bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary study of plastic micro fibre waste for sound absorption applications
Authors: ASTRAUSKAS Tomas , PRANSKEVIČIUS Mantas , JANUŠEVIČIUS Tomas
Published: October 2023

Plastic and waste production has increased significantly in recent years. According to the various predictions
the plastic production is not slowing down in the near future. Since 1960, plastic production has risen to 322 million
tonnes in 2015 and expected to double in the next 20 years (Lusher et al., 2017). According to the 2020 statistical data,
the leading sectors in plastic demand are packaging, building and construction, with 40.5% and 20.4% respectively. In
2019, an estimated 41% of plastic packaging waste was recycled in the EU. Despite the advantages of plastic recycling
technologies, there are also a number of problems. Mechanical recycling refers to the processing of plastics waste into
secondary raw material or products without significantly changing the material’s chemical structure. In this paper, we
focused at the problem of plastic micro fibre (PMF) waste, which generated during mechanical recycling. The possibilities
of using PMF for sound absorption applications are tested. For primary acoustic characterisation PMF was not
treated thermally or bound using other materials. The controlled parameter of the material is density. The density of
material changed from 100 to 300 kg/m3. The PMF sound absorption characterisation was performed using standard
transfer function method (ISO 10534-2). The acoustic performance of materials predicted with acoustic porous materials
Delany-Bazley-Miki model. The aim of this paper is to gain the essential knowledge about the plastic micro fibre
sound absorption performance to find the possible recycling application for sound absorption.
A review of the acoustic properties of noise barriers made from waste and plant-based materials
Authors: STRAZDAS Edgaras , JANUŠEVIČIUS Tomas
Published: October 2023

Noise barriers have been widely used around the world for many years. Solutions are being sought on how
waste or plant-based materials can be integrated into the production of barriers, which would not deteriorate the
acoustic properties of the barriers, and at the same time comply with the principles of circular economy and sustainability.
The aim of the work is to review the currently conducted scientific research related to the development of new
generation noise barriers and the use of waste or plant-based materials for their production, as well as to analyse the
potential of these materials in acoustics. Materials and barriers made of construction and demolition waste, porous
concrete made of waste, combustion bottom ash, tire waste, coconut fiber and straw, palm tree pruning waste, hemp
fiber, bamboo was reviewed. The sound absorption and sound insulation properties of barrier constructions and materials
are described. After conducting a review of the literature, the materials used for the production of noise barriers
were determined, which correspond to the principles of the circular economy, as well as the general trends of structural
solutions.
THE BIOGAS POTENTIAL OF ANIMAL MANURE AND ITS GHG REDUCTION EFFECT IN KONYA PROVINCE, TURKEY
Authors: Karaca Cengiz
Published: October 2023

This study aims to assess the amount of biogas and value of energy produced from animal manure in Konya province. Therefore, the potential of biogas was calculated by considering the number of cattle, broilers, and laying hens. It was calculated that a total of 5.63 million tonnes of animal manure comprising 5.25 million tonnes of cattle manure, 1.07 thousand tonnes of broiler manure, and 382.38 thousand tonnes of laying hen manure could be taken from these animals in the province. 105.67 Mm3 biogas can be produced from the available amount of this manure. It was calculated that electric energy of approximately 266.53 GWhel can be produced from this biogas. Furthermore, greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction was calculated to show the environmental benefits of biogas production from animal manure. Upon benefiting from the total of the calculated biogas potential, it was determined that CO2 emission reduction ranging from 1.04–1.57 million tonnes could be provided.
Evidence That the Occurrence Rate of Hot Jupiters around Sun-like Stars Decreases with Stellar Age
Authors: Miyazaki Shota , Masuda Kento
Published: October 2023

We investigate how the occurrence rate of giant planets (minimum mass > 0.3 M
Jup) around Sun-like stars depends on the age, mass, and metallicity of their host stars. We develop a hierarchical Bayesian framework to infer the number of planets per star (NPPS) as a function of both planetary and stellar parameters. The framework fully takes into account the uncertainties in the latter by utilizing the posterior samples for the stellar parameters obtained by fitting stellar isochrone models to the spectroscopic parameters, Gaia DR3 parallaxes, and 2MASS K
s-band magnitudes adopting a certain bookkeeping prior. We apply the framework to 46 Doppler giants found around a sample of 382 Sun-like stars from the California Legacy Survey catalog that publishes spectroscopic parameters and search completeness for all the surveyed stars. We find evidence that the NPPS of hot Jupiters (orbital period P = 1–10 days) decreases roughly in the latter half of the main sequence over the timescale of


(
Gyr
)

, while that of cold Jupiters (P = 1–10 yr) does not. Assuming that this decrease is real and caused by tidal orbital decay, the modified stellar tidal quality factor

Q

⋆

′

is implied to be


(

10

6

)

for a Sun-like main-sequence star orbited by a Jupiter-mass planet with P ≈ 3 days.
Observation of Alfvén Ion Cyclotron Waves in ICME Magnetic Clouds at 1 au
Authors: Dhamane Omkar , Pawaskar Vinit , Raghav Anil , Shaikh Zubair , D’Amicis Raffaella , Ghag Kalpesh , Kumbhar Kishor , Telloni Daniele , Nicolaou Georgios , Tari Prathmesh , Wicks Robert , Panchal Utsav , Sathe Bhagyashri , Pathare Prachi
Published: October 2023

Waves in plasma play an essential role in the energy transfer and plasma-heating processes. This article discusses the in situ observation of Alfvén ion cyclotron (AIC) waves and their characteristics within interplanetary coronal mass ejection (ICME) flux ropes. We analyzed 401 ICME flux ropes, observed by WIND spacecraft from 1995 to 2021 at 1 au. We found only five ICME flux ropes that show an explicit presence of AIC waves; two have normalized magnetic helicity σ

m
≤ −0.5, and the remaining three show σ

m
≥ 0.5 polarization. The angle between velocity and magnetic field (θ
VB) for σ

m
≤ −0.5 is <40°, whereas for σ

m
≥ 0.5, θ
VB > 140°. This result supports the existence of quasi-parallel and quasi-antiparallel left-handed polarized AIC waves within ICME flux ropes. We suggest that AIC waves are possibly triggered by (i) proton temperature anisotropy Tp
⊥/Tp
∥ > 1 driven by cyclotron instability and (ii) low-frequency Alfvén waves through the magnetohydrodynamic turbulent cascade. This study shows evidence of fluid and kinetic scales coupling in the ICME flux rope.
Jupiter Atmospheric Models and Outer Boundary Conditions for Giant Planet Evolutionary Calculations
Authors: Chen Yi-Xian , Burrows Adam , Sur Ankan , Arevalo Roberto Tejada
Published: October 2023

We present updated atmospheric tables suitable for calculating the post-formation evolution and cooling of Jupiter and Jupiter-like exoplanets. These tables are generated using a 1D radiative transfer modeling code that incorporates the latest opacities and realistic prescriptions for stellar irradiation and ammonia clouds. To ensure the accuracy of our model parameters, we calibrate them against the measured temperature structure and geometric albedo spectrum of Jupiter, its effective temperature, and its inferred internal temperature. As a test case, we calculate the cooling history of Jupiter using an adiabatic and homogeneous interior and compare with extant models now used to evolve Jupiter and the giant planets. We find that our model reasonably matches Jupiter after evolving a hot-start initial condition to the present age of the solar system, with a discrepancy in brightness temperature/radius within 2%. Our algorithm allows us to customize for different cloud, irradiation, and metallicity parameters. This class of boundary conditions can be used to study the evolution of solar system giant planets and exoplanets with more complicated interior structures and nonadiabatic, inhomogeneous internal profiles.
EMRI + TDE = QPE: Periodic X-Ray Flares from Star–Disk Collisions in Galactic Nuclei
Authors: Linial Itai , Metzger Brian D.
Published: October 2023

Roughly half of the quasiperiodic eruption (QPE) sources in galactic nuclei exhibit a remarkably regular alternating “long-short” pattern of recurrence times between consecutive flares. We show that a main-sequence star (brought into the nucleus as an extreme mass-ratio inspiral; EMRI) that passes twice per orbit through the accretion disk of the supermassive black hole (SMBH) on a mildly eccentric inclined orbit, each time shocking and ejecting optically thick gas clouds above and below the midplane, naturally reproduces observed properties of QPE flares. Inefficient photon production in the ejecta renders the QPE emission much harder than the blackbody temperature, enabling the flares to stick out from the softer quiescent disk spectrum. Destruction of the star via mass ablation limits the QPE lifetime to decades, precluding a long-lived AGN as the gaseous disk. By contrast, a tidal disruption event (TDE) naturally provides a transient gaseous disk on the requisite radial scale, with a rate exceeding the EMRI inward migration rate, suggesting that many TDEs should host a QPE. This picture is consistent with the X-ray TDE observed several years prior to the QPE appearance from GSN 069. Remarkably, a second TDE-like flare was observed from this event, starting immediately after detectable QPE activity ceased; this event could plausibly result from the (partial or complete) destruction of the QPE-generating star triggered by runaway mass loss, though other explanations cannot be excluded. Our model can also be applied to black hole–disk collisions, such as those invoked in the context of the candidate SMBH binary OJ 287.
Kinematics and Collimation of the Two-sided Jets in NGC 4261: VLBI Study on Subparsec Scales
Authors: Yan Xi , Lu Ru-Sen , Jiang Wu , Krichbaum Thomas P. , Shen Zhi-Qiang
Published: October 2023

We report multifrequency VLBI studies of the subparsec scale structure of the two-sided jets in the nearby radio galaxy NGC 4261. Our analyses include new observations using the source frequency phase referencing technique with the Very Long Baseline Array at 44 and 88 GHz, as well as archival data at 15 and 43 GHz. Our results show an extended double-sided structure at 43/44 GHz and provide a clear image of the nuclear region at 88 GHz, showing a core size of ∼0.09 mas and a brightness temperature of ∼1.3 × 109 K. Proper motions are measured for the first time in the two-sided jets, with apparent speeds ranging from 0.31 ± 0.14 c to 0.59 ± 0.40 c in the approaching jet and 0.32 ± 0.14 c in the receding jet. The jet-to-counterjet brightness ratio allows us to constrain the viewing angle to between ∼54° and 84° and the intrinsic speed to between ∼0.30 c and 0.55 c. We confirm the parabolic shape of the upstream jet on both sides of the central engine, with a power-law index of 0.56 ± 0.07. Notably, the jet collimation is found to be already completed at subparsec scales, with a transition location of about 0.61 pc, which is significantly smaller than the Bondi radius of 99.2 pc. This behavior can be interpreted as the initial confinement of the jet by external pressure from either the geometrically thick, optically thin advection-dominated accretion flows or the disk wind launched from it. Alternatively, the shape transition may also be explained by the internal flow transition from a magnetically dominated to a particle-dominated regime.
GRB 221009A with an Unconventional Precursor: A Typical Two-stage Collapsar Scenario?
Authors: Song Xin-Ying , Zhang Shuang-Nan
Published: October 2023

As the brightest gamma-ray burst (GRB) ever detected, GRB 221009A may offer a chance that reveals some interesting features that are hidden in those bursts that are not so bright. There seems to be a very weak emission with a flux of 10−8 ∼ 10−7 erg cm−2 s−1 between the first pulse (T
0 ∼ T
0 + 50 s; T
0 is the trigger time) and the main burst (which appears from T
0 + 180 s). Thus, the gap time between them is not really quiescent, and the first pulse could be taken as an unconventional precursor, which may provide a peculiar case study for GRB precursor phenomena. A two-stage collapsar scenario is proposed as the most likely origin for this burst. In this model, the jet for the precursor is produced during the initial core-collapse phase, and should be weak enough not to disrupt the star when it breaks out of the envelope, so that the fallback accretion process and the forming of the disk could continue. We present an approach in which the duration and flux both provide constraints on the luminosity (L
j) and the Lorentz factor at the breakout time (Γb) of this weak jet. The estimated L
j ≲ 1049 erg s−1 and Γb has an order of 10, which are well consistent with the theoretical prediction. Besides, the weak emission in the gap time could be interpreted as an MHD outflow due to a magnetically driven wind during the period from the proto-neutron-star phase to the forming of the accretion disk in this scenario.
The Origin of the Consistent Planetary Nebula Luminosity Function Bright-end Cutoff
Authors: Yao Philippe Z. , Quataert Eliot
Published: October 2023

The [O iii] 5007 Å line is typically the brightest line in planetary nebula (PN) spectra. Observations show that the brightest [O iii] 5007 Å PN in a galaxy—the planetary nebula luminosity function (PNLF) bright-end cutoff—is surprisingly independent of galaxy type. To understand the origin of this puzzling uniformity, we simulate PNe with a range of cloud and star parameters using the photoionization code CLOUDY. We find that the peak [O iii] 5007 Å luminosity depends weakly on both the central stellar effective temperature at high temperature and on the total PN ejecta mass; however, the peak [O iii] 5007 Å luminosity depends strongly on the central stellar luminosity and the PN dust-to-gas mass ratio. We explain these scalings physically. They imply that a higher dust-to-gas mass ratio at higher central stellar luminosity can help explain a constant bright-end cutoff in the PNLF across galaxy types. This prediction is testable with a survey of galactic PNe. The surviving remnants of double white dwarf (WD) mergers should also produce photoionized nebulae analogous to PNe. These may be preferentially present at the high luminosity end of the [O iii] PLNF and could explain the existence of PNe in early-type galaxies that are more luminous in [O iii] than expected from single-star evolutionary models. The presence of WD mergers in both young and old stellar populations could contribute to the uniformity of the [O iii] PNLF across galaxy types; such nebulae would lack the hydrogen lines otherwise characteristic of PNe.
Spectral Background-subtracted Activity Maps
Authors: Denker Carsten , Verma Meetu , Pietrow Alexander G. M. , Kontogiannis Ioannis , Kamlah Rober
Published: October 2023

High-resolution solar spectroscopy provides a wealth of information from photospheric and chromospheric spectral lines. However, the volume of data easily exceeds hundreds of millions of spectra on a single observation day. Therefore, methods are needed to identify spectral signatures of interest in multidimensional data sets. Background-subtracted activity maps (BaSAMs) have previously been used to locate features of solar activity in time series of images and filtergrams. This research note shows how this method can be extended and adapted to spectral data.
Distribution, conservation assessment and management perspectives of Chilean micro-snails of the family Charopidae
Authors: Collado Gonzalo A. , Flores Nataly , Vidal Marcela A. , Torres-Díaz Cristian , Valladares Moisés A.
Published: October 2023

The biodiversity of molluscs is highly threatened in marine, terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems worldwide. This research aimed at studying the distribution and conservation status of eight poorly-known micro-snails of the genera Stephacharopa and Stephadiscus in Chile. We performed a comprehensive review of literature and databases to determine the occurrences of the species, which were mapped on vector layers containing protected areas and human development infrastructure to find potential threats. Conservation status assessment was performed following the criteria and tools implemented by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and NatureServe. We also conducted species distribution models, based on maximum entropy, to identify areas that should be prioritised for conservation. Two species meet the criteria for IUCN listing as Critically Endangered (CR), four Endangered (EN), one Vulnerable (Vu) and one Least Concern (LC). This classification is rather coincident with equivalent categories obtained under the NatureServe standard, in which two species were ranked as Critically Imperiled (N1), five Imperiled (N2) and one Vulnerable (N3). We found that Stephacharopa paposensis is the most at-risk species, with only one occurrence not included in a protected area, followed by Stephadiscus stuardoi, with two occurrences, one of them within a protected area. Stephadiscus lyratus was the species with the greatest geographic range, accounting for 17 occurrences, seven matching a protected area. We found wider potential ranges in modelled species that may be useful for prioritising conservation measures. Considering distributional data, protected areas and more than 20 plausible threats identified, we propose potential in situ and ex situ conservation actions to protect these neglected micro-snails.
Les ressources naturelles russes à l’heure de la guerre en Ukraine : un atout empoisonné ?
Authors: Radvanyi Jean
Published: October 2023

Avec son cortège de destructions, de sanctions et de boycotts, la guerre russe en Ukraine bouleverse les flux mondiaux de matières premières. En lançant en 2022 une guerre totale contre son voisin, V. Poutine comptait sur la dépendance énergétique européenne pour limiter le soutien occidental envers Kiev. La guerre se prolongeant, c’est l’économie russe, très dépendante de ses exportations vers l’UE qui se trouve affaiblie. Des auteurs occidentaux prévoient déjà l’effondrement d’une économie, incapable de remplacer les ventes de gaz transitant par un réseau de gazoducs désormais fermés, voire détruits. Pourtant, plusieurs signes font douter d’un scénario aussi pessimiste. Si le volume d’exportation et donc le budget russe est réduit, Moscou développe depuis des années une stratégie de substitution, tant sur le plan technique (essor du LNG) que par une diversification de ses clients. Sur ce plan, le Kremlin compte sur ses nombreux alliés et clients du « Sud global ».
La « désoccidentalisation » comme stratégie russe de transformation de l’ordre international
Authors: Daniélou Maxime
Published: October 2023

Cet article propose une analyse de la « désoccidentalisation » comme stratégie englobant un ensemble de mesures mises en place par la Russie pour réduire l’influence des États-Unis, de l’Union européenne et de leurs alliés sur la scène internationale. À court terme, cette stratégie a pour but de réduire les effets des sanctions économiques, contrer la tentative d’isolement diplomatique de la Russie et endiguer le support militaire et économique à l’Ukraine. Dans un temps plus long, elle a pour objectif d’accroître l’influence de la Russie dans un ordre international « post-occidental » ou le groupe des BRICS est appelé à jouer un rôle déterminant.
Implementation of the UMove Mobility Program to Promote Safe Patient Mobility and Reduce Falls in the Hospital Setting
Authors: Wells Chris L. , Resnick Barbara , McPherson Rachel , Frampton Katherine
Published: October 2023

The purpose of the current quality improvement (QI) project was to implement the UMove Early Mobility Program to engage patients in safe out of bed (OOB) activities and reduce falls, specifically focusing on toileting-related falls, during the hospital stay. Eight nursing units implemented the UMove program, including the UMove Mobility Screen (UMove MS), to select strategies to reduce toileting-related falls while increasing mobility. De-identified, unit-based data were collected from hospital reports. Nursing had a 95% documentation compliance rate for the UMove MS, and OOB activities and ambulation were documented at 50% and 57%, respectively. There was no statistical difference found in reducing toileting-related falls or sustaining increased OOB activities across the 15-month QI project. Toileting-related falls approached significance with a rate reduction from 1.77 pre-implementation to 0.23 at 6 months and no toileting-related falls at 12 months. Despite no significant findings, there is evidence that clinical changes occurred with nurses assessing and promoting mobility, while implementing strategies to reduce toileting-related falls. [
Research in Gerontological Nursing, 17
(1), 19–29.]
L’area monumentale di Tusculum: nuove ricerche e proposte interpretative (età arcaica - età imperiale)
Authors: Bianco Rosy , Pizzo Antonio
Published: October 2023

[it] Questo contributo presenta una sintesi delle nuove ricerche effettuate a Tusculum tra il 2018 e il 2023. Gli scavi si svilupparono nell’area monumentale della città e nella zona meridionale del foro. Presentiamo una sistematizzazione della documentazione archeologica prodotta in quasi 30 anni di ricerche della EEHAR e nuove proposte interpretative su edifici parzialmente scavati nel corso delle prime campagne e adesso integralmente portati alla luce (basiliche). Per la prima volta nella storia degli studi sul foro tuscolano sono state realizzate una serie di piante con la periodizzazione dell’area. Esse favoriscono un racconto coerente dell’evoluzione diacronica della zona in esame. Attraverso l’integrazione dei nuovi dati di scavo, presentiamo una pianta archeologica del foro con le differenti fasi e una sintesi grafica che rende chiari i vari passaggi storici nell’area monumentale. I dati dei nuovi scavi aprono ulteriori riflessioni sulla tipologia degli edifici forensi di Tusculum. In primo luogo sulle cronologie delle due basiliche presenti nel foro in due diversi periodi della storia urbana e, successivamente, sull’interpretazione di un edificio parzialmente conosciuto e completato nelle campagne citate (Curia / Tempio). In una seconda parte dell’articolo, gli interventi edilizi si relazionano alla storia della città conosciuta dalle fonti storiche ed epigrafiche.
Segmentation of Retinal Images Using Improved Segmentation Network, MesU-Net
Authors: Nair Anitha T. , M. L. Anitha , M. N. Arun Kumar
Published: October 2023

Given the immense importance of medical image segmentation and the challenges associated with manual execution, a diverse range of automated medical image segmentation methods have been developed, primarily focusing on specific modalities of images. This paper introduces an innovative segmentation algorithm that effectively segments exudates, hemorrhages, microaneurysms, and blood vessels within retinal images using an enhanced MesNet (MesU-Net) model. By combining the MES-Net model with the U-Net model, this approach achieves accurate results in a shorter period. Consequently, it holds significant potential for clinical application in computer-aided diagnosis. The IDRID and DRIVE datasets are utilized to assess the efficacy of the proposed model for retinal segmentation. The presented method attains segmentation accuracy rates of 97.6%, 98.1%, 99.2%, and 83.7% for exudates, hemorrhages, microaneurysms, and blood vessels, respectively. This proposed model also holds promise for extension to address other medical image segmentation challenges in the future.
Early Diagnosis of Diabetes: A Comparison of Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Salem Alzboon Mowafaq , Subhi Al-Batah Mohammad , Alqaraleh Muhyeeddin , Abuashour Ahmad , Hamadah Bader Ahmad Fuad
Published: October 2023

Detection and management of diabetes at an early stage is essential since it is rapidly becoming a global health crisis in many countries. Predictions of diabetes using machine learning algorithms have been promising. In this work, we use data collected from the Pima Indians to assess the performance of multiple machine-learning approaches to diabetes prediction. Ages, body mass indexes, and glucose levels for 768 patients are included in the data set. The methods evaluated are Logistic Regression, Decision Tree, Random Forest, k-Nearest Neighbors, Naive Bayes, Support Vector Machine, Gradient Boosting, and Neural Network. The findings indicate that the Logistic Regression and Neural Network models perform the best on most criteria when considering all classes together. The SVM, Random Forest, and Naive Bayes models also receive moderate to high scores, suggesting their strength as classification models. However, the kNN and Tree models show poorer scores on most criteria across all classes, making them less favorable choices for this dataset. The SGD, AdaBoost, and CN2 rule inducer models perform the poorest when comparing all models using a weighted average of class scores. The results of the study suggest that machine learning algorithms may help predict the onset of diabetes and for detecting the disease at an early stage.
Comparisons of Walleye Fecundity Before, During, and After Rehabilitation of the Red Lakes Fishery
Authors: Glade Kamden C. , Kennedy Anthony J. , Miller Benjamin J. , Erb Benjamin D. , Thompson Andrew L. , Hafs Andrew W.
Published: October 2023

The Red Lakes, Minnesota supported a substantial Walleye Sander vitreus fishery from the early to mid-20th century but experienced a major crash in the late 1990s. The population has since rebounded after a successful interagency recovery program and now supports valuable commercial and recreational fisheries. The variation in population densities associated with the collapse and subsequent recovery in the Red Lakes Walleye population provides a rare opportunity to study potential changes in relative fecundity (eggs/kg of body mass) under varying rates of exploitation: overexploited (1989 data), recovering (2004 data), and recovered (2017 data). We collected female Walleye in spring of 1989 (n = 30) from the Blackduck and Tamarac rivers and in spring of 2004 (n = 30) and 2017 (n = 30) from the Tamarac River. Results indicate that relative fecundity was significantly lower in 2017 (50,768, SD = 10,266) than in 1989 (58,216, SD = 6,211) and 2004 (61,964, SD = 7,472). We hypothesize that differences in relative fecundity among fishery states were due to differences in Walleye population abundances caused by varying exploitation rates in the years leading up to fecundity estimates.
Les zones de production du fer en Bourgogne-Franche-Comté : une approche sur la longue durée par le radiocarbone
Authors: Berranger Marion , Leroy Marc , Laurent Hervé
Published: October 2023

Dès les années 1980, des campagnes de prospections archéologiques ont été conduites dans le nord-est et le centre-est de la France afin d’inventorier les sites sidérurgiques anciens, ce qui a conduit à en recenser plus d’un millier très inégalement répartis. Les données chronologiques restaient cependant trop ponctuelles pour tenter d’esquisser l’évolution des activités de réduction du minerai de fer dans cet espace géographique. Sur la base de ces inventaires, un programme collectif de recherche a débuté dans le courant des années 2010, afin de préciser la chronologie des zones de réduction en Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. Son objectif a été de dater un grand nombre de ces ateliers en tentant de recourir le plus systématiquement possible à la réalisation de datations par le radiocarbone sur des charbons prélevés en stratigraphie ou au sein de scories métallurgiques. Plus de 159 nouvelles dates ont ainsi été acquises, permettant de disposer, en tenant compte de celles déjà disponibles, de 210 dates exploitables issues de 159 sites. L’objet de cet article est de présenter les résultats de ces nouveaux travaux qui modifient substantiellement notre perception de la chronologie de la production du fer dans cette région.
Enhancing the Performance of Soil-Cement Pavement through Modified Natural Rubber Latex with Coumarone-Indene Resin
Authors: Pongmuksuwan Pornlada , Sumpavakup Chaiyut
Published: October 2023

This research focuses on the modification of Natural Rubber Latex (NRL) for its application in soil-cement pavement. The NRL was modified with Coumarone-Indene (CI) and various tests were conducted to evaluate the effects of this modification. The degree of swelling test showed that the NRL's ability to absorb and retain toluene solvent was influenced by the addition of CI. The tensile tests revealed that the inclusion of CI improved the tensile modulus and tensile strength of the NRL up to an optimal content, beyond which there was a decrease. Peel strength tests demonstrated that the incorporation of CI initially increased peel strength up to an optimal CI content, after which it decreased. The splitting tensile test and the unconfined compressive test indicated that soil-cement blends containing modified NRL with CI 8 phr exhibited higher splitting tensile strength and unconfined compressive strength compared to those with neat NRL. Overall, the modification of NRL with CI showed promise in enhancing the properties of soil-cement pavement materials. The findings contribute to the understanding of modifying NRL for pavement applications and provide insights for further research and development in this field.
Influence of Si and Mo on the Sigma-Phase Precipitation in S32750 Super Duplex Stainless Steel Slab
Authors: Chen Xing Run , Pan Ji Xiang , Qian Zhang Xin
Published: October 2023

In this study, we investigated the effect of Si and Mo on the sigma-phase precipitation in S32750 super duplex stainless steel slab. The activity for Mo with increasing Si and Mo was calculated by the Wagner formula, and the equilibrium solidification phase diagrams of S32750 duplex stainless steels with different Si and Mo contents were calculated using the thermo-calc software. The sigma phase precipitated mainly at ferrite/austenite phase boundaries and grew up towards the interior of ferrite phase in S32750 SDSS slab. The area fraction and size of the sigma phases significantly increased with increasing Mo content and Si content. Also, the increment in Mo and Si content affected the Mo concentration in sigma phase. The sample（Mo:3.4%,Si：0.3%） had a lowest sigma-phase area fraction of 2.84% and had lowest Mo content in σ phase.The calculation results showed that the increase of Mo and Si content increased the initial precipitation temperature and maximum precipitation amount of σ phase in S32750 SDSS equilibrium phase diagram. The activity of Mo also increased with increasing Si content and Mo content. That is, Mo and Si elements promoted the precipitation of σ phase.
Numerical Investigation of Failure in Epoxy-Based Adhesive Joints
Authors: Suwanpakpraek Kerati , Patamaprohm Baramee , Chaikittiratana Arisara
Published: October 2023

Currently, adhesive bonding has been increasingly used in various industrial applications such as in automobile lightweight structures for multi-material assembly. However, adhesive joints show a complex failure behavior. Their failure modes can be either adhesive failure, cohesive failure, or mixed mode failure depending on their interfacial strength and also the strength of adhesive layer which also varies with hydrostatic pressure. In this study, the failure of the adhesive joints with an epoxy-based adhesive bonded to metallic substrates are investigated numerically using FEA. The damage evolution model is implemented in the finite element model to predict the failure of adhesive joints. The adhesive strengths under different states of stress for a damage evolution model are characterized using the modified Arcan fixture which is specifically designed to study of hydrostatic pressure effect on an adhesive behavior. The validation of the failure model is carried out with the results of single lap shear test. A good agreement is finally found between FEA and experiments.
Recycling PET Bottles for 3D-Printing Filament: Effect of Chain Extender
Authors: Pongmuksuwan Pornlada , Intawong Naret , Srisungsitthisunti Pornsak
Published: October 2023

This study investigates the effect of a chain extender on the properties of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) for 3D printing filament. The research focuses on the melt flow index (MFI), mechanical properties, thermal behavior, and crystallinity of rPET blends with varying chain extender concentrations. MFI analysis reveals that the viscosity of rPET is influenced by the grade and sources of the PET bottles. The addition of the chain extender decreases MFI, indicating increased viscosity. Mechanical testing shows a slight decrease in impact strength with increasing chain extender concentration, suggesting the presence of limitations or constraints within the material. Thermal analysis demonstrates that the chain extender elevates the glass transition temperature (Tg) and melting temperature (Tm) of rPET, indicating enhanced rigidity and thermal resistance. However, the crystallinity (Xc) decreases as the chain extender disrupts the regular packing of polymer chains within the crystalline regions. These findings provide valuable insights into the influence of the chain extender on the properties of rPET for 3D printing filament. The research contributes to the development of sustainable manufacturing practices and promotes the utilization of recycled materials in additive manufacturing applications, furthering the goals of the circular economy and environmental sustainability.
Effect of CNT on the Physical and Electrical Properties of CNT/UHMWPE Nanocomposite Sensor
Authors: Longphiew Patsakorn , Dechjarern Surangsee
Published: October 2023

Nano Composites Polymer represents a class of multifunctional sensors that can effectively respond to changes in electrical properties when subjected to external forces acting on their physical characteristics. The research aims to develop nanocomposite polymer sensors that can respond well and be easily molded. The experimental process involved mixing Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) with 1%, 4%, and 7wt% of carbon nanotubes (CNT) using the hot pressing method, leading to remarkable improvements in the electrical and mechanical properties of the composite polymers. The distribution patterns of CNT at different weight ratios showed that 4 wt% exhibited a more desirable and uniform distribution. However, at 1 wt%, the amount of CNT was insufficient, resulting in scattering and disconnection. On the other hand, at 7 wt%, the CNT distribution appeared to be densely bundled in some areas, leading to detrimental effects on the mechanical and electrical properties, as well as the electrical percolation threshold of the composites. Regarding the mechanical properties test, significant improvements were found at 4 wt% for the tensile strength, but when the filler content exceeded 4 wt%, there was a reduction in the tensile strength of the CNT/UHMWPE composites. Additionally, the change in electrical resistance based on the physical characteristics was examined by varying the percentage of CNT added to UHMWPE through compression and bending tests. The compression tests were conducted using weights ranging from 0 to 10 kg, and the bending tests were performed with angles from 0° to 40° degrees. In terms of the test results, however, with 4% and 7% wt% CNT filler, the electrical resistance values could be successfully measured by a multimeter. The electrical percolation threshold was found to be very good at 4 wt%. For the compression testing results, the resistance values ranged from approximately 27.329 to 32.389 KΩ for the 4 wt% filler and from 0.504 to 0.552 KΩ for the 7 wt% filler. As for the bending testing, the resistance values ranged from approximately 4.019 to 4.044 KΩ for the 4 wt% filler and from 0.427 to 0.432 KΩ for the 7 wt% filler.
Biofilm nutraceuticals shape gut microbiota better than diet-based interventions: a novel approach to next-generation medicine
Authors: Premarathna M. , Seneviratne G. , Madawala H. M. S. P.
Published: October 2023

In-vitro-developed microbial biofilms are reported to restore degraded agroecosystems via reinstating soil-plantanimal-microbial networks by supplying a mixture of diverse biochemicals that act as network components. Here we hypothesize that the same approach can be used to revitalize the gut microbiota altered due to modern lifestyle and dietary patterns. We tested biochemicals exuded by a developed fungal-bacterial biofilm (BFEx) on the dormancy-breaking of five test gut microbes. The growth and development of the microbes were evaluated in a simulated gut environment with eight different dietary patterns consisting of low and high levels of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and fiber. In addition, the BFEx was tested for cytotoxic activity. Results revealed that the BFEx promoted the growth and possibly dormancy-breaking of all the tested gut microbes. However, these observations were made only in mixed cultures suggesting that there is a need for the interaction of diverse microbes in order to achieve a beneficial outcome from the BFEx. Further, the BFEx showed no cytotoxicity. In conclusion, this biofilm-based method seems a better solution than that of diet-based interventions for achieving healthy gut microbiota as the latter option does not restrict peoples’ dietary preferences. The next step would be to evaluate this microbial intervention in animals and humans.
Acknowledgement to reviewers
Authors: Office Editoial
Published: October 2023

No abstract available.
Potential of dental pulp stem cells and their products in promoting peripheral nerve regeneration and their future applications
Authors: Xing Wen-Bo , Wu Shu-Ting , Wang Xin-Xin , Li Fen-Yao , Wang Ruo-Xuan , He Ji-Hui , Fu Jiao , He Yan
Published: October 2023

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) seriously affects people’s quality of life. Stem cell therapy is considered a promising new option for the clinical treatment of PNI. Dental stem cells, particularly dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), are adult pluripotent stem cells derived from the neuroectoderm. DPSCs have significant potential in the field of neural tissue engineering due to their numerous advantages, such as easy isolation, multidifferentiation potential, low immunogenicity, and low transplant rejection rate. DPSCs are extensively used in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, including for the treatment of sciatic nerve injury, facial nerve injury, spinal cord injury, and other neurodegenerative diseases. This article reviews research related to DPSCs and their advantages in treating PNI, aiming to summarize the therapeutic potential of DPSCs for PNI and the underlying mechanisms and providing valuable guidance and a foundation for future research.
PROPELLERS OF ORGANISATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY IN HOSPICES IN SOUTH AFRICA
Authors:   University of Pretoria, DE WET ROBERT JOHN , ERESIA-EKE CHUKUAKADIBIA ,   University of Pretoria
Published: October 2023

Hospices operating in the non-profit sector are experiencing organisational sustainability pressures, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, while the population of patients who are terminally ill and requiring palliative care is increasing, the resources required to render this noble service are depleting, so much so that some hospices have closed. The situation raises profound organisational sustainability concerns, and this serves as the motivation for this generic qualitative study to investigate the propellers of organisational sustainability in South African-based hospices operating in the non-profit sector. Data was collected through interviews with twelve senior managers from different hospice organisations. The data was then analysed using Thematic Content Analysis (TCA). Subsequent results reveal that a cocktail of factors, including transparent communication, visionary leadership, a strategic disposition, improved service quality, a strong corporate culture, a diversified revenue base and committed staff, propel organisational sustainability among hospices. Conversely, the COVID-19 pandemicenforced lockdowns and the rampant emergence of many NPOs impede the sustainability prospects of the hospices. With these insights, this study contributes to the organisational sustainability discourse from a uniquely South African perspective, given the dearth of research in this area, particularly in the context of developing economies.
THE DUAL EFFECT OF FEAR OF PANDEMIC ON CONSUMERS (SATISFACTION AND REPURCHASE INTENTION) FOR ELECTRICAL HOME APPLIANCES DURING COVID-19
Authors:   Universiti Putra Malaysia, ABDUL HAMID ABU BAKAR , MAT SAAD NORIZAN ,   Universiti Putra Malaysia, UZIR MD UZIR HOSSAIN ,   Lincoln University College,   Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, JERIN ISHRAQ ,   Universiti Putra Malaysia
Published: October 2023

Electrical Home Appliances (EHA) are necessary for modern life. Some of these items are costly. Customer needs cognitive decision before purchasing. COVID-19 and its impact on humanity are disastrous and devastating (lockdown, social distance, joblessness, low/no income, death, and long health crisis). Like other businesses, EHA purchases and their usage have been affected. The study investigated customer satisfaction and the repurchase intention of EHA. The study was conducted in Malaysia and data were collected from 400 Malaysians using structured questions through social media and emails. Collected data were analysed with PLS-SEM (SmartPLSv.3). The study found that product quality, customer perceived value, and social media usage were significant with customer satisfaction and customer satisfaction and fear of the pandemic were also influential on repurchase intention. Besides, customer satisfaction is mediated fully with repurchase intention. Moreover, the contributory part is to investigate the moderating effect of fear of the pandemic on the relationship between satisfaction and repurchase intention was significant. Fear of the pandemic was a successful exogenous and interaction construct. The study used two prominent theories to support the framework and the relationships: Stimulus Organism Response theory and Perceived Risk Theory were successfully buttressed by current findings. These findings were very insightful for practitioners and knowledge-builders.
MODELLING ROAD ACCIDENTS IN SELANGOR: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS BY USING SEASONAL AUTOREGRESSIVE INTEGRATED MOVING AVERAGE (SARIMA) AND ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK (ANN)
Authors:   Universiti Teknologi MARA, MUHAMMAD AZAN WAN NUR AFRINA WAN , BORHAN NURBAIZURA ,   Universiti Teknologi MARA, ZAHARI SITI MERIAM ,   Universiti Teknologi MARA
Published: October 2023

Road accidents have become one of the major problems globally. It was reported that the total number of road accidents in Malaysia has increased by 0.92% within the last ten years. Modelling road accident occurrences is critical for policymakers to understand the trend and pattern of road accidents to provide an appropriate countermeasure. This study attempts to forecast the road accident occurrences on federal and state roads in Selangor, Malaysia. This study utilised monthly road accident data from January 2011 to December 2021. The traditional univariate Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models were employed and the performance of each model was assessed. The findings found that the ANN model outperformed the SARIMA model in training and validation. Furthermore, the ANN model has the lowest RMSE, MAE, MAPE and MASE values for both sets. This study demonstrates the potential of machine learning in forecasting and predicting road accident occurrences, giving more flexibility and assumption-free methodology.
ANTECEDENTS AND BARRIERS TO SUSTAINABLE FOOD WASTE PRACTICES AMONG LOWER-MIDDLE INCOME HOUSEHOLDS IN MALAYSIA
Authors:   Universiti Teknologi Mara, MANSOR FAZREENA , AHMAD SITI HASZIANI ,   Universiti Teknologi Mara, YAACOB NOOR JUNAINI ARWIN ,   Universiti Teknologi Mara, ALI ROSLINA ,   Universiti Teknologi Mara, KAMARUDDIN NURUL IZZAT ,   Universiti Teknologi Mara
Published: October 2023

Given the significant amount of food waste generated by households, reducing household food waste is critical to mitigating overall food waste and providing multifaceted benefits for humans and the environment. This study attempts to identify antecedents of food waste among lower-middle-class families in the Malaysian household setting and their barriers to sustainable food waste practices. Fifteen individuals from lower-middleclass Malaysian households were selected by convenience and snowball sampling and were interviewed using semi-structured questions. Four categories of food waste antecedents were identified (over-preparing, over-buying, dietary transition, and improper storage). The findings also led to the development of four themes that defined the barriers participants faced to minimising food waste (inadequate regulations and policy, lack of time, lack of education and awareness on food wastage, and lack of appropriate facilities). The findings from this study have important sociocultural implications for future studies, and they also add to our current understanding and application of how to reduce food waste in Malaysian households. More study is needed to find ways to test new ideas and interventions that could reduce household food waste, especially in Malaysia.
MODEL OF COMMUNITY WISDOM IN MITIGATION OF FLOOD DISASTERS
Authors:   Universitas Negeri Padang, EDIAL HELFIA , MUCHTAR BUSTARI ,   Universitas Negeri Padang, DEWATA INDANG ,   Universitas Negeri Padang
Published: October 2023

This research aims to design a model of community wisdom in flood disaster mitigation in Padang City - Indonesia, based on the floor height of the house, drainage conditions, and the wisdom of working together against flood. This research uses a quantitative approach based on the Slovin formula. The results of this research are: (1) The physical wisdom carried out by the community is to increase the floor of the house to more than 65 cm as much as 10%; (2) 60% of the community understands not to throw garbage into the sewer and 23% of the community understands to take care of the drainage for the smooth flow of water; and (3) social wisdom 45% of the people closed waterways into their homes and housing complexes before the flood, 35% of the people who always worked together. From the results of the research, it was not found that there was an effort to make infiltration bio-pure holes and infiltration wells as required in PERDA No. 3/2019 Paragraph 7 which reads, “in the context of flood control every residential complex, industry, business/service area must make bio-pure holes and infiltration wells”.