bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three-component modular synthesis of chiral 1,3-dioxoles via a Rh-catalyzed carbenic olefination cascade
Authors: Huang Shisheng , Luo Jilong , Chen Ping , Chen Jiean , Wang Zhaofeng
Published: October 2024

Chiral 1,3-dioxoles are efficiently assembled from readily available IIII/PV hybrid ylides reagents, aldehydes and carboxylic acids via Rh-catalyzed carbenic olefination cascade.
Strain rate controls alignment in growing bacterial monolayers
Authors: Langeslay Blake , Juarez Gabriel
Published: October 2024

A model of cell alignment in confined growing bacterial monolayers connecting net monolayer deformation to the behavior of individual cells.
Mapping the end-of-life of chemicals for circular economy opportunities
Authors: Uekert Taylor
Published: October 2024

Material flow analysis of chemicals in the United States highlights low recycling rates, substantial climate change and human health impacts, and the potential for a circular economy to reduce waste and drive sustainability in the chemical industry.
Long-cycle stable operation of fluoride-ion batteries at room temperature enabled by an advanced interface engineering and ion diffusion kinetics regulation strategy
Authors: Xiang Jia , Chen Meiyan , Lei Ying , Zhou Jun , Zou Wei , Lu Rongwen , Zhang Shufen
Published: October 2024

An advanced interface engineering strategy for long-life stable operation of fluorine ion batteries at room temperature.
Achieving dynamic stability of single-crystal low-Co Ni-rich cathode material for high performance lithium batteries
Authors: Saleem Adil , Shaw Leon L. , Butt Mehwish Khalid , Rehman Javed , Hussain Arshad , Hussain Zawar , Iqbal Rashid , Majeed Muhammad Kashif
Published: October 2024

The demand for high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has driven intensive research into cathode materials that exhibit both superior performance and stability over multiple charge–discharge cycles.
Microwave absorbing properties of polypyrrole-based 2D nanocomposites
Authors: Islam Raeesah , Sood Yuvika , Mudila Harish , Ohlan Anil , Kumar Anil
Published: October 2024

The rise in EM wave pollution creates a demand for effective absorptive materials. PPy is a promising conductive polymer, and PPy-based 2D nanocomposites show potential as effective EM wave absorbers.
Asymmetric liquid crystalline donors with two different end groups enable efficient all-small-molecule organic solar cells
Authors: Wang Chenhe , Chen Tianyi , Li Shuixing , Shen Yecheng , Yu Jinyang , Wupur Adiljan , Luo Yongmin , Wang Mengting , Ye Xiukun , Wu Jiaying , Shi Minmin , Chen Hongzheng
Published: October 2024

The relationships among molecular structure, liquid crystal behavior, and phase separation morphology of small molecule donors were explored. The BT-CAR4-based device achieved an ideal morphology, leading to a 15.52% efficiency for binary ASM-OSCs.
Engineering defective MOF-801 nanostructures on the surface of a calcium alginate aerogel for efficient and stable atmospheric water harvesting
Authors: Liu Cai-Hua , Xu Lei , Wang Zhen-Yu , Han Sheng-Jie , Li Yi-Bin , Fu Ming-Lai , Yuan Baoling
Published: October 2024

A calcium alginate surface-loaded nano-defective MOF-801-G (PMC) aerogel for efficient atmospheric water harvesting applications.
Probing the key roles of the back interface in the performance of carbon-based hole-transport-layer free perovskite solar cells
Authors: Li Xinwei , Fu Nianqing , Peng Xiaocao , Lin Hehui , Cheng Jiaang , Chen Ziming , Lin Peng , Du Jun
Published: October 2024

The key roles of perovskite films in the photovoltaic performance of carbon-based PSCs employing various absorbers were comprehensively studied and elucidated.
A Ru3+-functionalized-NMOF nanozyme as an inhibitor and disaggregator of β-amyloid aggregates
Authors: Luo Wan-Chun , Bao Li-Na , Zhang Yu , Zhang Zi-Tong , Li Xi , Pan Meng-Meng , Zhang Jin-Tao , Huang Kun , Xu Yu , Xu Li
Published: October 2024

A novel nanozyme based on Ru3+-chelated nanoscale metal organic frameworks (Ru3+-NMOFs) displayed peroxidase-like activity, and employed in inhibiting and disaggregating β-amyloid aggregates both in vitro and in vivo.
Concentration quenching behavior of Stokes and upconversion luminescence for Pr3+-doped Y3Al5O12
Authors: Kitagawa Yuuki , Nakamura Hitomi , Shinozaki Kenji
Published: October 2024

In Pr3+-doped Y3Al5O12, the blue-to-UV upconversion luminescence is significantly more affected by concentration quenching than the UV Stokes luminescence, which is due to cross-relaxation involving the upconversion intermediate states 3PJ and 1D2.
Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Makhubela Sebolaishi Doris , Kgopa Ananias Hodi , Mokgotho Matlou Phineas , Shai Leshweni Jerry
Published: October 2024

This review evaluates almost two decades of epidemiological and experimental studies investigating the link between DEHP exposure and type 2 diabetes. Further research is required to comprehend the implications of the proposed association in humans.
Fabrication methods, pseudocapacitance characteristics, and integration of conjugated conducting polymers in electrochemical energy storage devices
Authors: Heydari Gharahcheshmeh Meysam , Chowdhury Kafil
Published: October 2024

Conducting polymers are gaining significant attention in electrochemical energy storage devices for their unique ionic/electronic conduction and redox pseudocapacitance characteristics.
Treatment and Outcome Metrics for Speech-Language Pathology Treatment of Upper Airway Disorders: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sandage Mary J. , Morton-Jones Mariah E. , Hall-Landers Rebecca J. , Tucker Jordan G.
Published: October 2024

Objective:

Clinical treatment strategies and progress metrics for patients with inducible laryngeal obstruction (ILO) and exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO) have not been systematically applied across clinics. The goals of this review were to identify the intervention strategies used to treat upper airway disorders and determine the clinical metrics by which improvement or resolution of ILO/EILO is determined in clinical studies of speech-language pathology intervention.

Method:

A systematic review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Systematic Reviews Checklist. English language, full-text publications were identified through MEDLINE (Ovid), APA PsycINFO, and Web of Science for publications that described clinical outcomes following behavioral treatment for ILO provided by a speech-language pathologist (SLP).

Results:

A total of 238 sources were retrieved, of which 75 were duplicates. Titles and abstracts of 163 were screened, with 22 sources included for full-text review. Citation review yielded nine additional resources. Thirty-one sources were included for data extraction. Most sources described use of respiratory/laryngeal retraining. There was a lack of consistency for clinical and standardized metrics used to evaluate improvement or resolution of upper airway symptoms.

Conclusions:

Behavioral and standardized outcome metrics for evaluating therapy outcomes from SLP behavioral intervention of ILO/EILO are not consistently applied. Clinical metrics standards for clinicians are needed to provide a means to evaluate graded improvement in treatment and changes in health care utilization as well as for training less-experienced clinicians.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.27172683
Stochastic optimal power flow framework with incorporation of wind turbines and solar PVs using improved liver cancer algorithm
Authors: Khan Noor Habib , Wang Yong , Habib Salman , Jamal Raheela , Gulzar Muhammad Majid , Muyeen S. M. , Ebeed Mohamed
Published: October 2024

The present study introduces a nature inspired improved liver cancer algorithm (ILCA) for solving the non‐convex engineering optimization issues. The traditional LCA (t‐LCA) inspires from the conduct of liver tumours and integrates biological ethics during the optimization procedure. However, t‐LCA facing stagnation issues and may trap into local optima. To avoid such issues and provide the optimal solution, there are some modifications are implemented into the internal structure of t‐LCA based on Weibull flight operator, mutation‐based approach, quasi‐opposite‐based learning and gorilla troops exploitation‐based mechanisms to enhance the overall strength of the algorithm to obtain the global solution. For validation of ILCA, the non‐parametric and the statistical analysis are performed using benchmark standard functions. Moreover, ILCA is applied to resolve the stochastic renewable‐based (wind turbines + PVs) optimal power flow problem using a modified RER‐based IEEE 57‐bus. The objective of this work is to obtain the minimum predicted power losses and enhance the predicted voltage stability. By incorporation of renewable resources into the modified IEEE57‐bus network can help the system to reduce the power losses from 5.6622 to 3.8142 MW, while the voltage stability is enhanced from 0.1700 to 0.1164 p.u.
Towards the development of offshore wind farms in the Mediterranean Sea: A techno‐economic analysis including green hydrogen production during curtailments
Authors: Travaglini Riccardo , Superchi Francesco , Lanni Francesco , Manzini Giovanni , Serri Laura , Bianchini Alessandro
Published: October 2024

Bringing floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs) to a real industrial maturity and reducing the levelized cost of floating wind energy are key to significantly increasing the penetration of renewables in the energy mix of Mediterranean countries, especially if in combination with suitable energy storage systems, such as those involving green hydrogen production. The present study analyses techno‐economic aspects of some of the technologies related to FOWTs and hydrogen production by means of offshore‐generated energy, aiming to evaluate the potential of a floating wind farm integrated with a power‐to‐gas energy storage system in a specific installation site near the Sardinian shores. In comparison to the pioneering studies to date, a more detailed computational model is used, able to account for several critical factors like a better description of metocean conditions, constraints on grid capacity, and a state‐of‐the‐art model to define the farm layout. Concerning hydrogen production, a comparison between the statistical approach, which is commonly used in the field, and a fully time‐dependent method is performed. Proposed results obtained with the statistic and the time‐dependent approach show values ranging between 3.79 and 5.47€/kg, respectively. These outcomes are thought to provide an interesting comparison between different fidelity approaches and realistic reference values for the levelized cost of hydrogen by floating wind in the Mediterranean Sea.
6th International Conference on Tropical Resources and Sustainable Sciences (CTReSS 6.0)
Authors: Appalasamy Suganthi
Published: October 2024

The sixth edition of International Conference on Tropical Resources and Sustainable Sciences (CTReSS 6.0) organised by the Faculty of Earth Science, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan has garnered more than 600 participants since 2020. This year, the faculty was honoured to receive participations from Austria, China, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan and the Philippines, in line with the currents effort to promote academia and research via global outreach. In total, two invited speakers from various backgrounds and a keynote speaker from Kyoto University have delivered their insights on the latest trends in sustainable use of water resources, management of tropical resources, and GIS technologies in groundwater managements.
Avifauna at Padang Chong Forest Reserve, Perak
Authors: Appanan Manoshini , Azman Mohammad Shahfiz , Ahmad Ruzman Nor Hazwani , Azahar Muhammad Asyraff , Mohd Alip Mohd Shukri , Kamaruzzaman Mohd Faiz
Published: October 2024

Avifauna are widely visible and can be found in a variety of habitats, including primary forests up to the urban gardens. Surveys on avifauna using the mist-netting technique were carried out at Padang Chong Forest Reserve (PCFR) in Perak for five sessions starting from June 2022 until November 2022. From these, a total of 176 individuals from 49 species were recorded. The main objective of these surveys was to document and update the avifauna diversity at this forest reserve. Grey-throated Babbler (Stachyris nigriceps) was the most abundant with 27 individuals captured throughout the surveys followed by Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps indica) and Oriental-dwarf Kingfisher (Ceyx erithaca) with 14 individuals and 11 individuals captured respectively. From the surveys, it is shown that a diverse array of avifauna, with the remaining individuals representing a variety of species, each with fewer than 10 individuals recorded. Out of 49 species of avifauna, only Brown-chested Jungle-flycatcher (Cyornis brunneatus) is listed as Vulnerable, and the remaining species are listed as Near Threatened and Least Concern. These brings the checklist of avifauna in PCFR a total of 85 species from 19 families. Understanding the species richness of avifauna in Padang Chong Forest Reserve (PCFR) is crucial for effective conservation management strategies since this forest reserve is identified as one of the ecological corridors in Central Forest Spine (CFS) initiative known as A-PL2.
Economic impact of monsoon flood on the household income in Malaysia: A two-level analysis
Authors: Sulaiman Chindo , Azahar Abas Muhammad , Mohd Fauzan Nadia Ummi Syazlinie , Hassin Nor Hizami , Othman Norashida , Mohamad Azmin Nur Azwani , Mohamad Azmin Abdul Samad , Shaari Nur Fatihah
Published: October 2024

Malaysia is located in the north of the equator and composed of two regions which are peninsular Malaysia and east Malaysia. The country is characterized by southwest monsoon which is the drier weather that start from late May to September and northwest monsoon that start from November to March. The Northwest monsoon comes with heavy rains in Peninsular Malaysia, and it usually leads to floods. Floods can have a lot of negative socio-economic impacts on the country such as loss of livelihood and a decrease in purchasing power and production, which subsequently affect the country’s economic growth and development. The objective of this study is to investigate the economic impact of monsoon floods on the household income in Malaysia and across its states. The data used in this study were obtained from the Department of Statistics Malaysia and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage Malaysia. The study period covered by the study is from 2016 to 2021. The method used in this study is the panel data regression analysis, which includes the pooled OLS, fixed effect, random effect, and robust model. The result reveals that monsoon flood has a negative impact on household income both at aggregate and disaggregate levels. At Malaysia’s level, the number of floods shows a negative impact on household income. While at the state level, the result shows that some of the states such as Kedah, Kelantan, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, Terengganu and Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur are significantly negatively affected. Meanwhile, the states of Johor, Melaka, Pulau Pinang and Wilayah Persekutuan Labuan, are not negatively affected. As such, it is recommended that the responsible authority, such as the government and policymakers should enhance their monsoon flood preparedness and mitigation programs.
Analysing stingless bee garden design for urban farming in Kelantan, Malaysia
Authors: Wan Mohamad Wan Saiful Nizam , Hasan Ramly , Hassan Khalilah , Abdul Hamid Nor Hamizah , Ramlee Noorliyana , Yeo Lee Bak , Othmani Nurul Izzati , Mohamed Syahidah Amni , Mohamed Som Sahrudin
Published: October 2024

The benefits of stingless bee honey for health found in various studies increase the demand for these apiculture activities to grow. However, the production of stingless bee honey requires specific garden design considerations according to the species’ nature and behaviour. Therefore, this study aims to analyse the design of a stingless bee garden by three stingless bee honey entrepreneurs in Kelantan, Malaysia for urban farming consideration. Three stingless bee gardens were selected based on their establishment in producing stingless bee honey for business, namely, (i) RTF Kelulut Garden, (ii) Meloris Kelulut Garden, and (iii) Husna Kelulut Garden. This research employed the mapping method, image capture to collect information on spatial arrangement, hive design, and plant identification for the commercial stingless bee garden. Data were analyzed using comparative analysis to define the significant considerations as well as the recommendation for better garden design. The finding suggests that there are three design layouts for the stingless bee garden which are a covered setting, a natural setting, and a mixed setting. Mix setting becomes the recommended setting suitable in tropical countries because of rainy and hot seasons. This study implies that an understanding of stingless bee garden design assists entrepreneurs in increasing the productivity and quality of stingless bee honey.
Examining The Economic Value and Awareness for Recreational Fishing: A Study Case of Kuala Nerus, Terengganu
Authors: Shaari Nur Fatihah , Mohamad Abdullah , Shaari Jamilah , Sulaiman Chindo , A Samad Nur Syafiqah , Ghazali Mohd Hafiz , Bashir Bugaje Idris
Published: October 2024

In numerous countries, recreational fishing is a favored leisure activity. Recreational anglers employ conventional fishing methods, including pole-and-line, nets, and traps, in salt and fresh water. In Malaysia, the recreational fishing sector engages around 2.2 million individuals, with nearly half of this population participating in oceanic recreational fishing activities. Meanwhile, recreational fishing activities in Malaysia are unregulated. This means that neither a license nor a permit is required to carry out such activities, in addition to the lack of guidelines and rules surrounding the industry. Considering its open-access nature, there is no limit to how much one can fish. This may lead to overfishing and the subsequent collapse of certain fish species. As a result, this study aims to determine fishers’ willingness to pay and awareness of conservation and rehabilitation for recreational fishing. We distributed a face-to-face survey to 210 recreational fishermen in Kuala Terengganu. However, only 200 questionnaires were available for analysis. Using a contingent valuation method (CVM), recreation fishers are only willing to pay RM10 for conservation, and most of the fishers are aware of environmental conservation and the rules and regulations of recreational fishing. The findings of this research will provide insightful information for the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to decide whether it is necessary to establish a license for recreational fishing in the future, which together will help to achieve SDG Goal 14 and avoid overfishing.
From Field to Circular Economy: Evaluating Kenaf’s Potential Through Environmental Economics and Design
Authors: Sukri S.N.D. , Abdullah M.E.Z. , Jaafar J. , Anwar M.F.M. , Kadir A.N.A. , Hussin N.S.M.
Published: October 2024

Circularity collaboration between economics and design is crucial to work together towards a common goal of sustainability through the exploration of renewable resources such as kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus), a fast-growing and versatile plant that has great potential as a sustainable raw material. However, the full potential of kenaf has not yet been fully explored, especially in terms of its economic and environmental benefits, as well as its application in circular design principles. Hence, the study aims to demonstrate the availability, technological processing, and socioeconomic implications of kenaf. Although numerous research has been undertaken on this plant, it is vital to revisit its potential from various viewpoints to maximize its application. This paper evaluates the role of kenaf from its early cycle into the production process in promoting its potential for environmental economics by considering circular design principles. By analyzing case studies and current market applications, the methodology used in this study involves reviewing the previous study and text documentation that provides insights into the potential of kenaf usage. The findings suggest that kenaf, when utilized effectively, can significantly contribute to resource efficiency, waste reduction, and overall environmental sustainability, positioning it as a key component in the shift towards a circular economic and circular design framework. Exploration of kenaf potential in this study not only focuses on recycling, reuse, and regeneration but also proposes a redevelopment approach for its underdeveloped materials requires collaboration between economic and design principles. Interdisciplinary studies through these field combinations can develop an efficient, productive, and sustainable economic system that would expedite the shift toward a circular economy and support the development of sustainability goals.
Assessment of rice growers’ exposure to pesticides applied in Kelantan, Malaysia
Authors: Wong Hie Ling , Garthwaite David G. , Jais An Nurainee , Norman Nurul Najiah , Mohd Shobri Nurin Dalila , Brown Colin D.
Published: October 2024

There is a clear need for more information on occupational exposure to pesticides on smallholder farms in developing countries. This study investigates the exposure of rice growers to pesticides through the use of knapsack/backpack sprayers, a widespread practice in developing countries such as Malaysia. We collected pesticide application information from 23 rice growers using face-to-face interviews and questionnaires. We used the information to predict total daily exposure to individual active substances across a rice-growing season using selected exposure models. We then compared the estimates with toxicity thresholds to determine the potential risks. The 23 rice growers cultivated between 0.6 and 3.8 hectares of rice and applied pesticides on three and 13 spray days across the season, using up to eight active substances on individual days. Individuals had estimated average daily exposures to individual substances between 4.1x10-3 and 1.3x10-1 mg kg-bw-1 day-1, with dermal exposure accounting for 89 – 99.6% of total exposure. Overall, 28% of the 408 applications’ exposure exceeded the toxicity threshold. This was due to highly toxic pesticides and growers not wearing gloves while working. Health risks can be reduced by providing training and information on pesticide product selection and application practices.
A Potential Study of Waste-to-Wealth Program in Delta Tumpat, Kelantan, Malaysia
Authors: Abas Muhamad Azahar , Sulaiman Chindo , Mat Rasat Mohd Sukhairi , Muhamad Nor Amal Najihah , Seow Ta Wee , Goh Kai Chen , Mohd Anuar Nursyahida Anis
Published: October 2024

The waste-to-wealth program refers to the process of transforming waste from depleted usefulness to valued and desired utility. The waste-to-wealth program consists of recycling, upcycling and composting. This study explores the types of waste generated and waste disposal practices by the Delta Tumpat, Kelantan community and explores the waste-to-wealth program’s potential. A total of 280 respondents participated in this study using stratified sampling. This study found the high potential to introduce waste-to-wealth programs to the community of Delta Tumpat based on the abundance of organic wastes generated, as well as the high awareness of waste-to-wealth and willingness to participate in waste- to-wealth programs in the future. Organic waste is the most generated waste by the Delta Tumpat community. Food and agriculture waste are the most significant contributors to the organic waste in the Delta of Tumpat. Burning is the primary disposal practice due to a lack of knowledge of sustainable waste disposal practices. Better intervention programs and initiatives are needed to increase the community’s willingness to participate in the waste- to-wealth program.
Application of Electrical Resistivity Tomography and Induced Polarization for Pre-Construction Site Assessment in Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Authors: Musty Sadiq Bukar , Bery Andy Anderson
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the application of Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and Induced Polarization (IP) methods for subsurface characterization at a proposed construction site in Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia. The research aims to determine the subsurface resistivity distribution and identify geological features critical for construction planning. By employing ERT and IP techniques along 2 profiles, L1 and L2 at the site, the study evaluates variations in soil and rock characteristics and potential instability zones. The results indicate that areas with high resistivity (11 to 93 Ωm), corresponding to fractured limestone, exhibit greater stability, while regions with low resistivity (20-69 Ωm) and higher chargeability (5-10 msec) are clay-rich and pose potential risks. Borehole data were integrated to validate geophysical findings, revealing an absence of solid bedrock, necessitating careful foundation design to ensure structural stability. The combined use of ERT and IP using machine learning (twostep clustering) analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of subsurface conditions, supporting informed decision-making for construction projects and mitigating risks associated with subsurface uncertainties.
Impact of pelletisation on torrefied oil palm empty fruit bunch biochar
Authors: Mat Rasat Mohd Sukhairi , Mohd Amin Mohamad Faiz , Ahmad Muhammad Iqbal , Mohamed Noor An’amt , Moktar Janshah , Mohd Yunus Ag Ahmad , Jemali Noor Janatun Naim , Abdul Majid Nur Kyariatul Syafinie , Amaludin Nazahatul Anis , Bukhari Siti Noor Balqis , Darus Dasrul Iskandar , Abas Muhamad Azahar , Abd Ghani Muhammad Aizat , Mohd Amin Mohamad Asyraf
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the impact of pelletisation on the properties and performance of torrefied oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) biochar. Torrefaction, a mild pyrolysis process, enhances the energy density and durability of biomass, creating a more stable biochar product. Pelletisation, involving the compression of biochar into pellets, aims to improve its handling, transportation, and application efficiencies. This study examines key parameters such as the effects of pelletisation pressure, temperature, and the use of binders on the physical and chemical properties of torrefied EFB biochar. Evaluations include changes in density, bonding properties, and calorific value. Additionally, the study explores how pelletisation influences the biochar’s porosity, surface area, and elemental composition. Results indicate that pelletisation significantly affects the structural integrity and functional properties of torrefied EFB biochar. Pellets exhibit enhanced bulk density and durability, which are beneficial for storage and transport. However, some reduction in surface area and porosity is observed, potentially impacting the biochar’s effectiveness in applications such as soil amendment and carbon sequestration. Findings suggest that while pelletisation offers practical advantages, optimizing the process parameters is crucial to maintain the beneficial properties of torrefied EFB biochar. Overall, this study provides comprehensive insights into the trade- offs associated with pelletising torrefied EFB biochar, highlighting the potential for improved usability in sustainable agriculture and environmental management practices. Future work should focus on refining pelletisation techniques to balance mechanical benefits with the preservation of biochar’s functional attributes.
Rainfall trend analysis using the Mann-Kendall test with pyMannKendall: A case study of Jeli, Kelantan
Authors: Muhammad Marinah , Azmi Mohammad Alif Firdaus , Mohd Zawawi Muhammad Akmal
Published: October 2024

Trend analysis was widely used as a tool to detect changes in climatic and hydrological time series data such as rainfall. Therefore, this study aims to analyse the rainfall trends in Jeli, Kelantan from 2009 to 2020 Simple linear regression was used to impute missing data in all rainfall stations. The rainfall trends in time series were tested using the Mann- Kendall test and Sens’ slope methods. This analysis was analysed using Python with pyMannKendall package. Kg. Jeli exhibited a statistically significant decreasing trend in rainfall, with a Kendall’s Tau of -0.1412 and a Sen’s slope of -0.0272 (p-value = 0.0121). However, no statistically significant rainfall trends were observed in the other three rainfall stations: Ldg. Kuala Balah, Kg. Gemang Bahru, and Kg. Ayer Lanas during the study period. Generally, this study concludes that the flood event was caused by high rainfall intensity.
Generating multi-group cross-sections using continuous-energy Monte Carlo method for fast reactor analysis
Authors: Guo Hui , Shen Yuyang , Wu Yiwei , Song Qufei , Gu Hanyang
Published: October 2024

The deterministic two-step method, comprising multigroup cross-section generation and core calculation, is widely applied in fast reactor design and analysis. Monte Carlo (MC) methods with continuous energy and fine geometry provide high-precision cross-sections essential for advanced fast reactor neutronics analysis. This paper presents an analysis of integrating MC-generated homogenized cross-sections with various core solvers, demonstrating their effectiveness and potential improvements in fast reactor simulations. For diffusion core calculations, the superhomogénéisation (SPH) technique reduces control rod worth overestimation from 13.5% to 0.35% in the MET-1000 benchmark, improving power distribution predictions. In transport core calculations, the flux-moment homogenization technique (MHT) addresses reactivity overestimation by incorporating cross-section anisotropy, reducing error by 698 pcm. For Method of Characteristics (MOC) core calculations, transport-corrected multigroup cross-sections yield high precision in pin-by-pin power distribution for a 100 MWe lead-based fast reactor benchmark. While MC methods require significant computational resources, such as 62 CPU-hours for the MET-1000 core and 85.5 CPU-hours for the 100 MWe lead-based fast reactor core, they offer flexibility in geometry modeling. This work highlights MC multigroup cross-section generation methods applicable to diffusion, MOC, and transport core calculations for fast reactor analysis, suggesting further exploration into their performance in various reactor parameters and computational efficiency.
Study on the Particle Sorting Performance for Reactor Monte Carlo Neutron Transport on Apple Unified Memory GPUs
Authors: Liu Changyuan
Published: October 2024

In simulation of nuclear reactor physics using the Monte Carlo neutron transport method on GPUs, the sorting of particles plays a significant role in performance of calculation. Traditionally, CPUs and GPUs are separated devices connected at low data transfer rate and high data transfer latency. Emerging computing chips tend to integrate CPUs and GPUs. One example is the Apple silicon chips with unified memory. Such unified memory chips have opened doors for new strategies of collaboration between CPUs and GPUs for Monte Carlo neutron transport. Sorting particles on CPU and transport on GPU is an example of such new strategy, which has been suffering the high CPU-GPU data transfer latency on the traditional devices with separated CPU and GPU. The finding is that for the Apple M2 max and M3 max chip, sorting on CPU leads to better performance per power than sorting on GPU for the ExaSMR whole core benchmark problems and the HTR-10 high temperature gas reactor fuel pebble problem. The partially sorted particle order has been identified to contribute to the higher performance with CPU sort than GPU. The in-house code using both CPU and GPU achieves 7.6 times (M3 max) power efficiency that of OpenMC on CPU for ExaSMR whole core benchmark with depleted fuel, and 130 times (M3 max) for HTR-10 fuel pebble benchmark with depleted fuel.
The effect of dominance ratio on the statistical convergence of sensitivity in Monte Carlo codes
Authors: Rababah Mohammad , Bidaud Adrien
Published: October 2024

Sensitivity computation in Monte Carlo-based codes is widely used and has been enhanced significantly. Although sensitivity converges in most reactor configurations, it encounters difficulties in large core designs. We suspect that this issue might be linked to the dominance ratio. To test this hypothesis, we develop a simple benchmark to validate whether statistical convergence of sensitivity depends on dominance ratio, and if it may be linked to other factors, such as neutron energy spectrum. The benchmark’s simplicity enables us to calculate the dominance ratio analytically and use eigenmodes decomposition to compute sensitivity to total fission neutron yields, substantially lowering computational costs. This method results in a good match when compared to the direct method which serves as a reference. We clearly see regular sensitivity convergence speed behavior linking it with the number of latent generations and the dominance ratio. Therefore, we establish a formula to recommend the number of latent generations required for sensitivity to converge, thus significantly saving computational resources.
The Monte Carlo Thermal-Physics Coupling Method Based on Functional Expansion Tallies
Authors: An Nan , Gou Yuanhao , Luo Hao , Liu Zhaoyuan , Wang Kan
Published: October 2024

In the Monte Carlo thermal-physical calculations for nuclear reactors, the precise and effective transfer of data between different meshes is a difficult issue of thermal and physical coupling. Converting two separate meshes and transferring the data is an exceptionally difficult and complex task within the conventional nuclear thermal-physics coupling approach. The newly developed Functional Expansion Tallies (FET) method can obtain the continuous distribution of parameters in the solution space.

By applying FET method to nuclear thermal-physics coupling, the no-mesh continuous fission energy distribution can be obtained, which is suitable for more complex meshes. Additionally, the computational memory can be minimized by substituting the data from numerous mesh power distribution data points with the coefficients of the function.
Evaluating Embedded Monte Carlo vs. Total Monte Carlo for Nuclear Data Uncertainty Quantification
Authors: Biot Grégoire , Rochman Dimitri , Ducru Pablo , Forget Benoit
Published: October 2024

The purpose of this paper is to compare a new method called Embedded Monte Carlo (EMC) to the well-known Total Monte Carlo (TMC) method for nuclear data uncertainty propagation. Indeed, the TMC methodology is based on the use of a large number of random samples of nuclear data libraries and performing separate Monte Carlo calculations for each random sample. Then, the computation of nuclear data uncertainty is based on the difference between the total uncertainty and the statistical uncertainty of each Monte Carlo simulation. This method can either be applied to MC and deterministic codes where there are no statistical uncertainties. The goal of EMC is to compute statistical uncertainty for each random sample by utilizing historical statistics instead of the batch statistics employed in TMC. Consequently, one large Monte Carlo simulation can be conducted where each batch represents a new random sample, thereby embedding the propagation of uncertainties within a single calculation and reducing computational expenses. This approach allows for the calculation of nuclear data uncertainty using history statistics in fixed source and eigenvalue calculations. This paper demonstrates the capability of this new method using OpenMC. The analysis will be performed on a Godiva sphere benchmark by propagating the uncertainty on two input parameters: the average neutron multiplicity v and 235U density.
FLAIR3 – recasting simulation experiences with the Advanced Interface for FLUKA and other Monte Carlo codes
Authors: Donadon André , Hugo Gabrielle , Theis Christian , Vlachoudis Vasilis
Published: October 2024

Particle tracking Monte Carlo codes are complicated programs to use, making them error prone for the end user. To address this problem, and simplify the use of (initially) FLUKA, Flair was born in late 2006. Over the course of time, Flair evolved so much that it established itself as the de-facto standard for working with FLUKA, even to the extent that users often confuse the two programs. Recently a major development effort was routed on separating the interface from the functionality and the tight links with FLUKA. This opened the door to support other Monte Carlo codes. Notably this effort was in line with the new generation of the FLUKA code v5, however also PHITS, MCNP and partially PENELOPE can benefit from this architectural change. The present paper describes the latest developments in the code and some of the most noteworthy Flair features.
Add 3D Plotting to Your Monte Carlo Code In A Few Hours
Authors: Ridley Gavin , Shriwise Patrick , Forget Benoit
Published: October 2024

Any Monte Carlo transport code can produce 2D slice plots of geometric inputs using sampling of cell or material identifiers at each pixels’ point in space; ray-traced 3D plots of simulation geometries are generally less available or require paid or closed-source software. We demonstrate the ease of implementing minimalistic ray-traced visualization algorithms using only the geometric querying operations found in any Monte Carlo transport code.
Efficiency of variance-reduction techniques using TRIPOLI-4®: Application to equivalent dose rate calculations in a spent-fuel cask
Authors: Bonin Alice , Petit Odile
Published: October 2024

This paper presents the comparison of different variance-reduction methods implemented in the Monte Carlo code TRIPOLI-4® in the case of a deep penetration problem. In this complex radiation transport situation, where the shielding is very thick to ensure protection, variance-reduction methods are necessary to obtain results with a good accuracy in a reasonable calculation time. The configuration investigated in this work is a spent-fuel transport cask. The various variance-reduction methods used here consist either of Importance Sampling with the Exponential Transform method, or of sophisticated population-control methods. These methods are detailed, then the results are presented and compared and the efficiency of these methods is investigated. While all methods implemented in TRIPOLI-4® are efficient versus analog simulations, the pre-calculation of importance maps with deterministic methods enables a faster convergence of the Monte Carlo simulations, especially when combined with the Exponential Transform.
Impact of Malfunctioning Sensors on Data-Driven Reduced Order Modelling: Application to Molten Salt Reactors
Authors: Riva Stefano , Introini Carolina , Zio Enrico , Cammi Antonio
Published: October 2024

Over the years, the development of Data-Driven Reduced Order Modelling (DDROM) techniques has paved the way for novel approaches to combine the physical knowledge built in high-fidelity simulations with the physical observations from experimental measurements. On the one hand, these approaches allow updating and correcting the background information obtained from the physical model; on the other hand, they allow overcoming the sparsity of observations for a global state estimation. For these reasons, these approaches are of interest for applications where one of the two sources of information is incomplete: for example, for applications related to Circulating Fuel Reactors, such as the Molten Salt Fast Reactor. These reactors are characterised by a hostile and harsh environment and by the absence of solid structures inside the core, making the monitoring of the quantities of interest inside the core a challenging task. Many works of literature on DDROM assume that experimental data represent the truth, and although extensive research has been done on noisy sensors, few works of literature analyse what happens to the state estimation when one or more sensors malfunction. Then, the robust and reliable application of DDROM techniques, requires first investigating how their performance is affected by malfunctioning sensors. This work aims to investigate this aspect in the context of modelling and simulating the system response during an accidental transient occurring in a Molten Salt Fast Reactor, considering the impact of failed sensors on the performance of Data-Driven Reduced Order Modelling techniques. Quite importantly, this work also proposes a strategy based on Supervised Learning to compensate for the failed sensors.
Exploration of genetic algorithms to build a balanced neutron spectra dataset useful to train unfolding techniques based on artificial neural networks
Authors: Bouhadida Maha , Hmede Rodayna , Brovchenko Mariya , Monange Wilfried , Vinchon Thibaut , Ducasse Quentin , Trompier François
Published: October 2024

Diverse domains need neutrons unfolding technics to assess the incident neutron energy spectrum. Examples are radiation protection, nuclear reactor physics or criticality safety. Traditionally, methods based on the Bayesian approach requires an initial guess of the solution which may significantly impact the unfolding result. This work proposes a novel method for neutron spectrum reconstruction using machine learning (ML) techniques trained on a large dataset. To ensure the ML algorithm to perform on a large domain of application particular attention has been paid to the dataset creation. We propose a comparison of two methods of building large dataset where the most adequate solution is obtained using a dynamic genetic algorithm (GA). This GA targets optimal combinations of 48 parameters to generate a variety of neutron spectra. The resulting dataset is then used to train a new convolutional neural network architecture for unfolding neutron spectra. Obtained performance metrics of the tested architecture show high efficiency and emphasize the added value of the built dataset.
Vegetation health evaluation using cost-effective aerial reflectance measurements
Authors: Lucena Anaísa , Rendeiro Rodrigo , Marques Carlos
Published: October 2024

With the increase of wildfires, posing a significant threat to ecosystems, human life, and infrastructure, early detection and management of vegetation becomes crucial. The Green-Red Vegetation Index (GRVI) and the Excess Green (ExG) index are often used as a health indicator for plants. While the ExG index excels in identifying vegetation, the GRVI can distinguish between healthy and dead vegetation by calculating the difference between reflected green and red light. This study utilized a cost-effective commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) drone (DJI MAVIC 2 PRO) and in-house software to retrieve the forementioned GRVI and ExG indices. These enable the classification of vegetation in rural areas to identify biomass fuel that requires cleaning to prevent the spread of fires. Validation through comparison tests with field samples demonstrated that the drone and software can effectively identify and categorize vegetation types, as well as estimate biomass fuel.
Modelling Investigation of Atmospheric Turbulence-Induced Beam Deviation for LEO/GEO FSO Communication Link
Authors: Al-Juboori Haider
Published: October 2024

The uplink analytical simulation scenario of atmospheric turbulence-induced beam deviation can give the insight needed to understand and create the mitigation techniques that could support novel applications in the fields of free-space optical communications (FSOC) and the generation of laser guide stars. One of the significant challenges that causes wandering and fading of the beam from the receiver aperture is beam deviation. In this study, two uplink numerical modelling scenarios for low-earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary (GEO) satellites will be investigated and discussed. The work seeks to visualize the effective parameters and analytically simulate atmospheric optical propagation, especially for the wandering effect, which can give concrete milestones for developing a new scientific investigation era and deeper insight into the system’s theoretical demonstration of free-space optical communications.
POF Sensor for Dynamic Physiological Evaluation in a Dog-Assisted ASD Therapy: A Case Study
Authors: Gaitán-Padilla María , Farfal Daniela , Barria Patricio , Vieira Segatto Marcelo Eduardo , Cifuentes Carlos A. , Pontes Maria Jose , Diaz Camilo A.R.
Published: October 2024

Optical fiber sensors have been validated for physiological measurement as a potential device for smart textiles and wearable sensors. Also, developing sensors with Polymeric Optical Fiber (POF) shows promising applications in dynamic and real scenarios, as low-cost alternatives. Furthermore, the functioning of POF sensors can be used in no-skin contact applications, such as in highly skin-sensitive children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) during therapies. On the other hand, Dog-Assisted Therapy (DAT) is a stress-reducing method and has been studied to identify its influence on improving therapies and stress-related events. This work presents a case study in three weekly DAT sessions focused on speech therapy in a subject with ASD. A validated low-cost POF sensor was used in this first dynamic physiological measurement scenario. The analysis of five Heart Rate Variability (HRV) variables was made to compare the participant’s physiological status before and during the DAT. The obtained pulse signal showed the dynamic movements affecting the signal but being able to obtain the pulse peaks. The physiological comparison showed a difference in the mean peakto-peak time interval when the child was interacting with the dog than previous to the interaction in Session 1 and Session 2 (p-value<0.05). Also, an improvement in phonological consciousness was obtained, increasing by eight points after the three weeks of therapy. This case study showed the potential use of POF sensors in dynamic environments, and for wearable or smart textiles for children with ASD.
Ergebnisse einer Befragung orthopädischer
Rehabilitationseinrichtungen zur Umsetzung der Medizinisch-beruflich
orientierten Rehabilitation: Leistungsdiagnostik und
Arbeitsplatztraining
Authors: Bühne David , Hetzel Christian , Elling Mathis , Alles Torsten
Published: October 2024

Ziel der Studie Wenngleich sich die MBOR insbesondere im Bereich der
Muskel-Skelett-Erkrankungen längst als Bestandteil des rehabilitativen
Versorgungssystems etabliert hat, deuteten auf Routinedaten basierende Studien
auf eine ausgeprägte Heterogenität hin, was die Umsetzung des
MBOR-Anforderungsprofils betrifft. Im Rahmen der vorliegenden Untersuchung wurde
die Realisation des Arbeitsplatztrainings sowie auch der vorgeschalteten
Leistungsdiagnostik nun erstmalig auf Grundlage einer bundesweiten Befragung von
Akteurinnen und Akteuren der MBOR in den Blick genommen.

Methodik 2023 erfolgte eine als Vollerhebung angelegte schriftliche
Befragung von Rehabilitationseinrichtungen mit Zulassung für orthopädische MBOR.
Zum Einsatz kam ein in Anlehnung an das MBOR-Anforderungsprofil entwickeltes
Instrument. 86 der 317 angeschriebenen Einrichtungen beantworteten den
Fragebogen und erfüllten zugleich die Einschlusskriterien (Durchführung von
MBOR-Heilverfahren).

Ergebnisse 67% der Fachabteilungen schilderten, zu Reha-Beginn bei
mindestens 50% der Personen Verfahren der Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE)
einzusetzen und 70% die regelhafte Durchführung spezifischer Profilvergleiche.
Ferner berichteten 57%, das Arbeitsplatztraining auf Grundlage eines
Profilvergleiches zu gestalten. Das Arbeitsplatztraining selbst wird bei etwa
jeder zweiten Fachabteilung bei mindestens 50% der Personen im Umfang von
mindestens 360 Minuten erbracht. Die Durchführung der FCE-Testungen wie auch des
Arbeitsplatztrainings erfolgt dabei vorrangig durch Ergotherapeutinnen und
Ergotherapeuten.

Schlussfolgerung Leistungsdiagnostik und Arbeitsplatztraining werden
vielfach, jedoch längst noch nicht flächendeckend in Einklang mit dem
MBOR-Anforderungsprofil realisiert. Ein vielversprechender Ansatzpunkt zur
einrichtungsinternen Weiterentwicklung und Optimierung der MBOR liegt in der
Förderung der Interdisziplinarität.