: Hamidi Z.S. , Shariff N.N.M.
Published: August 2020

Solar Radio Bursts Type III (SRBT III) and their correlation with solar flares always had been interesting issues. The objective of this research is to study the correlation of SRBT III related to solar flares to magnetic reconnection theory. The importance of this correlation is to enhance the understanding of the particles behaviour during the events over this burst. The data for both SRBT III can be obtained from the e - CALLISTO website. Meanwhile, the data for solar flares were obtained from the Solar Monitor website and Computer Aided CMEs Tracking website respectively. There are 44 data have been collected starting from 2012 until 2017. The Pearson Correlation Coefficient is a method used in obtaining the correlation of the variables of SRBT III and solar flares events. The value of R obtained for the peak flux and the starting frequency of SRBT III is +0.3364. The mean of the peak flux is 6.0 × 10−5W/m2 which is in the M group with a magnitude of 6.0. From this study, they found that the single SRBT III is due to the single magnetic reconnection whereas for the storm and group SRBT III is due to the multiple magnetic reconnections.
The steady states of dielectric particles with Quincke rotation under ion traps
Authors: Zhang J S
Published: August 2020

The dynamics of dielectric particles with Quincke rotation under nonuniform electric fields generated by ion traps are researched. Based on a recently proposed model, I make a further discussion about a quadrupole electric field with numerical simulation. According to the results, the steady state of a single particle under different field strength can be classified into several stages. Some more complicated electric fields are considered too. But the dynamics of particle under other multipole fields can’t be simulated well with the model, which indicates that the model still needs to be improved. A more complicated 3D electric fields are considered too, the evolution of steady states under this 3D electric field is similar to the quadrupole field.
Airbag Helmet: Design and Analysis of Helmet Piezoelectric Accelerometer
Authors: Lin Edward R.
Published: August 2020

The author invented an airbag helmet to provide effective protection for two-wheeled vehicle riders. This paper illustrates the desion and analysis of this Helmet Piezoelectric Accelerometer. Analysis is based on the finite element model of solid mechanics (e.g. linear elasticity and piezoelectricity) with a carefully selected software of COMSOL Multiphysics. Finite element analysis method helped the author to reduce the need for physical prototypes in design process. With a high degree of accuracy, the author modeled complex material physical deformations with detailed visualization and solved the problem. Equations were used for calculation during the process. This paper provides the design of comsol-based solid mechanics and piezoelectricity simulation and simulates the process of converting the mechanical vibration into voltage signals by using piezoceramics, so as to supply power to the airbag accelerometer and release the airbag in time. The reliability and safety of the design are verified by means of the mechanical and electrical simulation. In case of a traffic accident, the airbag will inflate instantly and form a balloon-shaped helmet wrapping the rider’s head to secure the head effectively.
Development and physico-chemical characterization of Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) flat sheet membranes with antibacterial properties against E. coli and S. aureus
Authors: Escorial Jose Gabriel , Lanzanas Stephen Paolo , Berjamin Kirstine Joy , Caliolio Marielle Hannah , Dimaunahan Ericson , Lagura Vivian , Milo Lumen , Basilia Blessie
Published: August 2020

The use of silver-modified montmorillonite (Ag-MMT) nanoclay from local montmorillonite ore as an additive for the development of PVDF flat sheet membranes with antibacterial properties for use in water disinfection was the focus of this study. It covers the development of PVDF flat sheet membranes with Ag-MMT nanoclay. The physico-chemical characterization was done through XRD, AFM, contact angle measurement, and FE-SEM while the antibacterial properties against gram-positive S. aureus and gram-negative E. coli were through inhibition zone and contact inhibition assessment. XRD results showed exfoliation of the Ag-MMT nanoclay in the PVDF flat sheet membrane, with minimal intercalations and similar functional group interactions. AFM results showed an increased surface roughness for every increase in Ag-MMT nanoclay which correlates to the contact angle measurement of membranes, demonstrating high contact angle measurement and high hydrophobicity for rougher surfaces, showing high hydrophilicity for the 0.250% Ag-MMT nanoclay membrane with a contact angle of 79.5 degrees. FE-SEM results reveal the morphology of the membrane. All experimental membranes are negative in contact inhibition against E. coli and S. aureus. However, the Ag-MMT nanoclay has been found to have antibacterial properties with the formation of inhibition zones, showing a higher sensitivity against E. coli.
The ENUBET positron tagger prototype: construction and testbeam performance
Authors: Acerbi F. , Bonesini M. , Bramati F. , Branca A. , Brizzolari C. , Brunetti G. , Capelli S. , Carturan S. , Catanesi M.G. , Cecchini S. , Cindolo F. , Collazuol G. , Conti E. , Corso F. Dal , Delogu C. , Rosa G. De , Falcone A. , Gola A. , Jollet C. , Kliček B. , Kudenko Y. , Laveder M. , Longhin A. , Ludovici L. , Lutsenko E. , Magaletti L. , Mandrioli G. , Margotti A. , Mascagna V. , Mauri N. , Meazza L. , Meregaglia A. , Mezzetto M. , Paoloni A. , Pari M. , Parozzi E. , Pasqualini L. , Paternoster G. , Patrizii L. , Pozzato M. , Prest M. , Pupilli F. , Radicioni E. , Riccio C. , Ruggeri A.C. , Scian C. , Sirri G. , Stipčević M. , Tenti M. , Terranova F. , Torti M. , Vallazza E. , Votano L.
Published: August 2020

A prototype for the instrumented decay tunnel of ENUBET was tested in 2018 at the CERN East Area facility with charged particles up to 5 GeV . This detector is a longitudinal sampling calorimeter with lateral scintillation light readout. The calorimeter was equipped by an additional “t0-layer” for timing and photon discrimination. The performance of this detector in terms of electron energy resolution, linearity, response to muons and hadron showers are presented in this paper and compared with simulation. Thet0-layer was studied both in standalone mode using pion charge exchange and in combined mode with the calorimeter to assess the light yield and the 1 mip/2 mip separation capability. We demonstrate that this system fulfills the requirements for neutrino physics applications and discuss performance and additional improvements.
Framework to define environmental sustainability boundaries and a review of current approaches
Authors: Vea Eldbjørg Blikra , Ryberg Morten , Richardson Katherine , Z Hauschild Michael
Published: August 2020

Environmental sustainability boundaries can help us navigate a sustainable development trajectory, by evaluating environmental performance of current actions in relation to such boundaries. However, current definitions of environmental sustainability boundaries have shortcomings when used in environmental assessments. The shortcomings include considerations of regional differentiation and transparency with respect to how uncertainty is addressed. This paper seeks to improve the definition and application of environmental sustainability boundaries in environmental assessments by reviewing existing approaches to set them and elaborating an analytical framework for defining, communicating and adopting environmental sustainability boundaries in assessments. 110 original environmental sustainability boundaries were identified from existing literature and grouped into 13 categories of boundary approaches. The framework addresses five components (objective, boundary principle, uncertainty principle, accepted levels of impacts, and scientific estimate), and recommends practices for each. The framework is recommended for defining, communicating and adopting environmental sustainability boundaries, to facilitate a consistent application of them in environmental assessments. The analysis of existing boundary approaches showed that they often handle value-based aspects (e.g. choice of uncertainty principle) differently. Thus, it is recommended that value-based aspects are communicated explicitly to enable a practitioner to consider how this resonates with his/her own values or the values of central stakeholders when adopting environmental sustainability boundaries in an environmental assessment.
Utilization of Google Earth Engine (GEE) for land cover monitoring over Klang Valley, Malaysia
Authors: Wahap N.A , Shafri Helmi Z.M.
Published: August 2020

Geospatial Big Data is currently received overwhelming attention and are on highlight globally and Google Earth Engine (GEE) is currently the hot pot platform to cater big data processing for Remote Sensing and GIS. Currently few or no study regarding the usage of this platform to study land use/cover changes over years in Malaysia. The objective is to evaluate the feasibility of GEE as a free cloud-based platform by performing classification of Klang Valley area from Landsat composites of three different years (1988-2003-2018) using multiple Machine Learning Algorithms (MLA). The best classification results were then imported and further processed to quantify the changes over the years using commercial software. Although, the classification results are of high accuracy but CART shows the best accuracy with 94.71%, 97.72% and 96.57% in 1988, 2003 and 2018 in comparison with RF and SVM. Some misclassified pixels were encountered because the annual composited images were compiled without taken into considerations of crops phenological stages (paddy) which resulted to the misclassified agricultural land into urban and bare land. Hence, the selection and composition of data initially had to be structured and strategized prior to processing as they can affect the classification result and further analysis. Regardless, GEE has performed quite well and fast in term of time and processing complexity of multiple datasets with minimal human interaction and intervention. Generally, GEE has proven to be reliable in fulfilling the objectives of this study to evaluate the GEE feasibility by performing classification and quantifying the land use/cover of studied area and provide good base for further analysis using different platform.
Monitoring and change detection of concentration values for zinc and lead minerals in soil of agricultural lands based on remote sensing analysis and GIS
Authors: Hasab Hashim Ali
Published: August 2020

The agricultural lands are an important source for the recovery of the economy system southern of Iraq. The neglect, lack of interest, and the wars in recent years are affecting on the soil quality of these lands. There are a few techniques are developed to detect and monitor the toxic minerals in soil of the agricultural lands south of Iraq. The integration of remote sensing data and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques with the developed of mathematical equations were as a powerful tool to monitor spatial distribution and change detections the concentrations values for zinc (Zn) and lead (Pb) in soil of the agricultural lands during winter and summer seasons in year 2018. The concentrations values for (Zn) and (Pb) in soil have been lowest in winter and highest in summer season. The change detection of spatial distribution area for (Zn) between two seasons was by range (45.06) km2 with the change ratio (37%), while the change detection of spatial distribution area for (Pb) between two seasons was by range (29.82) km2, with the change ratio (25%). In conclusion, the developed systematic and generic approach may constitute a basis for determining the soil minerals in the agricultural lands worldwide.
The Integration of Remote Sensing Data for Lineament Mapping in the Semanggol Formation, Northwest Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Azman Ali Imran , Talib Jasmi Ab , Sokiman Mohamad Shaufi
Published: August 2020

The objective of this study is to prepare a final lineament map of three parts of the Semanggol Formation and its adjacent areas, located in northern Peninsular Malaysia. Landsat 5 TM, Landsat 7 ETM+, Landsat 8 OLI, digital elevation model (DEM) and drainage pattern were used to trace lineament. These data were digitally processed to enhance the visibility of data and derive to twenty-four images. Only negative lineaments with length more than 2 km were traced by using manual lineament extraction method. Based on the results, there are differences in the number of lineaments and total length in each data, caused the lineaments to have to compare each other. The lineaments identified from all data were integrated and evaluated to produce a final lineament map. A total of 645 lineaments were identified with a total length of 2264.42 km and a maximum length of 26.84 km. The trend of the lineaments was correlated with faults in the published geological map, especially in the Bok Bak Fault. This method proved that lineaments could be traced more accurately with the utilisation of various remote sensing data.
The Prediction of Urban Growth Trends and Patterns using Spatio-temporal CA-MC Model in Seremban Basin
Authors: Ajeeb Rabia , Aburas Maher M , Baba Faisal , Ali Abdelsalam , Alazaiza Motasem Y.D.
Published: August 2020

Urban growth, a dynamic and demographic phenomenon, refers to the increased spatial value of urban areas, such as cities and towns, due to social and economic forces. Nowadays, urban lands are rapidly increasing, replacing non-urban lands such as agricultural, forest, water, rural, and open lands. In this study, a CA-Markov model was utilized to predict the growth of urban lands and their spatial trends in Seremban, Malaysia. The performance of the CA-Markov model was also assessed. The Markov chain model was applied to produce the quantitative values of transition probabilities for urban and non-urban lands. Subsequently, the CA model was used to predict the dynamic spatial trends of land changes. The change in urban and non-urban land use from 1984 to 2010 was modeled using the CA-Markov model for calibration purposes and to compute optimal CA transition rules as well as to predict future urban growth. In the accuracy assessment process, the CA-Markov model was validated using a Kappa coefficient. The overall accuracy of the Kappa index statistics was 83%, which indicates the excellent performance of the model proposed in this study. Finally, based on the CA transition rules and the transition area matrix produced from the calibration process using the Markov Chain model, future urban growth in Seremban for 2020 and 2030 was simulated.
Identification of Dry Areas on Agricultural Land using Normalized Difference Drought Index in Magetan Regency
Authors: Rismayatika F , Saraswati R , Shidiq I P A , Taqyyudin
Published: August 2020

Indonesia is a country with vast agricultural lands. However, agricultural land production in Indonesia is threatened by climate change and land use change. One of phenomenon from climate change that threatened agricultural land is El Nino. El Nino can cause long-lasting drought. In 2018, Indonesia Ministry of Agriculture predicted that in the middle of 2019, El Nino would occur in Indonesia. Magetan Regency is one of the regencies in East Java Province that has a high level of vulnerability to drought. Magetan Regency ranked 36 in Indonesia as a Drought-Prone Regency. Drought in the agricultural sector is a drought which is one of the direct impacts of the climate change phenomenon. This research aims to identify dry areas in agricultural land using Normalized Difference Drought Index and Landsat 8 Imagery with acquisition month August 2017 (Normal Year) and 2019 (El Nino Year). The results of data processing revealed that the dry areas in 2019 are wider than dry areas in 2017 with extent area of 3350.26 ha in 2017 and 9237.28 ha in 2019.
Assessing Coastal Land Dynamics Along UAE Shoreline Using GIS and Remote Sensing Techniques
Authors: Aldogom D , Albesher S , Mansoori S Al , Nazzal T
Published: August 2020

the coastal areas geomorphological characteristic is greatly active, where land accretion and erosion is a continuous phenomenon with different degrees. The temporal change in coastline location is an important sign of coastal development and it can provide quantitative and descriptive information on beach dynamics. To investigate coastal variability trends, when field-based surveys are inaccessible or absent, historical remote sensing data and GIS analysis can be effective techniques. This study focuses on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) coastline that stretches for more than 1,000 km to cover the entire coastal area of the country. Multitemporal Landsat satellite images cover more than 45 years had been used to assess the coastal land dynamics by first delineate land areas from existing water bodies accurately using GIS and remote sensing approaches. Then, quantify coastline variability by measuring erosion and accretion rates, using the statistical operations within Digital Shoreline Analysis Software (DSAS) that include, Net Shoreline Movement(NSM), Linear Regression Rate (LRR), and End Point Rate (EPR). Finally, compare and analyse these rates with the associate causes for a better understanding of the coast area dynamic nature. The study results can be a feasible management tool to help coastal planners and policymakers to consider the identified coastal dynamic trends before starting any urban development.
Feasibility Study on Walkable City Through Implementation of Car-Free Zones in Georgetown, Penang Using GIS Network Analysis
Authors: Salleh A.H. , Ahamad M.S.S. , William G.W.W.
Published: August 2020

Motorized vehicles have brought tremendous convenience to humans today. Although it provides comforts, but the excessive dependence on cars has caused vehicles to dominate on roads, leading to various issues for cities, including congestion, road safety, and environmental issues. The implementation of the walkable city would shift people’s transportation mode, which sequentially helps reduce the number of cars on the roads. This research studies the feasibility of car-free zones in Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia. The walkability principle is presented as criteria in car-free spatial modeling and are consequently used in the spatial overlay process to produce a map showing preferred areas to be designed car-free. The result identified three (3) preferred areas as car-free zones. The spatial comparison was made between the proposed car-free zones and the superblock model, i.e., a case study from Barcelona’s Superblock project. The percentage of pedestrianized streets in Georgetown is determined together with the assessment of the effect of car-free zones on travel route, distance and time. From the results, it is found that each localized traffic has a longer traveling distance. Yet, due to the roads that the traffic was diverted to allow a higher travel speed, the travel time is sometimes reduced. Overall, the increase in travel distance ranges from 12.88% to 174.92% while travel time ranges from 0.29% to 119.40%.
Comparative Analysis of Malaria Cases Using Geospatial-statistical Approach in Hadejia Metropolis, Jigawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Gambo Jibrin , Mohd Shafri Helmi Zulhaidi Bin , Abubakar Ahmed , Yusuf Yusuf Ahmed , Adam Maryam Babangida
Published: August 2020

Malaria is a significant public health issue in Nigeria where it accounts for more infections and deaths than any other nation in the world. Malaria is a concern for 97 percent of Nigeria’s population. The remaining 3 percent of the people reside in the malaria free highlands. There are an estimated 100 million malaria cases with over 300,000 deaths per year in Nigeria. It contrasts with 215,000 deaths a year in Nigeria from HIV / AIDS. Malaria contributes to an estimated 11 percent of maternal mortality. The study employed interpolated approach for the assessment and mapping of malaria cases from 2014 to 2018 in Hadejia metropolis and compares five year data of malaria prevalence within the political wards in the study area, using geo-spatial tools. The results showed that certain wards in the city have malaria cases danger which have a direct impact on human safety, social welfare which economy. The prevalence of the malaria parasites primarily exists in north and east of the sample country. Consequently the district is divided into eleven strata (political wards) which demonstrate that the higher incidence of Malaria for both years around Kasuwar Kofa, Kasuwar Kuda, Dubantu, Yayari and some portion of Matsaro and Gagulmari.
Dengue Hotspot Detection in Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
Authors: Majid Nuriah Abd , Rasdi Rozimah Muhamad
Published: August 2020

Dengue fever has increased dramatically in Malaysia in recent decades and has triggered tremendous public health concerns. This paper addresses the spatial and temporal aspects of Dengue epidemics in Selangor, Bangi. This study aimed to examine spatial diffusion trends and to recognize hotspots in recorded dengue cases. The study used the Malaysia Ministry of Health epidemiological data for dengue cases reported in 2016-2019. These data have been processed and converted into GIS format. The geospatial spread pattern of the 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 dengue outbreak was investigated and mapped. The hotspot analysis is shown as points on a map and refers to dengue cases locations in the study area and measures the Getis-Ord Gi statistics for dengue cases in 2016-2019. The related z-scores and p-values are shown spatially in the Bangi region with either a cluster of high or low values. The map produced from data range between -3 (cold spot -99% confidence level) to 3 (hotspot – 99% confidence level) is classified into very low, low, very high, and high dengue fever clustered in the urban area.