bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of urban greening on pedestrian’s thermal comfort and walking behaviour
Authors: Siqi Jia , Yuhong Wang , Nyuk Hien Wong
Published: June 2023

The urban heat island (UHI) phenomenon is becoming increasingly severe due to unprecedented urbanization and global warming paces. The increasing heat stress threatens the environment, the health of residents, and also the city the walkability. However, greenspace can generate a cooling effect to mitigate the UHI. To gain a better understanding of how urban greening contributes to the optimization of outdoor thermal comfort and the improvement of city walkability, this study investigates the relationships between outdoor thermal environment, the thermal comfort of pedestrians, and their traveling behaviours. Thermal environment was simulated using a microclimatic computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model – ENVI-met. Travel behaviour of pedestrians was simulated through agent-based modelling (ABM). A total of 337 pedestrians were monitored and interviewed across several outdoor sites with different urban morphologies in Hong Kong, along with the simultaneous collection of site-specific climatic data. Based on the data, relationships between outdoor thermal conditions, human thermal perceptions, and walking speeds were analysed exploratively and quantitatively. It is found that the walking speed of pedestrians is notably reduced with increased thermal stress levels. The walking speed can be well predicted by a polynomial regression model (R2=0.719), artificial neural network (ANN) models (R2=0.907), and a deep neural network (DNN) model (R2=0.931). Street trees can improve outdoor thermal comfort effectively (a maximum reduction of the mean radiant temperature at 4.23 °C and a maximum reduction of the universal thermal index at 0.88 °C). Simulation results of ABM demonstrate that street trees can cause a reduction in perceived travel time (PTT) of up to 3 s per 100 m. The research findings are expected to mitigate urban warming and constitute thermally comfortable and walkable outdoor environments.
Study on the implementation path of C2B digital intelligence customization of “new infrastructure”
Authors: Zhang Hong-mei
Published: June 2023

In the context of digital transformation of manufacturing enterprises, the research method of double case comparison analysis is used to explore the implementation path of C2B digital intelligence customization of "new infrastructure". The research found that: C2B personalized digital intelligence customization implements digital intelligence supply chain construction strategy, through supply chain digital intelligence transformation, realizes front-end and back-end collaboration, can reduce production costs, improve demand collection and production efficiency, and the implementation path is "digital intelligence supply chain construction → digital intelligence capability improvement → digital intelligence value realization". The research results can not only provide reference for decision making of new infrastructure, but also provide guidance for the path selection of digital transformation of enterprises.
ESG Performance, Research and Development Investment and Enterprise Green Technology Innovation
Authors: Hu Jie , Zhang Xueer
Published: June 2023

Based on the panel data of China's Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share industrial listed companies from 2014 to 2021, this paper constructs A fixed-effect model to investigate the influence of ESG performance on enterprises' green technology innovation, and constructs a mediating effect model to explore the mediating role of R&D investment in the influence of ESG performance on enterprises' green technology innovation. The results show that good ESG performance has a significant promoting effect on enterprises' green technology innovation. And there is an intermediary path for R&D investment. It means that ESG promotes enterprise green technology innovation through R&D investment. Finally, the conclusions of this paper passed the robustness test and endogeneity test. This paper opens up a new research perspective and provides theoretical and empirical experience for enterprises to achieve sustainable development in the future.
Auswirkungen des Tragens von Gesichtsmasken zur Prävention
von Infektionskrankheiten auf das Befinden und Verhalten von Kindern und
Jugendlichen: Eine Interviewstudie
Authors: Drössler Stephanie , Horvath Kathy , Freiberg Alice , Kämpf Daniel , Spura Anke , Buhs Bernhard , Seidler Andreas
Published: June 2023

Ziel Auswirkungen des Maskentragens während der COVID-19 Pandemie
auf Befinden, Verhalten und die psychosoziale Entwicklung von Kindern und
Jugendlichen zu untersuchen.

Methodik Es wurden leitfadengestützte Expert:inneninterviews mit
Erzieher:innen (n=2), Lehrkräften aus dem Primar- und
Sekundarbereich (n=9), Jugendlichen aus der
Schüler:innenvertretung (n=5) und Ärztinnen aus der
Primärversorgung (n=3) und dem Öffentlichen
Gesundheitsdienst (n=1) geführt, transkribiert und mit MAXQDA
2020 einer thematischen Analyse unterzogen.

Ergebnisse Am häufigsten werden kurz- und mittelfristige direkte
Auswirkungen des Maskentragens auf eine eingeschränkte Kommunikation
durch Reduktion von Hörverstehen und Mimik berichtet. Aus diesen
Kommunikationseinschränkungen ergeben sich Folgen für die
soziale Interaktion und die Qualität des Unterrichts. Auswirkungen auf
Sprachentwicklung und sozial-emotionale Entwicklung werden eher perspektivisch
vermutet. Es wird eine Zunahme von psychosomatischen Beschwerden,
Ängsten, Depressionen und Essstörungen beschrieben, die nur sehr
eingeschränkt auf das Maskentragen als vielmehr auf das Konglomerat an
Distanzierungsmaßnahmen zurückgeführt wird. Als
vulnerable Gruppen werden Kinder mit Entwicklungsschwierigkeiten, nichtdeutscher
Muttersprache, jüngere Kinder sowie schüchterne und stille
Kinder und Jugendliche genannt.

Schlussfolgerung Während für den gesamten Bereich der
Kommunikation und Interaktion die Folgen des Maskentragens für Kinder
und Jugendliche recht gut beschrieben werden können, sind Auswirkungen
auf die anderen Bereiche der psychosozialen Entwicklung (noch) nicht eindeutig
identifizierbar. Empfehlungen für den Umgang mit den
Einschränkungen werden vor allem mit Blick auf den schulischen Bereich
gegeben.
Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in Free Muscle Flaps—Risk or Benefit?
Authors: Dornseifer Ulf , Pfeiler Peter Paul , Kargl Lukas , Moog Philipp , Schilling Arndt F. , Ninkovic Milomir
Published: June 2023

Background Application of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) on free flaps not only reduces edema but also increases the pressure from outside. The impact of these opposite effects on flap perfusion remains elusive. This study evaluates the NPWT system's influence on macro- and microcirculation of free flaps and edema reduction to better assess the clinical value of this therapy in microsurgical reconstructions.

Methods In this open-label, prospective cohort study, a total of 26 patients with free gracilis muscle flaps for distal lower extremity reconstruction were included. Flaps were covered with an NPWT (13 patients) or a conventional, fatty gauze dressing (13 patients) for 5 postoperative days (PODs). Changes in flap perfusion were analyzed by laser Doppler flowmetry, remission spectroscopy, and an implanted Doppler probe. Flap volume as a surrogate parameter for flap edema was evaluated by three-dimensional (3D) scans.

Results No flap showed clinical evidence of circulatory disturbances. The groups showed significant differences in the dynamic of macrocirculatory blood flow velocity with an increase in the NPWT group and a decelerated flow in the control group from PODs 0 to 3 and PODs 3 to 5. No significant differences in microcirculation parameters were observed. 3D scans for estimation of edema development demonstrated significant differences in volume dynamics between the groups. Flap volume of the controls increased, while the volume in the NPWT group decreased during the first 5 PODs. The volume of NPWT-treated flaps decreased even further after NPWT removal from PODs 5 to 14 and significantly more than the flap volume in the control group.

Conclusion NPWT is a safe form of dressing for free muscle flaps that enhances blood flow and results in a sustainable edema reduction. The use of NPWT dressings for free flaps should therefore be considered not only as a pure wound covering but also as a supportive therapy for free tissue transfer.
Interleukin-6 in Spinal Cord Injury: Could Immunomodulation Replace Immunosuppression in the Management of Acute Traumatic Spinal Cord Injuries?
Authors: Shipman Hank , Monsour Molly , Foley Madeline M. , Marbacher Serge , Croci Davide M. , Bisson Erica F.
Published: June 2023

Traumatic spinal cord injuries (SCI) result in devastating impairment to an individual's functional ability. The pathophysiology of SCI is related to primary injury but further propagated by secondary reactions to injury, such as inflammation and oxidation. The inflammatory and oxidative cascades ultimately cause demyelination and Wallerian degeneration. Currently, no treatments are available to treat primary or secondary injury in SCI, but some studies have shown promising results by lessening secondary mechanisms of injury. Interleukins (ILs) have been described as key players in the inflammation cascade after neuronal injury; however, their role and possible inhibition in the context of acute traumatic SCIs have not been widely studied. Here, we review the relationship between SCI and IL-6 concentrations in the CSF and serum of individuals after traumatic SCIs. Furthermore, we explore the dual IL-6 signaling pathways and their relevance for future IL-6 targeted therapies in SCI.
Hearing Thresholds at High Frequencies: Age as a Predictor of Values
Authors: Chiriboga Laura Franco , Sideri Karolina Pessote , Chamouton Carla Salles , Oliveira Júlia Nayara Silva , Arteta Luis Miguel Chiriboga
Published: June 2023

Introduction The audiological evaluation has the main objective of determining the integrity of the auditory system. Pure tone audiometry is a standardized behavioral procedure that aims to investigate auditory thresholds to describe auditory sensitivity. Despite being recognized since the mid-1960s, high frequency audiometry is still little used and explored in clinical practice, and its use is more considered as an audiological monitoring tool or as a research tool.

Objective To analyze the audiological thresholds of high frequency audiometry in normal hearing individuals, and to verify the predictive capacity of age in the auditory thresholds of high frequency audiometry.

Methods This is a retrospective, cross-sectional, and quantitative study that was approved by the Research Ethics Committee under number 5.039.583/21. The procedures were: clinical evaluation, pure tone audiometry, acoustic immittance measurements, and high frequency audiometry. All data collected from the exams were tabulated in an Excel spreadsheet and analyzed using appropriate statistical tests in the Statistical Package Social Sciences software.

Results A total of 980 medical records were analyzed. The right and left ears presented similar tonal hearing thresholds for the frequencies of 12 kHz and 16 kHz. The threshold variance of 29.8% in the 12 kHz frequency can be explained by the variance of age, while, for the frequency of 16 kHz, this percentage is of 46.4%.

Conclusion For 12 kHz hearing thresholds, an increase of 1 year leads to a 0.66 dBHL increase in hearing threshold. For 16 kHz hearing thresholds, an increase of 1 year leads to a 1.02 dBHL increase in hearing threshold.
High-Flow Nasal Oxygen Therapy for Management of Postoperative Pneumocephalus
Authors: Begum Fahmeena , Moningi Srilata , Murthy T Narasimha
Published: June 2023

Postoperative pneumocephalus (PNC) is very common in craniotomy surgeries. It can be asymptomatic or if present in more volumes can cause symptoms such as lethargy, headache, confusion, or even severe neurological deficit. Treatment of pneumocephalus with supplemental oxygen via facemask is a common neurosurgical practice. There is not much evidence of use of high-flow nasal oxygen therapy (HFNOT) for the management of PNC. Here we report a case of an 8-year-old boy with postoperative symptomatic pneumocephalus, which resolved with the application of supplemental oxygen via a high-flow nasal cannula with 30 L/min flow and FiO2 of 0.7 over 72 hours. High-flow nasal oxygen therapy can be an effective modality of treatment for postoperative PNC with added advantages of patient comfort and maintenance of warmth and moisture of the respiratory tract.
Oral Midodrine as an Adjunct in Rapid Weaning of Intravenous Vasopressor Support in Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Sekar Arunkumar , Datta Debajyoti , Lakha Avinash , Jena Sritam Swaroop , Bansal Sumit , Sahu Rabi Narayan
Published: June 2023

Background Majority of acute cervical spinal cord injury end up requiring long-term stay in intensive care unit (ICU). During the initial few days after spinal cord injury, most patients are hemodynamically unstable requiring intravenous vasopressors. However, many studies have noted that long-term intravenous vasopressors remain the main reason for prolongation of ICU stay. In this series, we report the effect of using oral midodrine in reducing the amount and duration of intravenous vasopressors in patients with acute cervical spinal cord injury.

Materials and Methods Five adult patients with cervical spinal cord injury after initial evaluation and surgical stabilization are assessed for the need for intravenous vasopressors. If patients continue to need intravenous vasopressors for more than 24 hours, they were started on oral midodrine. Its effect on weaning of intravenous vasopressors was assessed.

Results Patients with systemic and intracranial injury were excluded from the study. Midodrine helped in weaning of intravenous vasopressors in the first 24 to 48 hours and helped in complete weaning of intravenous vasopressors. The rate of reduction was between 0.5 and 2.0 µg/min.

Conclusion Oral midodrine does have an effect in reduction of intravenous vasopressors for patients needing prolonged support after cervical spine injury. The real extent of this effect needs to be studied with collaboration of multiple centers dealing with spinal injuries. The approach seems to be a viable alternative to rapidly wean intravenous vasopressors and reduce duration of ICU stay.
Outcome of Transforaminal Endoscopic Discectomy in Rural India in a Single-Level Lumbar Disc Prolapse Under Local Anesthesia
Authors: Nair Vishnu Vikraman , Kohli Sarabjeet , Vishwakarma Nilesh , Mhatre Juilee
Published: June 2023

Aim The aim of this study was to undertake a clinical study to evaluate the outcomes of transforaminal endoscopic discectomy under local anesthesia and to study the complication rate.

Study Design It is a prospective study.

Methods We prospectively analyzed outcomes of 60 patients with a single-level lumbar disc prolapse in rural India from December 2018 to April 2020 who underwent endoscopic discectomy under local anesthesia. Follow-up was done using the visual analogue score (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scoring systems with a minimum follow-up up to 1 year postoperatively.

Results In our study of 60 patients, there was 38 cases of L4-L5 disc pathology, 13 L5–S1 discs, and 9 L3-L4 discs. Our study showed a significant clinical reduction in mean VAS score that was 7.07/10 preoperatively and reduced to 3.88/10 at the third month and 3.64/10 at 1 year of follow-up (p-value < 0.05) showing clinical significance. The ODI scoring done preoperatively was an average mean of 57.37% pointing to how crippled the patients were with lumbar disc prolapse and showed a significant reduction to 29.32% postoperatively at 1 year (p-value < 0.05) showing clinical significance. This reduction in ODI directly corelates to how almost all patients returned to normal life coping to all activities and were completely pain free at 1 year of follow-up.

Conclusion Endoscopic spine surgery in lumbar disc prolapse is highly effective and can deliver a good functional outcome if done with correct preoperative planning and approach.
Nuclear bomb and public health
Authors: Xu Shan , Dodt Alicia
Published: June 2023

Since the nuclear bomb attack against Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, the world has advanced in nuclear technology. Today, a nuclear bomb could target a large-scale attack, at a longer range, and with much greater destructive force. People are increasingly concerned about the potential destructive humanitarian outcomes. We discuss actual conditions detonation of an atomic bomb would create, radiation injuries, and diseases. We also address concerns about functionality of medical care systems and other systems that support medical systems (i.e., transport, energy, supply chain, etc. systems) following a massive nuclear attack and whether citizens able to survive this.
Unsupervised machine learning discovery of structural units and transformation pathways from imaging data
Authors: Kalinin Sergei V. , Dyck Ondrej , Ghosh Ayana , Liu Yongtao , Sumpter Bobby G. , Ziatdinov Maxim
Published: June 2023

We show that unsupervised machine learning can be used to learn chemical transformation pathways from observational Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) data. To enable this analysis, we assumed the existence of atoms, a discreteness of atomic classes, and the presence of an explicit relationship between the observed STEM contrast and the presence of atomic units. With only these postulates, we developed a machine learning method leveraging a rotationally invariant variational autoencoder (VAE) that can identify the existing molecular fragments observed within a material. The approach encodes the information contained in STEM image sequences using a small number of latent variables, allowing the exploration of chemical transformation pathways by tracing the evolution of atoms in the latent space of the system. The results suggest that atomically resolved STEM data can be used to derive fundamental physical and chemical mechanisms involved, by providing encodings of the observed structures that act as bottom-up equivalents of structural order parameters. The approach also demonstrates the potential of variational (i.e., Bayesian) methods in the physical sciences and will stimulate the development of more sophisticated ways to encode physical constraints in the encoder–decoder architectures and generative physical laws and causal relationships in the latent space of VAEs.
A thermodynamic relationship between the chemical equilibrium constant and the dielectric properties of the reaction medium: Solvent mixtures and universal solvents
Authors: Franco-Pérez Marco
Published: June 2023

We introduce a novel thermodynamic model oriented toward accurately predicting the effect of solvent polarity on chemical equilibrium. Our approach is based on the fundamental principles of thermodynamics of continuum medium and can be applied generally to estimate the Gibbs free energy contribution resulting from electrostatic interactions between the solvent and chemical species to the corresponding equilibrium constant in the solution phase. Using a set of assumptions, we have developed a practical calculation methodology that employs multivariate fitting to determine the dependence of 27 different reactions, including tautomerizations, dimerizations, and acid–base dissociations, on solvent polarity. From this approach, we estimated all the contributions to the Gibbs free energy of reaction in the solution phase of some of these processes, including the gas phase Gibbs free energy of reaction, the electrostatic (continuum) contribution to the solvation Gibbs free of the involved solutes and, even, the Gibbs free energy contribution due to specific (intramolecular) solute–solvent interactions, albeit indirectly.
The most probable distributions with finite number of particles and the applications on Bose–Einstein condensation
Authors: Liang Qi-Wei , Wang Wenyu
Published: June 2023

Motivated by the asynchronous finite differences method utilized for the calculation of the most probable distributions of finite particle number systems, this study employs numerical variation and central difference techniques to provide more precise estimations regarding these distributions. Specifically, three novel finite distributions are derived and applied to Bose–Einstein condensation, revealing that the critical condition (nλ3 = 2.612) may be relaxed in finite particle number scenarios. Moreover, maintaining density as a constant is anticipated to result in a higher critical temperature compared to infinite number systems. Notably, the obtained condensate number on the zero-energy level surpasses that of predictions generated by canonical distributions.
Optical signatures of suppressed carrier localization in encapsulated WSe2 monolayer
Authors: Hossen Raqibul , Park Sang-Hyuk , Lee Seong-Yeon , Yee Ki-Ju , Yim Sang-Youp , Jho Young-Dahl
Published: June 2023

Low carrier mobility, closely associated with the formation of localized states, is the major bottleneck of utilizing the unique quantum transport properties in transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs). Here, we demonstrate an effective method to quantify the localization energy based on the temperature-dependent spectral variation of photoluminescence (PL) in pristine and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) encapsulated monolayer (ML) WSe2. Considering the protecting capability of h-BN against contamination and degradation, while not affecting the electronic structure as an insulating dielectric, the localization energy was comparatively extracted out of PL spectra in pristine and encapsulated ML WSe2. In pristine ML WSe2, two distinctive energy traces were resolved with an energy difference of about 17 meV, which was associated with the localized state revealed below 200 K. Clear evidence for the carrier localization was also evident in the integrated PL intensity trace with temperature as the trace from pristine ML clearly deviates from the dark-exciton-like behavior of ML WSe2, violating the spin selection rule of the lowest exciton state. In clear contrast, the temperature dependency of the h-BN encapsulated ML WSe2 in PL spectra matches well with the typical Varshni formula of free excitonic peaks and the integrated intensity trace of thermally populated spin subbands. Our study suggests that the h-BN encapsulation could suppress the carrier localization channels by avoiding surface oxidation due to air exposure and could provide insights into how one could preserve the excitonic features in TMDC materials and devices.
Development potential of nanoenabled agriculture projected using machine learning
Authors: Deng Peng , Gao Yiming , Mu Li , Hu Xiangang , Yu Fubo , Jia Yuying , Wang Zhenyu , Xing Baoshan
Published: June 2023

The controllability and targeting of nanoparticles (NPs) offer solutions for precise and sustainable agriculture. However, the development potential of nanoenabled agriculture remains unknown. Here, we build an NP-plant database containing 1,174 datasets and predict (
R
2
higher than 0.8 for 13 random forest models) the response and uptake/transport of various NPs by plants using a machine learning approach. Multiway feature importance analysis quantitatively shows that plant responses are driven by the total NP exposure dose and duration and plant age at exposure, as well as the NP size and zeta potential. Feature interaction and covariance analysis further improve the interpretability of the model and reveal hidden interaction factors (e.g., NP size and zeta potential). Integration of the model, laboratory, and field data suggests that Fe
2
O
3
NP application may inhibit bean growth in Europe due to low night temperatures. In contrast, the risks of oxidative stress are low in Africa because of high night temperatures. According to the prediction, Africa is a suitable area for nanoenabled agriculture. The regional differences and temperature changes make nanoenabled agriculture complicated. In the future, the temperature increase may reduce the oxidative stress in African bean and European maize induced by NPs. This study projects the development potential of nanoenabled agriculture using machine learning, although many more field studies are needed to address the differences at the country and continental scales.
Pure existentials vs. pure presentationals
Authors: Gaeta Livio
Published: June 2023

Existential constructions are usually defined as sentences in which an entity is associated with some location. In the paper, a semasiological approach is adopted, which is essentially constructional in nature and assumes that existential constructions result from the grammaticalization of other (more basic) source constructions. This allows us to show that in spite of the basic nature of the spatial dimension, other source constructions are possible which are not directly based on space. They can be contrasted with pure presentationals which in a way represent their conceptual counterpart in the sense that the existence of the entity involved is presupposed only with regard to the specific utterance and is not independently established in the spatial dimension.
Performance analysis of single-focus phase singularity based on elliptical reflective annulus quadrangle-element coded spiral zone plates
Authors: Zang 臧 Huaping 华平 , Wang 王 Baozhen 宝珍 , Zheng 郑 Chenglong 程龙 , Wei 魏 Lai 来 , Fan 范 Quanping 全平 , Wang 王 Shaoyi 少义 , Yang 杨 Zuhua 祖华 , Zhou 周 Weimin 维民 , Cao 曹 Leifeng 磊峰 , Guo 郭 Haizhong 海中
Published: June 2023

Optical vortices generated by the conventional vortex lens are usually disturbed by the undesired higher-order foci, which may lead to additional artifacts and thus degrade the contrast sensitivity. In this work, we propose an efficient methodology to combine the merit of elliptical reflective zone plates (ERZPs) and the advantage of spiral zone plates (SZPs) in establishing a specific single optical element, termed elliptical reflective annulus quadrangle-element coded spiral zone plates (ERAQSZPs) to generate single-focus phase singularity. Differing from the abrupt reflectance of the ERZPs, a series of randomly distributed nanometer apertures are adopted to realize the sinusoidal reflectance. Typically, according to our physical design, the ERAQSZPs are fabricated on a bulk substrate; therefore, the new idea can significantly reduce the difficulty in the fabrication process. Based on the Kirchhoff diffraction theory and convolution theorem, the focusing performance of ERAQSZPs is calculated. The results reveal that apart from the capability of generating optical vortices, ERAQSZPs can also integrate the function of focusing, energy selection, higher-order foci elimination, as well as high spectral resolution together. In addition, the focusing properties can be further improved by appropriately adjusting the parameters, such as zone number and the size of the consisted primitives. These findings are expected to direct a new direction toward improving the performance of optical capture, x-ray fluorescence spectra, and forbidden transition.
Homoepitaxial growth of (100) Si-doped β-Ga2O3 films via MOCVD
Authors: Tang Wenbo , Han Xueli , Zhang Xiaodong , Li Botong , Ma Yongjian , Zhang Li , Chen Tiwei , Zhou Xin , Bian Chunxu , Hu Yu , Chen Duanyang , Qi Hongji , Zeng Zhongming , Zhang Baoshun
Published: June 2023

Homoepitaxial growth of Si-doped β-Ga2O3 films on semi-insulating (100) β-Ga2O3 substrates by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) is studied in this work. By appropriately optimizing the growth conditions, an increasing diffusion length of Ga adatoms is realized, suppressing 3D island growth patterns prevalent in (100) β-Ga2O3 films and optimizing the surface morphology with [010] oriented stripe features. The slightly Si-doped β-Ga2O3 film shows smooth and flat surface morphology with a root-mean-square roughness of 1.3 nm. Rocking curves of the (400) diffraction peak also demonstrate the high crystal quality of the Si-doped films. According to the capacitance–voltage characteristics, the effective net doping concentrations of the films are 5.41 × 1015 – 1.74 × 1020 cm−3. Hall measurements demonstrate a high electron mobility value of 51 cm2/(V·s), corresponding to a carrier concentration of 7.19 × 1018 cm−3 and a high activation efficiency of up to 61.5%. Transmission line model (TLM) measurement shows excellent Ohmic contacts and a low specific contact resistance of 1.29 × 10-4 Ω·cm2 for the Si-doped film, which is comparable to the Si-implanted film with a concentration of 5.0 × 1019 cm−3, confirming the effective Si doing in the MOCVD epitaxy.
Finite Element Simulation on Seismic Behavior of Composite Shear Wall Systems
Authors: Li Yikang , Zhang Qian , Liu Xiaomin , Zhou Junlong
Published: June 2023

Composite shear wall (CSW) system consists of a steel boundary frame and a steel panel with a reinforced concrete (RC) panel attached to it using threaded bolts. Finite element (FE) simulations were conducted on two types of the CSW system, namely traditional and innovative CSW system, respectively. For traditional CSW system, the RC panel is in direct contact with the steel boundary frame; while for innovative CSW system, there is a gap in between. FE models were developed and validated using test data. The effects of major parameters, including steel panel thickness, RC panel thickness, and gap between frame and RC panel, were examined using the validated models. The numerical simulations indicated that steel panel thickness significantly affected lateral strength and initial stiffness of both innovative and traditional CSW systems. Although RC panel thickness and gap between frame and RC panel had negligible effects on system strength and stiffness characteristics, they should also be carefully designed to ensure local stability of the steel panel and system ductility.
Stability Analysis of Earth Dams in a Landfill: A Case Study
Authors: Ma Lili , Zhao Zhiyuan , Wang Kuanjun , Huang Yupei , Liu Haochen , Yang Qinfeng
Published: June 2023

The dam is an important structure of landfill, and its stability is vital to the landfill safety. However, due to lack of specific design specifications, the design and stability of landfill dam have been conducted based on several relevant specifications. Therefore, taking the landfill project in Hangzhou for example, stability analyses of three temporal earth dams are performed, based on limit equilibrium method (LEM) and strength reduction method (SRM). It is found that two dams are stable, while the third one is in basically stable state by LEM and in understable state by SRM, respectively. Then it is recommended that the construction should strictly follow the design requirements, backfilling simultaneously on both sides of the dam. Finally, the analytical framework or few conclusions in this paper is expected to be a reference for earth dams in landfill.
Research and Application of Stress Calculation Method for Sucker Rod String
Authors: Zang Yunong , Luo Congying , Zheng Gang , Liang Yi , Zhao Chun , Fan Song , Zhou Yangfan
Published: June 2023

Sucker rod plays a very important role in rod pumping system. If the rod string is not designed properly, it will cause sucker rod failure and affect crude oil production. Allowable stress is the key data in the design of sucker rod string. In order to accurately analyze the allowable stress of sucker rod string, one-dimensional damping wave equation and finite difference algorithm are applied in this paper to accurately analyze the maximum stress, minimum stress and maximum allowable stress of each part of sucker rod string. It is possible to pay close attention to the stress situation of sucker rod and take corresponding measures to extend the service life of sucker rod. The example shows the maximum stress value of the sucker rod is not at or near the top of the cone, for directional wells, but at the maximum inclination angle of the well section. This indicates that the well section with large inclination angle in directional wells is more likely to fail the sucker rod than the top of the cone point. Therefore, we should pay close attention to the sensitive part with large inclination angle and dogleg degree and take corresponding measures to prolong the service life of the sucker rod.
Analysis of Pull-out of Shear Connectors in Steel-Concrete Composite Structures Considering Discontinuous Deformation
Authors: Sun Liangfeng , Dong Weiwei , Lin Jianping
Published: June 2023

The widely used steel-concrete composite structures can fully utilize the high strength of steel and the relatively high compressive strength of concrete. In the service stage of composite structures, the shear connectors not only subjected to the shear forces, but also pull-out loading. The pull-out process of shear connectors is accompanied by the crack initiation and propagation of concrete. In order to accurately analyze the discontinuous pull-out process and the pull-out capacities of shear connectors, a zero-thickness cohesive zone element based on the enhanced finite element method was used to simulate the concrete crack propagation in the pull-out process of shear connectors. Then, the numerical model of the pull-out of the shear connector was established, and the pull-out process was investigated. The load displacement curve of the pull-out process, the pull-out capacity and the crack patterns were obtained. The discontinuous deformation of the concrete crack initiation and propagation during the pull-out process was successfully simulated
Effect of Water-Solid Ratio on Physical Properties of Tobermorite Type Thermal Insulation Materials
Authors: Yang Xiuli , Zhu Renmiao , Xu Bin , Yang Jinfa , Wang Yichen
Published: June 2023

In this paper, diatomite is used as the main raw material to prepare tobermorite type thermal insulation material. According to the characteristics of the reaction system, appropriate amount of waste aerated concrete is added to the raw materials. After adding crystal seeds into the reaction system, the crystal of the reaction products is more complete, the crystal grains are larger, and the degree of crystallization is higher. The maximum use temperature of the prepared tobermorite insulation material can reach 750°C - 850°C. If the service temperature continues to rise, the volume will shrink and cracks will easily occur, which is caused by the transformation of internal crystals. After studying the influence of water solid ratio of reaction system on the apparent density, thermal conductivity and flexural strength of samples, it can be seen that 300kg/m3 thermal insulation material can be prepared when the water solid ratio is 15:1. When the water solid ratio is 15:1, the thermal conductivity of the thermal insulation material is 0.077W/(m • K), and the flexural strength is about 0.384MPa.
Computer Vision-based Monitoring Method for Differential Settlement of Shield Tunnels
Authors: Zhang Jinfeng , Chu Weihong , Tu Weixin , Su Hui , Lu Shiji , Xu Yu
Published: June 2023

Shield tunnels in soft soils are inevitably subject to large differential settlement during construction and long-term operation, which can lead to various diseases and then impair structural safety and durability. Due to the inefficiency of traditional inspection methods, timely and accurate monitoring methods are necessary to ensure the safe operation and long-term maintenance of tunnels. In this study, a computer vision-based monitoring method for differential settlement of shield tunnels was developed and implemented. The monitoring area is located in an interval tunnel of a subway line in Shanghai during the freezing construction of its side channel. The influence of camera position’s micro-change was considered. The field equipment mainly consists of high-resolution industrial CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) digital camera sets, LED (light emitting diode) lights and power modules. The differential settlement relative to datum points are obtained and vertical displacement of one ring acquired by total station is compared with the proposed method to verify the feasibility of the monitoring system. The results indicate that the monitoring system is reliable and can be further applied.
An Experimental Study on Acoustic Emission of Broken Wires in Steel Strand
Authors: Zhang Xueqi , Teng Gaofei , Gai Weiming , Jiang Ruijuan , Yan Fabao
Published: June 2023

Acoustic emission technology, as a nondestructive real-time monitoring technique, has been proven to be an effective method for monitoring dynamic damage of materials. The prestressing strand material used for constructing bridge ties is the focus of this study. This paper reports the experiment setup in detail. This test uses an oil pump to load the prestressing strand at a uniform rate for the tensile breakage test. Real-time signal acquisition of the strand damage during the tensile test was performed using acoustic emission equipment. The preliminary analysis of the data was used to determine the effect of amplifier and transducer type on signal acquisition.
Potential future distribution of Scirpophaga incertulas (Walker) in Indonesia
Authors: Sutomo  , Saputra M H , Humaida N
Published: June 2023

Scircpophaga incertulas is a caterpillar that lives in rice stalks and can damage rice crops from seedling to maturity. One factor that influences this pest’s presence is the climatic factor. This study aimed to map the future potential distribution of Scircpophaga incertulas (2100). The method utilized in this study was the Species Distribution Model (SDM) from the web-based modeling platform Ecocommons by using the Artificial Neural Network (ANN). For current and climatic projections (the year 2100), the open-source climatic data from CliMond were used. The ANN result shows the climatic factors contributing to this species distribution are annual precipitation amount by more than 80%, followed by the mean monthly precipitation amount (the warmest quarter by precisely 80% and the coldest quarter by 62%). The SDM analysis indicates that around 23.07% of Indonesia’s archipelago is highly suitable for Scircpophaga incertulas in 2100, while in the current situation, 33.03% is suitable. This study deduces that the highest suitability for this pest distribution will cover 80% of the Java Island area in the future. In contrast, this species’ potential distribution in Papua will decline from 46.86% to 21.29% in 2100.
Adoption of technology to improve self-sufficiency in paddy plantations in Brunei: Challenges and mitigation strategies for intermediate stakeholders.
Authors: Suhaili Wida Susanty Haji
Published: June 2023

Rice has always been one of the basic foods in ASEAN Member States. The government typically provides substantial subsidies for this. Shortage of staple food production is one of the top issues being addressed now as the countries face pandemic concerns. Achieving food security is a great concern, particularly for countries where a substantial portion of the population depends on food imports. The countries need to prioritize food security and increase self-sufficiency due to the unpredictable impact of climate change as the food crisis gets worse. In addition, since irrigation plays an important part in paddy farming, efficient and intensive farming, or smart farming, has been required to mitigate the food-supply problem. Smart agriculture with the use of Internet of Things (IoT) is part of the Smart Nation’s initiative to reach Brunei’s 2035 vision. This paper highlights the present status of agricultural condition and practices in Brunei as well as some issues and challenges faced. This paper also analyses the policies for sustainable best practices of growing paddy within the region. Various technology and non-technology strategies to overcome these challenges are defined, especially those dealing with the new norm.
GC-MS Screening of Sungkai Leaves and Relation With Its Antioxidant Capacity
Authors: Rahmi Z J A , Santoni A , Jaswandi  , Juanssilfero A B
Published: June 2023

Sungkai (Peronema canescens Jack) is a wild plant that grows in Kalimantan and Sumatera, Indonesia, and is used as traditional medicine. This study aimed to determine the components of chemical compounds in young leaves, half-old leaves, and old leaves of sungkai and their antioxidant activity. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry analyzed chemical compounds (GC-MS), and antioxidant activity was evaluated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazil (DPPH). The analysis of chemical compounds showed that the chemical compounds were almost similar in young, half-old, and old leaves of sungkai with different intensities. Antioxidant activity showed the strong activity with IC50 of young leaves of sungkai is 26.389 mg/L, half-old leaves 29.874 mg/L and old leaves 30.9183 mg/L.
The Use of Ngapi Nut Peel (Pithecellobium jiringa Prain) Extract as a Natural Pesticide to Control Stink Bugs (Leptocorisa oratorius)
Authors: Refilda  , Agustin E F , Yefrida
Published: June 2023

Ngapi nut peel is an organic waste that is often found at traditional markets which has not been fully utilized and can pollute the environment. The utilization of ngapi nut peel extract to control stink bugs was carried out. The purpose of this study was to obtain LC50 values and compounds that can eradicate stink bugs. Ngapi nut peel was extracted with methanol using the maceration method, the extract were analyzed by using GC-MS, phytochemical test was used to determine secondary metabolite and total phenolic by using the Follin-Ciocalteau method. The spray method was used to determined LC50 on stink bugs. The results showed that methanol extract positively contained flavonoid, phenolic, saponin and terpenoid. Total phenolic value was 0.65 mg GAE/g DW. GC-MS showed compounds that have the potential as natural pesticides such as 2,4-Dimethyl-6-phenyl-1,3,5-triazine; 3-(4-Methoxypheny l,2-propenoic acid; Undecanoic acid; Phthalic acid. LC50 test for 12 and 24 hours were found on concentrations 24.4174 g/L and 17.3101 g/L. The methanol extract of ngapi nut peel on concentrations of 35 g/L showed the highest percentage 87% of stink bugs mortality at 24 hours. It can be concluded that extract can control the stink bugs.
Socio Economic and environtmental values of Curcuma xantorrhiza Roxb. at Banjar Community, South Kalimantan
Authors: Santosa P B , Wahyuningtyas R S
Published: June 2023

Since ancient timesCurcuma xanthorrhizaRoxb. or Javanese Turmeric (JT) is an important spice for the Banjar people. JT contains active ingredients such curcuminoids which have antioxidant properties. Due to the ability to increase the body’s immunity, the demand for JT during the Covid-19 pandemic has increased. Banjar Regency is a supplier of JT in South Kalimantan. This paper describes the socio-economic and environmental values of JT for the Banjar people. Data was collected from interviews with several JT spice farmers, collectors, traders, and consumers in several locations. Data were analyzed descriptively to describe JT’s role in supporting the community’s economy and the environment. From an economic perspective, JT has provided many benefits and produces several products such as food, body care, traditional medicine, and animal feed. From an environmental perspective, JT increases the productivity of arable land and prevents fires land. The development of JT on private land faces several challenges due to the low interest of the community to cultivate JT and lower prices than seasonings spices. Therefore, several strategies are needed to support its development, such arrange cropping patterns, combinations of cropping types, research support related to the use of superior varieties, and expansion of planting.
Co-composting cow manure, rice straw with marine organic waste: characterization of compost quality
Authors: Hidayat B , Sebayang N U W , Jamilah  , Akbar A M
Published: June 2023

Marine organic waste can be managed into compost products. Co-composting is a biological process to decompose two or more types of organic matter into a stable humus substance and is expected to overcome the disadvantages of composting single organic matter. This study aims to produce compost with better characteristics than composting marine waste singly with the addition of other organic materials such as cow dung and rice straw. The composting method used is Co-composting Barkley for 7 weeks. Parameters observed were pH, temperature, humidity, C/N, macronutrients, micronutrients, and physical properties of compost such as odor, color, and texture. Compost quality characteristics have met the Indonesian national standard (SNI SNI 19-7030-2004) so that it can be developed. Compost macronutrients (Nitrogen 1.47%; Phosphorus 0.38% and Potassium 0.28%) and compost micronutrients (Fe 0.97%; Mn 0.09%; Zn 47.74 ppm and Cu 7.43 ppm).
The effectiveness of amended NPK fertilizer and biochar in the medium of planting Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis)
Authors: Nur Suraya A , Shahmi M H A H , Noorshilawati A A
Published: June 2023

Sacha inchi is an underutilised crop species. The plant is also rich in omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids and thus has good potential to be planted on a wide scale to address problems with food security and hunger. Hence, a study was conducted to determine the ideal medium composition through the application of NPK and biochar as soil amendments in the planting medium. T0 (control), T1 (99.92g biochar), T2 (199.84g biochar), T3 (2.47g NPK), T4 (2.47g NPK+99.92g biochar), and T5 (2.47g NPK+199.84g biochar) treatments were prepared, and each was replicated four times. NPK fertiliser was applied at split doses according to plant age. The results of the study indicated that T4 has promoted many growth parameters, such as leaf number (63), plant height (174.6cm), and leaf length (18.5cm). Thus, soil medium supplemented with 99.92g biochar and 2.47g NPK fertiliser was found effective in increasing and promoting the growth of Sacha inchi. The use of biochar is also one of the alternatives to reducing the negative impact of inorganic fertiliser use and is beneficial to the environment.
The dynamics of water yield: Case of Kuranji watershed, Padang City, West Sumatera, Indonesia
Authors: Wardiman D , Yonariza
Published: June 2023

Land-use change is the main cause of high runoff in the Kuranji watershed and has social and economic impacts on the public. This study aims to determine the dynamics of watershed water yields and to formulate directions and recommendations for the management of the Kuranji watershed. The dynamics of the water yield in Kuranji watershed were analysed based on the SWAT hydrological model from the conservation area scenarios. The results showed the value of the dynamics water yield in Kuranji watershed is: reliability 0,79 with a duration of 290 days a year, resilience value 0,67 or 67% certainty of success of the watershed to return to normal conditions with a recovery period of 75 days a year and the average vulnerability is 389.466 m3/day. So that the form of a decision to be made with these conditions is that this area can be developed but the types of plants grown must be sensitive to water shortages. The direction and recommendations of the Kuranji watershed management on the future are to grow public awareness through the formation of public perceptions, conservation on target, continuous watershed conservation, public empowerment, and incentive policies governing payment for environmental services.