bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
OPTIMIZATION EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF MACHINING ENERGY CONSUMPTION OF ZIG-ZAG MILLING CUTTING PATH USING RSM.
Authors: Ghazali Azwan Rizal , Hemdi Abdul Rahman , Osman Kamal , Mustapha Ghazirah , Mohamed Noor Rizal , Zubair Ahmad Faiz , Othman Muhamad , Yahaya Mohamad Irwan , Mohd Rodzi Ana Syahidah
Published: January 2024

Machining operations in CNC milling which remove the work material require power and energy to activate the machine components such as spindle motor, table and tool movement in order to withstand the high friction and load between tool and work material. Energy consumption during cutting operation is greatly influenced by the machining condition and parameters. This experimental research aims to investigate how energy responds to changes in the machining parameters such as depth of cut, spindle speed, and feed rate during face milling operation of CNC machine. The high-speed steel (HSS) tool with a 10mm diameter was used to face mill the 40mm x 40mm of Aluminum 6061. The design of experiment technique using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) is utilized to optimize the experimental work. Power usage and machining time were recorded for each machining process, which is then used to determine the machining energy consumption. The interaction between machining parameter and energy is comprehensively visualized using surface and contour plot. Additionally, the ANOVA analysis investigates the feed rate as the most influential parameter to the machining energy. Finally, the regression equation of machining energy is generated with reliability (R) value of 0.88 which can be used as an energy prediction model.
THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT SLICING SOFTWARE ON THE MANUFACTURING PERFORMANCE OF 3D PRINTED PARTS
Authors: Che Maideen Normariah , Nazri Muhammad Haziq , Budin Salina , Koay Mei Hyie , Yusoff Hamid , Sahudin Shuib
Published: January 2024

Plastic 3D printing is currently in-trend for producing custom parts and products with intricate geometry. Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) is one of the preferred technologies, as it requires a simple operation with affordable equipment setup. Previous studies have achieved many breakthroughs in using FFF. To successfully produce parts using the FFF machine, a slicing software is required to provide instructions to the machine. Currently, numerous slicing software are available in the market that can be integrated to the FFF machine. Each slicing software has a slightly different performance compared with others. Therefore, careful consideration should be taken when choosing the most suitable slicing software for the machine in use. In this work, three slicing software, namely, Ultimaker Cura 4.8.0, Cura 2.7.0, and PrusaSlicer have been chosen to investigate their effect on the manufacturing performance of 3D printed parts. The parameters for evaluating manufacturing performance were accuracy of the slicing software in predicting printing time, the dimensional accuracy of the printed parts, and the surface roughness of the printed parts. The effect of printing speed was also investigated at three levels, which were at 20, 40, and 60 mm/s. In this work, the 3D Espresso F220 machine was used. The geometry of the printed parts followed the ASTM D638 Type I geometry using polylactic acid (PLA) filament material. The results showed that Ultimaker Cura 4.8.0 can produce the best results, if the priority of the producer is to use a software with high accuracy in printing time prediction and better surface quality. However, if the priority of the process is to produce small dimensional errors (close tolerance to designed geometry), the characteristics of the dimension (length, width, or thickness) need to be identified. Ultimaker Cura 4.8.0 produced small errors when the critical dimension was width, but Cura 2.7.0 was good for length dimension, while PrusaSlicer was good for thickness dimension. The results also showed that printing speed can affect the time of completion of the printed parts and the surface quality. The lowest printing speed was able to produce parts with better surface quality; however, printing time can become longer.
THE INFLUENCE OF VALVE TIMING ON IN-CYLINDER PRESSURE SPARK IGNITION ENGINES PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
Authors: Pahmi Arif , Mustaffa M.E. , Basri M. Hisyam , Ismail N.I. , Azmi H. , Othman R. , Che Mat S. , Sharudin Hazim
Published: January 2024

The performance of the engine depends on many factors. One of the factors is valve timing known to be the timing of opening and closing of valves that has a significant effect on the in-cylinder performance. However, there is less information in the study about valve timing effect on single cylinder engine performances. In this study, the focus is to analyze in-cylinder pressure characteristics on a single piston fuel injection for a spark-ignition engine. This can be done by simulating the effects of valve timing on in-cylinder pressure. The methodology of this project will be simulation-based by using commercial one-dimensional software. The research results are engine performance parameters which are volumetric efficiency, brake torque, brake power, and cylinder pressure in 1000 to 5500 RPM engines. The results show a positive increment in engine performance from the baseline model (CTA240) which is 9.06% for brake power, 2.85% for brake torque, and 13.09% for volumetric efficiency. At low engine speed, it was also found improvement in cylinder pressure when advancing the intake valve timing opening (IVO) by 20 to 25 degrees bTDC. For high speed, the cylinder pressure was found to improve once the retardation of intake valve timing closing (IVC) was done between 40 to 45 degrees aBDC by comparing it with the baseline results. The result highlights the importance of intake valve timing setup by varying the opening and closing of the intake valve to give better output for engine performance.
ENHANCING WHITE OYSTER MUSHROOM CULTIVATION THROUGH LIGHT STIMULATION USING WHITE LED
Authors: Abdullah Siti Nur Fathiha , Yusoff Hamid , Sh Abdul Nasir Sh Mohd Firdaus
Published: January 2024

This study aims to investigate the impact of different illumination durations on the yield of white oyster mushrooms cultivated in a controlled environment mushroom chamber, with a focus on the advantages of LED lighting over conventional lighting methods. The experiment considered various time exposures: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 24 hours per day, while fluorescent light exposure for 12 hours per day served as the control group. Parameters such as mushroom weight, pileus diameter, stipe diameter, and stipe length were measured. Results indicated that the most significant fruiting bodies in terms of pileus diameter (105.76 mm) and stipe diameter (15.26 mm) were observed with a 15-hour illumination exposure. Conversely, the 12-hour exposure using fluorescent lamps resulted in the smallest pileus diameter, averaging 79.70 mm. Notably, a 3-hour exposure demonstrated the most substantial impact on yield, resulting in 182.4 g over two harvest cycles. In conclusion, treating white oyster mushrooms with white LED lighting can enhance productivity. This is primarily due to the excessive heat and higher light intensity generated by fluorescent lights, which can inhibit growth during the fruiting development stage. Therefore, adopting white LED lighting systems offers greater control over the ideal light intensity required for optimal mushroom growth.
Bioimpedance Analysis on The Effects of Intermittent Fasting
Authors: Mohamad Mohd Riduan , Leena Abdu Ali Al-Hazmi
Published: January 2024

Analysis and assessments of body composition are very important for evaluating the efficacy of any dietary interventions and tracking changes related to health and illness. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of Ramadan fasting on body composition of the human body. Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis using bioimpedance analyzer device is used throughout this study for the analysis and assessments of body composition. The main objectives of this study to determine Body composition including BMI (Body Mass Index), FFM (Fat Free Mass), FM (Fat Mass) and TBW (Total Body Water), from the raw BIA measurements and to compare body composition values before and after undergoing Ramadan fasting. The study was conducted on total of thirty (15 men and 15 women) Healthy students from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia between the age of 18 and 27 undergoing Ramadan fasting for 30 days from April 12 until May 12, 2022 in Johor, Malaysia. Bioimpedance analysis was taken before and after the month of Ramadan. A statistical analysis of T-test for dependent samples was performed using Excel to compare body composition before and after fasting period. The results of Body mass index and weight lost during the fasting period were found to be significantly different. Between pre- and post-Ramadan, there was also a significant decrease in fat mass and a slight increase in lean body mass. Furthermore, the findings revealed that it had no adverse effects on total body water
Smart Portable Ice Bath Monitoring System for Athlete
Authors: Mohamad Mohd Riduan , Muhammad Hamizan Hilmi Sulaiman
Published: January 2024

After athletic injuries, cold techniques are used commonly, with clear physiological effects. The main theory about the advantages of immersion in cold water is that it decreases skeletal muscle inflammation. This study was to design the electronic part of smart portable ice bath monitoring system for the athletes to use after their exercises. The design can capture cold water temperature reading and heart rate precisely during the therapy. The readings also were used to give out notifications and alarm to prevent cold related diseases. Various of components were listed and only the most compatible with the design were chosen. The criteria of the components are small, light in weight and the most important is waterproof. To have the portable design of cold-water immersion easy to use and understand, a smartphone application was created by using MIT App inventor, thus giving the athlete a platform to monitor their heart rate data and aware of the benefit and disadvantage of cold-water immersion. Three independent subjects' heart rates were recorded and compared to test the hypothesis that there is a significant difference in heart rate readings between the heart rate sensor and the Amazfit GTS 2. While three tests on the temperature of cold water were used to test the hypothesis that the temperature readings produced by temperature sensor and mercury thermometer had a significant difference. Response of the data from both tests were analysed by using a t-test. The results of both experiments revealed that the hypothesis was rejected, indicating that the heart rate sensor and temperature sensor are adequate for monitoring heart rate and cold-water temperature. They were displayed on the LCD display and the MIT app inventor application in a smartphone. The notification alarm is also effective. In conclusion, the study's objectives have been achieved, and the design can be applied in cold water immersion therapy.
Design and Analysis of Leaf Beam Single-Translation Constraint Compliant Modules and the Resulting Spherical Joints
Authors: Hao Guangbo , He Xiuyun , Zhu Jiaxiang , Li Haiyang
Published: January 2024

A wire beam is a single-translation constraint along its axial direction. It offers many applications in compliant mechanisms, such as being a transmitting/decoupling element connected to a linear actuator and being a fundamental constitutive element to design complex compliant joints and mechanisms. It is desired to find an alternative leaf beam single-translation constraint to equal a wire beam in order to improve the manufacturability and robustness to external loading. In this paper, we propose and model a new single-translation constraint compliant module, I-shape leaf beam design, to compare with a corresponding L-shape leaf beam design reported in the literature. Two spherical (S) joints using three I-shape leaf beams and three L-shape leaf beams, respectively, are then analytically modeled and analyzed. Three key geometric parameters are adopted to thoroughly assess four performance indices of each S joint, including stiffness ratio, rotation radius error, coupling motion, and parasitic motion. It shows that the I-shape leaf beam–based S joint performance indices are generally 10 times better than those of the L-shape leaf beam–based S joint. For each S joint, the optimal parameters are found under the given conditions. Finally, experimental tests are carried out for a fabricated S joint prototype using the I-shape leaf beams, the results from which verify the accuracy of the proposed analytical model and the fabrication feasibility.
Numerical Investigation of Classic Flutter Mechanism Under Circumferentially Non-Uniform Inlet Condition
Authors: Yan Zhaoqi , Pan Tianyu , Su Guanting , Li Qiushi , Kielb Robert E.
Published: January 2024

Over recent years, the aeroelastic problem of fan blades has become significantly serious due to the demand for high performance of aero-engines. To explore the aeroelastic issue of flutter, fan instability is represented by the aerodynamic damping. When the inlet condition is uniform, aerodynamic damping is mainly caused by the temporal factor, and the classic flutter usually does not occur due to the usage of mistuning. However, with the existence of circumferentially non-uniform components in the distorted inflow, aerodynamic damping is also affected by the spatial factor, which may alter the occurrence mechanism of classic flutter. To investigate this issue, the full-annulus 3D (three-dimensional) unsteady calculation is conducted on a transonic fan NASA Rotor 67 with a typical circumferential distortion inflow. As demonstrated by the energy method for the rotor blades at each nodal diameter, the coefficients of aerodynamic damping contain an interval value rather than a fixed datum. Some of the blades have positive damping, and others are negative. The positive and negative aerodynamic damping is determined by the relative position between the rotor blade and the distorted region in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, a fast calculation method based on the fundamental principle regarding flow periodicity is developed to obtain the aerodynamic damping at different nodal diameters under non-uniform inlet conditions.
Variable Time-Steps in the Numerical Implementation of Viscoelastic Fractional Models for Laminated Glass
Authors: Santi Lorenzo , Royer-Carfagni Gianni
Published: January 2024

Numerical approaches are elaborated to calculate the rheological response of laminated glass beams, whose viscoelastic interlayer is modeled via fractional calculus. This mathematical description is very effective when the relaxation function of the polymer can be expressed by continuously connected branches of power laws, as is the case for most materials used to laminate glass. The classical approach uses the Grünwald–Letnikov approximation of fractional derivatives, but it requires constant time-steps, which would become very large to reasonably cover the entire observation time, thus losing accuracy. The use of the L1 algorithm with increasing time-steps is proposed, which is well suited to the power law character of the relaxation function. This allows to follow the long-term creep response, providing a better approximation when needed. The method is implemented for beams laminated with viscoelastic interlayers whose relaxation is described by four branches of power laws, to cover most practical cases. Numerical experiments show their advantages over the Grünwald–Letnikov approach for characterizing the long-term structural response.
Preparation of p/n-type YBa2Cu3O7−δ/Nd1.85Ce0.15CuO4 superconducting heterostructures
Authors: Jia Jiqiang , Li Jingran , Liu Chen , Yan Fuxue , Zhang Tao , Lei Li
Published: January 2024

Due to the great differences in electron pairing characteristics between the hole-type (p-type) high-temperature superconductor (HTS) and the electron-type (n-type) HTS, when the Cooper pairs enter from a p-type to an n-type HTS or an n-type to a p-type HTS, pairing adjustment or even the recombination of them will inevitably occur at the interface, and the superconducting current dominated by them will be bound to change. Therefore, it is possible to better understand the electron pairing mechanism of the HTS and develop new HTS junction devices by studying these changes. In this paper, p-/n-type YBa2Cu3O7−δ/Nd1.85Ce0.15CuO4 (YBCO/NCCO) heterostructures were prepared via pulsed laser deposition on (00l)-oriented single-crystal SrTiO3 substrates. X-ray diffraction measurements indicate that the NCCO films prepared on YBCO do not exhibit good c-axis epitaxial growth, while excellent c-axis epitaxial growth is obtained for YBCO/NCCO heterostructures with NCCO at the bottom. Due to the high-temperature oxygen atmosphere and the deoxygenation process, the superconducting electrical properties of the bilayer structure are seriously degraded, and it is not possible to obtain good superconducting electrical properties for both the upper and lower layers using the traditional preparation process based on an oxygen atmosphere. Subsequently, the effects of different growth atmospheres on the electrical properties of the YBCO superconductors were studied, and high-quality YBCO superconducting films could be grown in oxygen, nitrous oxide, and nitrogen atmospheres. However, the oxygen and nitrous oxide atmospheres degrade the superconducting electrical properties of the underlying NCCO layer, while the nitrogen atmosphere does not seem to affect it significantly. YBCO/NCCO superconducting bilayers with critical transition temperatures of 85 and 8 K for YBCO and NCCO, respectively, were finally prepared by growing NCCO in an oxygen atmosphere and YBCO in a nitrogen atmosphere using a low-temperature oxygenation process. The successful preparation of the p-/n-type HTS heterostructure will help further study on the HTS.
Alternative Models for Pelvic Marker Occlusion in Cycling
Authors: Galindo-Martínez Alberto , Vallés-González Juan Miguel , López-Valenciano Alejandro , Elvira Jose L.L.
Published: January 2024

Bike fitting aims to optimize riders’ positions to improve their performance and reduce the risk of injury. To calculate joint angles, the location of the joint centers of the lower limbs needs to be identified. However, one of the greatest difficulties is the location of the hip joint center due to the frequent occlusion of the anterior superior iliac spine markers. Therefore, the objective of this study was to validate a biomechanical model adapted to cycling (modified pelvic model, MPM), based on the traditional pelvic model (TPM) with an additional lateral technical marker placed on the iliac crests. MPM was also compared with a widely used model in cycling, trochanter model (TM). Thirty-one recreational cyclists pedaled on a roller bike while the movement was captured with a 7-camera VICON system. The position of the hip joint center and knee angle were calculated and compared with the TPM continuously (along 10 pedaling cycles) and discreetly at 90° and 180° crank positions. No significant differences were found in the position of the hip joint center or in the knee flexion/extension angle between the TPM and the MPM. However, there are differences between TPM and TM (variations between 4.1° and 6.9° in favor of the TM at 90° and 180°; P < .001). Bland–Altman graphs comparing the models show an average difference or bias close to 0° (limits of agreement [0.2 to −8.5]) between TPM and MPM in both lower limbs and a mean difference of between −4° and −7° (limits of agreement [−0.6 to −13.2]) when comparing TPM and TM. Given the results, the new cycling pelvic model has proven to be valid compared with the TPM when performing bike fitting studies, with the advantage that the occluded markers are avoided. Despite its simplicity, the TM presents measurement errors that may be relevant when making diagnoses, which makes its usefulness questionable.
National Collegiate Athletic Association Coaches’ Beliefs Toward Seeking Mental Health Services for Themselves: Instrument Validation and Exploratory Investigation
Authors: Tolentino Kim , Raabe Johannes
Published: January 2024

While the environment in which National Collegiate Athletic Association coaches operate makes them susceptible to mental health issues, many do not seek professional help. The Reasoned Action Approach posits that attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and perceived norms shape intentions for help-seeking behaviors. This study was designed to: (a) validate two commonly utilized instruments measuring psychological help-seeking beliefs for use with National Collegiate Athletic Association coaches; (b) assess coaches’ attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and perceived norms toward seeking mental health services for themselves; and (c) examine differences in beliefs based on gender, race, coaching role, age, and coaching experience. N = 1,424 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I, II, and III coaches participated. Confirmatory factor analyses indicated the Inventory of Attitudes Toward Seeking Mental Health Services provides valid and reliable measurements for participants’ beliefs toward seeking services for themselves. Participants reported moderately positive attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and perceived norms. Male coaches indicated significantly lower positive beliefs than female coaches.
Supramolecular assembly of blue and green halide perovskites with near-unity photoluminescence
Authors: Zhu Cheng , Jin Jianbo , Wang Zhen , Xu Zhenpeng , Folgueras Maria C. , Jiang Yuxin , Uzundal Can B. , Le Han K. D. , Wang Feng , Zheng Xiaoyu (Rayne) , Yang Peidong
Published: January 2024

The metal-halide ionic octahedron is the optoelectronic unit for halide perovskites, and a crown ether–assisted supramolecular assembly approach can pack various ionic octahedra into tunable symmetries. In this work, we demonstrate near-unity photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) blue and green emission with the supramolecular assembly of hafnium (Hf) and zirconium (Zr) halide octahedral clusters. (18C6@K)
2
HfBr
6
powders showed blue emission with a near-unity PLQY (96.2%), and green emission was also achieved with (18C6@K)
2
ZrCl
4
Br
2
powders at a PLQY of 82.7%. These highly emissive powders feature facile low-temperature solution-based synthesis conditions and maintain high PLQY in solution-processable semiconductor inks under ambient conditions, and they were used in thin-film displays and emissive three-dimensional–printed architectures that exhibited high spatial resolution.
Investing in Africa’s scientific future
Authors: de Oliveira Tulio , Baxter Cheryl
Published: January 2024

Africa bears a
disproportionate burden
of infectious diseases, accounting for a substantial percentage of global cases. Malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, cholera,
Ebola
, Lassa fever, and
other tropical diseases
, such as dengue and chikungunya, have had a profound impact on morbidity and mortality.
Various factors
contribute to the higher prevalence and incidence of infectious diseases in Africa, including socioeconomic challenges, limited access to health care, inadequate sanitation and hygiene infrastructure, climate-related factors, and endemicity of certain diseases in specific regions. A skilled workforce is crucial to addressing these challenges. Unfortunately, many countries in Africa often lack the required resources, and aspiring scientists frequently seek educational and career opportunities abroad, leading to a
substantial loss of talent and expertise
from the continent. This talent migration, referred to as “brain drain,” exacerbates the existing training gaps and hampers the sustainability of research within Africa.
Megaproject will chart human immune diversity
Authors: Leslie Mitch
Published: January 2024

Human Immunome Project’s survey aims to improve drugs and vaccines
Structural role of K224 in taniborbactam inhibition of NDM-1
Authors: Ono Daisuke , Mojica Maria F. , Bethel Christopher R. , Ishii Yoshikazu , Drusin Salvador I. , Moreno Diego M. , Vila Alejandro J. , Bonomo Robert A.
Published: January 2024

Taniborbactam (TAN; VNRX-5133) is a novel bicyclic boronic acid β-lactamase inhibitor (BLI) being developed in combination with cefepime (FEP). TAN inhibits both serine and some metallo-β-lactamases. Previously, the substitution R228L in VIM-24 was shown to increase activity against oxyimino-cephalosporins like FEP and ceftazidime (CAZ). We hypothesized that substitutions at K224, the homologous position in NDM-1, could impact FEP/TAN resistance. To evaluate this, a library of codon-optimized NDM K224X clones for minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) measurements was constructed; steady-state kinetics and molecular docking simulations were next performed. Surprisingly, our investigation revealed that the addition of TAN restored FEP susceptibility only for NDM-1, as the MICs for the other 19 K224X variants remained comparable to those of FEP alone. Moreover, compared to NDM-1, all K224X variants displayed significantly lower MICs for imipenem, tebipenem, and cefiderocol (32-, 133-, and 33-fold lower, respectively). In contrast, susceptibility to CAZ was mostly unaffected. Kinetic assays with the K224I variant, the only variant with hydrolytic activity to FEP comparable to NDM-1, confirmed that the inhibitory capacity of TAN was modestly compromised (IC
50
0.01 µM vs 0.14 µM for NDM-1). Lastly, structural modeling and docking simulations of TAN in NDM-1 and in the K224I variant revealed that the hydrogen bond between TAN’s carboxylate with K224 is essential for the productive binding of TAN to the NDM-1 active site. In addition to the report of NDM-9 (E149K) as FEP/TAN resistant, this study demonstrates the fundamental role of single amino acid substitutions in the inhibition of NDM-1 by TAN.
Power of microbes: utilization of improvised microbial fuel cell (IMFC) as an interdisciplinary learning activity in teaching bioelectricity
Authors: Robledo Dave Arthur R. , Roleda Lydia S.
Published: January 2024

Bioelectricity is an interdisciplinary concept that encompasses the fields of chemistry, physics, and biology. It is the scientific study of membrane transport mechanisms that govern the formation and dissipation of ion gradients. Teaching and learning across disciplines, such as bioelectricity, are known among science teachers to be challenging and complex. One of the critical problems is that only a few teaching materials and learning resources specifically support interdisciplinary teaching, especially in science. This paper described the development of an improvised microbial fuel cell (iMFC) as an alternative activity that addresses scientific concepts of cellular respiration, reduction-oxidation reaction, and electricity generation in an interdisciplinary approach. In this activity, students designed, constructed, and tested their iMFCs. The learning gains of the students were measured using parallel pretest/post-test and analyzed using descriptive statistics and dependent
t
-tests. The perceptions of teachers and students on using the iMFC activity in teaching-learning bioelectricity were obtained from a survey questionnaire and interviews. Results revealed that the iMFC activity significantly improved students’ learning gains in bioelectricity, for the topics cellular respiration (
t
(239)=45.03;
P
< 0.01), reduction-oxidation reaction (
t
(239)=39.85;
P
< 0.01), and electricity (
t
(239)=31.1;
P
< 0.01), with computed normalized gains of 0.45, 0.50, and 0.39, respectively. Furthermore, seven subthemes emerged from the teachers’ and students’ perceptions, namely, knowledge acquisition, student engagement, academic emotions, affordability, student satisfaction, distractions, and cleanliness. Overall results indicated that the iMFC activity can be an effective teaching material for providing an authentic learning experience in a multidisciplinary topic like bioelectricity. Future investigations on the iMFC activity and its impact on other aspects of learning, such as students’ motivation, self-efficacy, and engagement, are recommended.
Processing of LtaS restricts LTA assembly and YSIRK preprotein trafficking into
Staphylococcus aureus
cross-walls
Authors: Ibrahim Amany M. , Azam Muhammad S. , Schneewind Olaf , Missiakas Dominique
Published: January 2024

In
Staphylococcus aureus
, peptidoglycan is assembled at the septum. Dedicated cell division proteins coordinate septal formation and the fission of daughter cells. Lipoteichoic acid (LTA) assembly and trafficking of preproteins with a YSIRK motif also occur at the septum. This begs the question as to whether cell division components also recruit these two pathways. This study shows that the processing of lipoteichoic acid synthase (LtaS) to extracellular LtaS by signal peptidase is regulated by gentiobiosyldiacylglycerol (Glc
2
-DAG), the priming substrate for LTA assembly. A model is proposed whereby a key substrate controls the temporal and spatial activity of an enzyme. In turn, this mechanism enables the establishment of a unique and transient lipid pool that defines septal membranes as a targeting site for the secretion of YSIRK preproteins.
Supplemental Material: Correlating mantle cooling with tectonic transitions on Archean Earth
Authors: Gunawardana Prasanna M , Chowdhury Priyadarshi , al. et
Published: January 2024

Modeling details, including the initial model setup and additional figures.  
Strong decays of $$T^a_{c{\bar{s}0}}(2900)^{++/0}$$ as a fully open-flavor tetraquark state
Authors: Lian Ding-Kun , Chen Wei , Chen Hua-Xing , Dai Ling-Yun , Steele T. G.
Published: January 2024

We have studied the strong decay properties of the recently observed $$T^a_{c{\bar{s}0}}(2900)^{++/0}$$

T

c

s

¯

0

a

(
2900
)

+
+
/
0

by considering it as a $$cu{\bar{d}}{\bar{s}}/cd{\bar{u}}{\bar{s}}$$

c
u

d

¯

s

¯

/
c
d

u

¯

s

¯

fully open-flavor tetraquark state with $$I(J^P)=1(0^+)$$

I

(

J
P

)

=
1

(

0
+

)

. In the framework of QCD sum rules, we have calculated the three-point correlation functions of the two-body strong decay processes $$T^a_{c\bar{s}0}(2900)^{++}\rightarrow D_s^+\pi ^+$$

T

c

s

¯

0

a

(
2900
)

+
+

→

D
s
+

π
+

, $$D^+K^+, D_s^{*+}\rho ^+$$

D
+

K
+

,

D
s

∗
+

ρ
+

and $$D_{s1}^+\pi ^+$$

D

s
1

+

π
+

. The full width of $$T^a_{c{\bar{s}0}}(2900)^{++/0}$$

T

c

s

¯

0

a

(
2900
)

+
+
/
0

is obtained as $$161.7\pm 94.8$$

161.7
±
94.8

MeV, which is consistent with the experimental observation. We predict the relative branching ratios as $$\Gamma (T\rightarrow D_s\pi ): \Gamma (T\rightarrow DK):\Gamma (T\rightarrow D_s^{*} \rho ):\Gamma (T\rightarrow D_{s1}\pi )\approx 1.00:1.10:0.04:0.43$$

Γ

(
T
→

D
s

π
)

:
Γ

(
T
→
D
K
)

:
Γ

(
T
→

D
s

∗

ρ
)

:
Γ

(
T
→

D

s
1

π
)

≈
1.00
:
1.10
:
0.04
:
0.43

, implying that the main decay modes of $$T^a_{c{\bar{s}0}}(2900)^{++/0}$$

T

c

s

¯

0

a

(
2900
)

+
+
/
0

state are $$D_s\pi $$

D
s

π

and DK channels in our calculations. However, the P-wave decay mode $$D_{s1}\pi $$

D

s
1

π

is also comparable and important by including the uncertainties. To further identify the nature of $$T^a_{c\bar{s}0}(2900)^{++/0}$$

T

c

s

¯

0

a

(
2900
)

+
+
/
0

, we suggest confirming them in the DK and $$D_{s}\pi $$

D
s

π

final states, and measuring the above ratios in future experiments.
Simultaneous measurements on cosmic curvature and opacity using latest HII regions and H(z) observations
Authors: Yang Ying , Liu Tonghua , Huang Jiayuan , Cheng Xiaolan , Biesiada Marek , Wu Shu-min
Published: January 2024

The different spatial curvatures of the universe affect the measurement of cosmological distances, which may also contribute to explaining the observed dimming of type Ia supernovae. This phenomenon may be caused by the opacity of the universe. Similarly, the opacity of the universe can lead to a bias in our measurements of curvature. Thus, it is necessary to measure cosmic curvature and opacity simultaneously. In this paper, we propose a new model-independent method to simultaneously measure the cosmic curvature and opacity by using the latest observations of HII galaxies acting as standard candles and the latest Hubble parameter observations. The machine learning method-Artificial Neural Network is adopted to reconstruct observed Hubble parameter H(z) observations. Our results support a slightly opaque and flat universe at $$1\sigma $$

1
σ

confidence level by using previous 156 HII regions sample. However, the negative curvature is obtained by using the latest 181 HII regions sample in the redshift range $$z\sim 2.5$$

z
∼
2.5

. More importantly, we obtain the simultaneous measurements with precision on the cosmic opacity $$\mathrm \Delta \tau \sim 10^{-2}$$

Δ
τ
∼

10

-
2

and curvature $$\mathrm \Delta \Omega _K\sim 10^{-1}$$

Δ

Ω
K

∼

10

-
1

. A strong degeneracy between the cosmic opacity and curvature parameters is also revealed in this analysis.
Survey on Recommender Systems for Biomedical Items in Life and Health Sciences
Authors: Pato Matilde , Barros Márcia , Couto Francisco M.
Published: January 2024

The generation of biomedical data is of such magnitude that its retrieval and analysis have posed several challenges. A survey of recommender system (RS) approaches in biomedical fields is provided in this analysis, along with a discussion of existing challenges related to large-scale biomedical information retrieval systems. We collect original studies, identify entities and models, and discuss how knowledge graphs (KGs) can improve results. As a result, most of the papers used model-based collaborative filtering algorithms, most of the available datasets did not follow the standard format < user, item, rating >, and regarding qualitative evaluations of RSs use mainly classification metrics. Finally, we have assembled and coded a unique dataset of 60 papers — Sur-RS4BioT, available for download at DOI:10.34740/kaggle/ds/2346894
Pitting Corrosion of Titanium Depending on the Properties of the Passive Film
Authors: Haruna Takumi , Imamura Masanori , Hirohata Youhei
Published: January 2024

Pitting corrosion behavior of Ti with passive film under breakdown was investigated from the points of film thickness and oxygen-related species in the film. A Ti specimen was passivated in a sulfuric acid solution at 5.0 VAg/AgCl at 323 and 353 K. A passivation current decreased, increased and then slightly decreased with increasing a passivation time, the periods were denoted as Region (i), (ii) and (iii), respectively. A pitting potential of the specimen passivated in Region (i) was almost independent of, and that in Regions (ii) and (iii) shifted higher with increasing the time. Change in an amount of water desorbed from the film with the time was similar to that in the pitting potential. It was found from XPS test that change in a film thickness with the passivation time was also similar to that in the pitting potential. Furthermore, the desorbed water was derived from hydroxide or both of hydroxide and bound water in the film. The findings indicate that the film passivated in Regions (ii) and (iii) was under breakdown, and suppression of the pitting corrosion is caused by increasing both of the film thickness and the amount of hydroxide and bound water in the film.
Evaluating the Thermal Stability, Morphological and Temperature Effect on Electrical Conductivity, and Dielectric Properties of Curcumin Nano-Crystals
Authors: El-Menyawy E. M. , Raslan Mai , Zedan I. T. , Desoky W. M.
Published: January 2024

The thermal structure and morphology of 1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)−1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione (curcumin) nanocrystals were investigated deploying thermogravimetric and FESEM, respectively. The mass loss was identified between 509–673 K. FESEM micrographs of powder curcumin revealed a fluffy cotton-like morphology with a nearly spherical shape in nanoparticle scale. In addition, the AC conductivity and dielectric features of curcumin as a disk have been examined across a wide frequency range and at various temperatures. Jonscher’s relation can be applied to interpret the frequency dependence of AC electrical conductivity. According to the behavior of frequency exponent S, the correlated barrier hopping model is the predominant mechanism. Indeed, the low values of activation energy endorsing the hopping mechanism. The findings show that the maximum barrier height estimated as 0.345 eV. In addition, the impact of frequency and temperature on the dielectric constant, ε′, and dielectric loss, ε″, were inspected as was the complex dielectric modulus. According to KWW formula, the Kohlrausch exponent value was estimated as 0.57 at 313 K and rises to 0.67 at 393 K.
Fully Inkjet-Printed Gas-Sensing Antenna Based on Carbon Nanotubes for Wireless Communication Applications
Authors: Kao Hsuan-Ling , Chang Li-Chun , Tsai Yun-Chen , Chen Chun-Bing , Chiu Hsien-Chin
Published: January 2024

This study presents a fully inkjet-printed antenna based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for ammonia-gas-sensing. The antenna-embedded CNT film must satisfy strict requirements in terms of resistance, uniformity, and stability. Various resistive-type gas sensors based on CNTs, which are controlled by droplet spacing (DS) and multiple passes, are realized by inkjet-printing technology to investigate their sensing characteristics. The gas response decreases with increasing CNT density; however, the distribution of repeatability is tighter because the connection junctions among CNTs increase and the conductive paths saturate. The relationship between CNT density and gas-sensing response is presented for the first time. According to the response of the resistive-type gas sensors, low resistance and stable sensing response of a DS = 20 μm and 20-pass CNT film is suitable for embedding into an antenna for gas-sensing. The sensitivities of insertion and return losses under exposure to NH3 of the gas-sensing antenna demonstrate a linear relationship and reproducibility. The gas-sensing antenna based on CNT films exhibits two-dimensional value responses, real-time gas detection, reproducibility, and reversibility, which provide a viable option for wireless sensing systems.
Surface Potential Analysis of Dual Material Gate Silicon-Based Ferroelectric TFET for Biosensing Application
Authors: Venkatesh M. , Parthasarathy P. , Arun Kumar U.
Published: January 2024

By means of a dielectric modulation method, this research offers the first ever 2D analytical model for the surface potential of a dual material gate Ferroelectric-TFET (DMG-Fe-TFET) device used in an enzyme-free biosensor. Compared to a device with a single material gate, the sensitivity of a device with a gate made of two distinct metals (M1-M2) is improved by an increase in tunnelling width at the secondary tunnelling junction. This model accounts for the change in surface potential caused by varying the value, position, and fill factor of the target biomolecules. Several distinct device architectures are used to enhance the efficiency of the envisaged Fe-TFET in the nanoscale range. We also investigated how the dimensions of the Nano cavity and other parts of the device affect its sensitivity. In addition, simulation findings using the SILVACO Atlas platform are used to confirm the results obtained when testing the DMG Fe-TFET’s sensitivity in comparison to other recently manufactured FETs.
Antioxidant Properties of Pistacia vera against the Effects of Phenylhydrazine‐Induced Hemolytic Anemia on Male Fertility in Mice
Authors: Falahati-pour Soudeh Khanamani , Khoradmehr Arezoo , Baghery Fatemeh , Amin Fatemeh , Parvaz Najmeh , Pourmasumi Soheila
Published: January 2024

Objective. The reproductive system can be adversely affected by anemia, characterized by elevated free radical production and lipid peroxidation. Conversely, the pistachio is well‐known for its antioxidant capabilities. In this study, a mouse model was employed to investigate the safeguarding effects of the aqueous extract of pistachio (Pistacia vera) against oxidative stress induced by phenylhydrazine (PHZ)‐triggered hemolytic anemia. Materials and methods. Forty‐eight male mice were distributed into six distinct experimental groups (n = 8): control, PHZ, PHZ + 20Pis, PHZ + 80Pis, PHZ + 160Pis, and 80Pis groups. The experimental groups were administered a PHZ dose of 80 mg/kg/48 hr, along with pistachio doses of 20, 80, and 160 mg/kg/day, delivered intraperitoneally. After a period of 35 days, an assessment of sperm count, motility, morphology, and viability was conducted. Additionally, sperm chromatin quality was evaluated through Chromomycin A3, aniline blue, and toluidine blue staining. Hematoxylin–eosin staining was performed to examine the total diameter of seminiferous tubes and spermatogenic cells. Hormonal levels (FSH, LH, T) and antioxidant levels were analyzed using standard kits. Results. The PHZ groups exhibited a noteworthy decrease in various sperm parameters, as well as diminished chromatin quality assays and reduced levels of sex hormones when compared to the control group. Moreover, the morphometric evaluation indicated a substantial reduction in spermatogonia cell number, spermatid count, tubule count, seminiferous diameters, and seminiferous area in the PHZ group. Notably, the Pis group demonstrated the highest concentration of antioxidant contents. Conclusion. The protective impact of P. vera extract against PHZ‐induced anemia on the male reproductive system in mice may be attributed to its abundant antioxidant components, which possess therapeutic properties at elevated levels.
Phytochemistry Profile, Antimicrobial and Antitumor Potential of the Methanolic Extract of Tabernaemontana catharinensis A DC and Eragrostis plana NEES
Authors: da Rosa Emanoeli , Stopiglia Cheila Denise Ottonelli , Machado Michel Mansur , Filho Augusto Cezar Dotta , Soci Ursula Paula Reno , Mendez Andreas Sebastian Loureiro , Fernandes Tiago , Oliveira Edilamar Menezes de , Moreira Cleci Menezes
Published: January 2024

Natural compounds that have the potential to act as antimicrobials and antitumors are a constant search in the field of pharmacotherapy. Eragrostis plana NEES (Poaceae) is a grass with high allelopathic potential. Allelopathy is associated with compounds generated in the primary and secondary metabolism of the plant, which act to protect it from phytopathogens. Tabernaemontana catharinensis A DC (Apocynaceae), a tree in which its leaves and bark are used for the preparation of extracts and infusions that have anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects, is attributed to its phytochemical constitution. The objective of this study was to elucidate the phytochemical constitution, the antibacterial potential, the toxicity against immune system cells, hemolytic potential, and antitumor effect of methanolic extracts of E. plana and T. catharinensis. The phytochemical investigation was carried out using the UHPLC-QTOF MS equipment. The antibacterial activity was tested using the broth microdilution plate assay, against Gram-negative and Gram-positive strains, and cytotoxicity assays were performed on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and in vitro hemolysis. Antitumor activity was performed against the colon cancer cell line (CT26). Results were expressed as mean and standard deviation and analyzed by ANOVA. p<0.05 was considered significant. More than 19 possible phytochemical constituents were identified for each plant, with emphasis on phenolic compounds (acids: vanillic, caffeic, and quinic) and alkaloids (alstovenine, rhyncophylline, amezepine, voacangine, and coronaridine). Both extracts showed antibacterial activity at concentrations below 500 µg/mL and were able to decrease the viability of CT26 at concentrations below 2000 µg/mL, without showing cytotoxic effect on PBMCs and in vitro hemolysis at the highest concentration tested. This is the first report of the activity of E. plana and T. catharinensis extracts against colon cancer cell line (CT26). Studies should be carried out to verify possible molecular targets involved in the antitumor effect in vivo.
A Hybrid Nondominant-Based Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II) for Multiobjective Optimization to Minimize Vibration Amplitude in the End Milling Process
Authors: Gopal Mahesh , Gutema Endalkachew Mosisa , Lemu Hirpa G. , Sori Jaleta
Published: January 2024

Aluminium is a noncorrosive, lightweight material used to fabricate parts for the aerospace, automobile, and construction industries. Due to the low-temperature resistance, more heat is generated. At the same time, in machining, tremendous efforts are taken to keep friction and chatter to a minimum and to attain better quality and perfect output, and also more attention is required while selecting the machining process parameters. Spindle speed, rate of feed, radial and axial depth of cut, and radial rake angle of the tool are the parameters utilized to machine aluminium 6063 using the HSS tool on CNC milling to estimate spindle and worktable vibration using a prediction model. In this study, the design of the experiment of the response surface methodology approach is used to create a second-order statistical equation for experimentation with the Design-Expert v12 software. The performance characteristics are analyzed using the ANOVA method. The spindle speed achieved the lowest vibration between 2000 and 3000 rpm. Next, axial and radial depths were the most vibration-affecting parameter compared to the rate of feed and radial rake angle of the tool. To find the best feasible response, the nondominant sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA II) approach was trained and tested using MATLAB software. Using a Pareto-optimal technique, the optimum worktable vibration ranged from 0.00284 to 0.00165 mm/s2, whereas the spindle vibration ranged from 0.02404 to 0.01336 mm/s2. The predicted values were found to be in an excellent argument when Pareto-optimal solutions are used.
Fast Partial Shading Detection on PV Modules for Precise Power Loss Ratio Estimation Using Digital Image Processing
Authors: Setiawan Eko Adhi , Fathurrahman Muhammad , Pamungkas Radityo Fajar , Ma’arif Samsul
Published: January 2024

Maintaining the maximum performance of solar panels poses the foremost challenge for solar photovoltaic power plants in this era. One of the common PV faults which decreases PV power output is a hot spot which is caused by a prolonged local partial shading from objects, such as dust piles or animal waste. To prevent it, an enormous effort for PV inspection is needed especially for large solar power plants. Hence, automatic partial shading detection is critical in preventing PV hot spots to assist maintenance activities which are associated with a drop in energy output. This research developed fast partial shading detection application on PV modules using digital image processing to detect the hot spot and PV modules areas and afterwards calculate the PV systems power loss ratio. The proposed method demonstrated a hot spot detection rate of 94.74% and a module detection rate of 100%. The power loss ratio calculation is compared and validated using IV curve measurement and has 91.26% similarity value which is a feasible application for the real-world system.
Supplementary Materials and Methods 1 from Experiences of Family Communication and Cascade Genetic Testing for Hereditary Cancer in Medically Underserved Populations—A Qualitative Study
Authors: Bednar Erica M. , Rauh-Hain J. Alejandro , Garcia Jose J. , de Aguinaga Norma , Powell Mary Anne , Peral Sylvia L. , Nitecki Roni , Jorgensen Kirsten , Rudy Natasha L. , Lu Karen H. , Leath Charles A. , Scarinci Isabel C.
Published: January 2024

Supplementary Materials and Methods 1: Proband and Relative Interview Guide Documents
Supplementary Figure 3 from A Randomized Phase III Study of Arfolitixorin versus Leucovorin with 5-Fluorouracil, Oxaliplatin, and Bevacizumab for First-Line Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: The AGENT Trial
Authors: Tabernero Josep , Yoshino Takayuki , Stintzing Sebastian , de Gramont Aimery , Gibbs Peter , Jonker Derek J. , Nygren Peter , Papadimitriou Christos , Prager Gerald W. , Tell Roger , Lenz Heinz-Josef
Published: January 2024

Quality of Life Scores on EQ-5D for ‘usual activities’ over time (other secondary endpoint) (ITT population)