bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent advance of high-quality perovskite nanostructure and its application in flexible photodetectors
Authors: Cheng Yan , Guo Xin , Shi Yi , Pan Lijia
Published: March 2024

Flexible photodetectors (PDs) have garnered increasing attention for their potential applications in diverse fields, including weather monitoring, smart robotics, smart textiles, electronic eyes, wearable biomedical monitoring devices, and so on. Notably, perovskite nanostructures have emerged as a promising material for flexible PDs due to their distinctive features, such as a large optical absorption coefficient, tunable band gap, extended photoluminescence decay time, high carrier mobility, low defect density, long exciton diffusion lengths, strong self-trapped effect, good mechanical flexibility, and facile synthesis methods. In this review, we first introduce various synthesis methods for perovskite nanostructures and elucidate their corresponding optical and electrical properties, encompassing quantum dots, nanocrystals, nanowires, nanobelts, nanosheets, single-crystal thin films, polycrystalline thin films, and nanostructured arrays. Furthermore, the working mechanism and key performance parameters of optoelectronic devices are summarized. The review also systematically compiles recent advancements in flexible PDs based on various nanostructured perovskites. Finally, we present the current challenges and prospects for the development of perovskite nanostructures-based flexible PDs.
Disentangling the intrinsic relaxivities of highly purified graphene oxide
Authors: Fioravanti Giulia , Galante Angelo , Fattibene Paola , Torrieri Di Tullio Laura , Colacicchi Silvia , De Thomasis Giorgio , Perrozzi Francesco , De Berardinis Niccolò , Profeta Gianni , Ottaviano Luca , Alecci Marcello
Published: March 2024

The chemistry of contrast agents (CAs) for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) applications is an active area of research and, in recent work, it was shown that CA-based graphene oxide (GO) has valuable properties for biomedical uses. GO has a potential as MRI CAs thanks to several functionalities, like its ability to penetrate tissues and cell membranes, as well as easy coupling with therapeutic agents, therefore showing the potential for both a diagnostic and therapeutic role. In this study, we performed a thorough cleaning of the GO sample (synthesized using a modified Hummers method), minimizing the amount of residual manganese down to 73 ppm. Using a wide range of physical–chemical methods (morphology, chemical composition, elemental analysis, spectroscopies, and imaging), we characterized the intrinsic longitudinal and transverse relaxivities of highly purified GO nanosheets. X-band electron paramagnetic resonance allowed to recognize the paramagnetic species involved, and 1.0 T MRI was used to disentangle the relative contributions to the MRI contrast of pristine GO nanosheets arising from structural defects and residual paramagnetic manganese impurities embedded in the nanomaterial. Although experiments show that the MRI relaxivity of GO nanosheets arises from the cumulative effect of structural defects and paramagnetic impurities, we conclude that the latter contribution to the longitudinal and transverse relaxivities becomes irrelevant for highly purified (pristine) GO. This novel finding clearly demonstrates that, apart from trivial manganese inclusion, pristine GO produces an inherent MRI response via structural defects, and therefore it is on its own a suitable candidate as MRI contrast agent.
Optical properties of two-dimensional tin nanosheets epitaxially grown on graphene
Authors: Bonaventura Eleonora , Martella Christian , Macis Salvatore , Dhungana Daya S , Krotkus Simonas , Heuken Michael , Lupi Stefano , Molle Alessandro , Grazianetti Carlo
Published: March 2024

Heterostacks formed by combining two-dimensional materials show novel properties which are of great interest for new applications in electronics, photonics and even twistronics, the new emerging field born after the outstanding discoveries on twisted graphene. Here, we report the direct growth of tin nanosheets at the two-dimensional limit via molecular beam epitaxy on chemical vapor deposited graphene on Al2O3(0001). The mutual interaction between the tin nanosheets and graphene is evidenced by structural and chemical investigations. On the one hand, Raman spectroscopy indicates that graphene undergoes compressive strain after the tin growth, while no charge transfer is observed. On the other hand, chemical analysis shows that tin nanosheets interaction with sapphire is mediated by graphene avoiding the tin oxidation occurring in the direct growth on this substrate. Remarkably, optical measurements show that the absorption of tin nanosheets exhibits a graphene-like behavior with a strong absorption in the ultraviolet photon energy range, therein resulting in a different optical response compared to tin nanosheets on bare sapphire. The optical properties of ultra-thin tin films therefore represent an open and flexible playground for the absorption of light in a broad range of the electromagnetic spectrum and technologically relevant applications for photon harvesting and sensors.
Thermal scanning probe and laser lithography for patterning nanowire based quantum devices
Authors: Shani Lior , Chaaban Jana , Nilson Alec , Clerc Eliott , Menning Gavin , Riggert Colin , Lueb Pim , Rossi Marco , Badawy Ghada , Bakkers Erik P A M , Pribiag Vlad S
Published: March 2024

Semiconductor nanowire (NW) quantum devices offer a promising path for the pursuit and investigation of topologically-protected quantum states, and superconducting and spin-based qubits that can be controlled using electric fields. Theoretical investigations into the impact of disorder on the attainment of dependable topological states in semiconducting nanowires with large spin–orbit coupling and g-factor highlight the critical need for improvements in both growth processes and nanofabrication techniques. In this work, we used a hybrid lithography tool for both the high-resolution thermal scanning probe lithography and high-throughput direct laser writing of quantum devices based on thin InSb nanowires with contact spacing of 200 nm. Electrical characterization demonstrates quasi-ballistic transport. The methodology outlined in this study has the potential to reduce the impact of disorder caused by fabrication processes in quantum devices based on 1D semiconductors.
Harnessing multi-stable piezoelectric systems for enhanced wind energy harvesting
Authors: Liu Xiaohui , Tao Yan , Jia Hexuan , Dai Fuhong
Published: March 2024

With the ongoing evolution of microelectronic devices toward lower power consumption, the utilization of piezoelectric materials for energy harvesting from wind-induced vibrations has garnered considerable attention. This study employs a combined approach involving finite element analysis and experiments to investigate the energy harvesting efficiency of the multi-stable piezoelectric wind energy harvester (MPWEH) and compares its performance with two alternative systems. The MPWEH demonstrates higher strains in both the x and y directions during reciprocating cross-well vibrations, establishing its superior energy harvesting efficiency compared to the alternative systems. Notably, at a wind speed of 8 m s−1, the MPWEH generates an output power nearly six times higher than local bistable piezoelectric energy harvester (LBPEH). The MPWEH achieves the maximum power density of 9.8125 mW cm−3, whereas the LBPEH registers the power density of 1.625 mW cm−3. The experimental results indicate that, under the optimal load resistance of 40 kΩ and a wind speed of 14 m s−1, the MPWEH achieves a peak output power of 2.76 mW, with a power density of 17.25 mW cm−3. The versatile applicability of the MPWEH extends across various low-power consumption microelectronic devices, positioning it as a valuable candidate for empowering continuous monitoring sensors in diverse domains.
Infrared relative dielectric permittivity and refractive index on the spherical CdSe/ZnS heteronanocrystals with self-consistent field
Authors: Ortakaya Sami , Duque Carlos A
Published: March 2024

We deal with allowed-subband quantum states of two-electron in a semiconductor spherical core/shell quantum dot. Within framework of the infrared transitions, solving the Schrödinger-Poisson equation for repulsive interactions on the conduction-subbands, we obtain energy shifts in the absorption peaks of dielectric functions . The energy eigenvalues of the CdSe/ZnS nanocrystal have been computed as a function of the layer thicknesses through self-consistent field. The optical absorption transitions related to D
− and D
0 donor states, have been plotted considering linear dielectric permittivity. The obtained values of dielectric constant for CdSe monolayers are compared with 3D simulation results. Refractive index and absorption coefficient under 3.0 nm CdSe core radius have been also presented as a function of infrared photon energies.
Geometric anisotropic Semi-variogram analysis of ozone levels in Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Siswanto Siswanto , Mirna Mirna , Heryanto Heryanto , Thamrin Sri Astuti
Published: March 2024

Identification of areas with high O3 levels that pose a risk to public health is necessary. Ordinary co-kriging is a geostatistical method that determines the value of primary variables at specific locations using weighted values of secondary parameters. A Semi-variogram is required to demonstrate the spatial correlation between the observations measured using this method. This study aims to determine the best Semi-variogram model and produce a map of the predicted O3 level interpolation results using the ordinary co-kriging method with a geometric anisotropic Semi-variogram. Data from the first quarter of 2018’s air quality monitoring in Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta (DIY) were used to interpolate O3 levels, with 72 points for CO levels and 53 points for O3 levels. The results showed that the Semi-variogram model with the lowest mean error (ME) value is a gaussian model that differs from the spherical model by only 0.003. The Gaussian model has the lowest root mean squared error (RMSE), but it is only 0.002 different from the spherical model. However, by comparing the mean squared deviation ratio (MSDR) values of the three models, the spherical model’s MSDR value is the lowest. A comprehensive analysis showed that the spherical geometric anisotropic Semi-variogram model performed superior, resulting in the smallest minimum mean error (ME), root mean square error (RMSE) and minimum squared deviation ratio (MSDR) values. These findings highlight the potential of this approach to accurately map the spatial distribution of O3 and support evidence-based decision-making related to public health.
Study of electronic, mechanical, thermodynamic, optical, and thermoelectric properties of CdLa2X4 (X = S, Se, Te) chalcogenides for solar cells and energy applications
Authors: Hedhili Fekhra , Hakami Jabir , Albaqawi Hissah Saedoon , Alahmad Waed , Mahmood Q
Published: March 2024

Spinels chalcogenides are an emerging aspirant for renewable energy which attained huge potential from the last decade. Therefore, the electronic structure, and mechanical properties are discussed by DFT approach. The Born stability criteria, and formation energies (−2.0, −1.98, −1.93) eV have been computed to assure mechanical, and thermodynamic stabilities. The ductile nature (υ > 0.26, and B/G > 1.75), hardness, Debye temperature, and lattice thermal conductivities are addressed in terms of elastic constants, and elastic modulus. The band gaps (2.0, 1.7, 0.85) eV for CdLa2X4 (X = S, Se, Te) have been calculated from band structures. The polarization of light, absorption bands in visible regions, refractive index, and reflection of light energy have made them significantly important materials for solar cells. Furthermore, transport characteristics are revealed by Seebeck coefficient, electrical & thermal conductivities, and figure of merit (ZT). The ZT has values 1.0, 0.80, and 0.66 at room temperature for CdLa2X4 (X = S, Se, Te) which increases their significance for thermoelectric devices.
Electro-optic and thermoelectric reponse of SiP and SiAs for solar and thermal applications
Authors: Asghar Mazia , Waheed Hafiza Sumaira , Shabbir Aima , Ullah Hamid , Khan M Junaid Iqbal , Anjum Faiza , Noor N A , El-Sheikh Mohamed A , Iqbal M Waqas
Published: March 2024

Based on first-principles calculations, we investigated the electro-optic and thermoelectric properties of SiX (X = P, As). We find that the SiP (−0.17 eV/atom) is more favorable than SiAs (−0.12 eV/atom) due to higher formation energies. The dynamical stability is calculated from the phonon spectra, and the non-negative frequencies confirms the stable nature of SiX. Our calculated electronic band gap shows the semiconductor nature of the SiP, and SiAs with the band gap values of 2.33 eV, and 2.04 eV, respectively. Interestingly, the SiP possesses a direct band gap, which could be promising for optoelectronic devices. Additionally, we performed calculations by replacing P/As with Se atom, and observed that the semiconducting nature is alter to metallic one. The sharp peaks in the optical spectra confirms the electron transition from valance band to conduction band. The SiX (X = P, As) compound strongly absorbed light of energy 4.0 eV, which suggests it a potential candidate for solar cell applications. Furthermore, the compound exhibited the strong absorption of whole sun spectrum (ultra-violet to infra-red wave length), makes it capable for the applications in optical devices. Additionally, we have computed the thermoelectric properties using Boltztrap code. We have estimated the zT value 0.67 and 0.76 for SiP and SiAs, respectively. Both the SiAs and SiP exhibits a high zT, which could be applicable in the thermoelectric devices. Based on our calculated results, we anticipate that our studied materials could be an encouraging candidate for optical devices and thermoelectric devices.
Thermal transitions in a one-dimensional, finite-size Ising model
Authors: Stepanyan Varazdat , Tzortzakakis Andreas F , Petrosyan David , Allahverdyan Armen E
Published: March 2024

We revisit the one-dimensional ferromagnetic Ising spin chain with a finite number of spins and periodic boundaries, deriving analytically and verifying numerically its various stationary and dynamical properties at different temperatures. In particular, we determine the probability distributions of magnetization, the number of domain walls, and the corresponding residence times for different chain lengths and magnetic fields. While we study finite systems at thermal equilibrium, we identify several temperatures similar to the critical temperatures for first-order phase transitions in the thermodynamic limit. We illustrate the utility of our results by their application to structural transitions in biopolymers having non-trivial intermediate equilibrium states.
Soft octopus-inspired suction cups using dielectric elastomer actuators with sensing capabilities
Authors: Jamali Armin , Mishra Dushyant Bhagwan , Goldschmidtboeing Frank , Woias Peter
Published: March 2024

Bioinspired and biomimetic soft grippers are rapidly growing fields. They represent an advancement in soft robotics as they emulate the adaptability and flexibility of biological end effectors. A prominent example of a gripping mechanism found in nature is the octopus tentacle, enabling the animal to attach to rough and irregular surfaces. Inspired by the structure and morphology of the tentacles, this study introduces a novel design, fabrication, and characterization method of dielectric elastomer suction cups. To grasp objects, the developed suction cups perform out-of-plane deflections as the suction mechanism. Their attachment mechanism resembles that of their biological counterparts, as they do not require a pre-stretch over a rigid frame or any external hydraulic or pneumatic support to form and hold the dome structure of the suction cups. The realized artificial suction cups demonstrate the capability of generating a negative pressure up to 1.3 kPa in air and grasping and lifting objects with a maximum 58 g weight under an actuation voltage of 6 kV. They also have sensing capabilities to determine whether the grasping was successful without the need of lifting the objects.
Utilizing synoptic scale climate data within sustainable tourism development
Authors: Perkins David R. , Phuyal Susan
Published: March 2024

Tourism has great potential to be used as a tool towards achieving sustainable development. The appropriate implementation of sustainable tourism methods helps to establish local economic viability in concert with attentive treatment of both social and environmental systems. Maintaining such environmental and social integrity within a location is often the basis by which tourism demand is generated—drawing tourists from across the world. In this paper, we specifically address the use of climate information within Nepal where tourism in the Himalayas is driven by the human-nature interface and the unique culture which has developed in this alpine environment. In doing so, we highlight how focusing on a synoptic scale climatological analysis can provide valuable information within a sustainable tourism development context. Literature has established that tourists operate in ‘realms’ of climatic comfort that might be readily described through synoptic-scale atmospheric phenomena using descriptors such as ‘humid cool’ and ‘warm humid’ conditions. Variables of the Gridded Weather Typing Classification (GWTC-2) are used to describe local climate and climate change. Analyzing weather and climate data within a tourist-centric synoptic-scale context provides a new perspective to more fully understand sustainable development within the weather, climate, and tourism nexus.
Analysis of consumer preferences and attitudes towards sustainable consumption of plastic beverage packaging in Malaysia
Authors: Bakar Khalilulnisha Abu , Mohamed Ahmad Fariz
Published: March 2024

One of the challenges towards promoting plastic packaging sustainability in Malaysia is the lack of awareness on plastic consumption among consumers and the absence of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme. Consumers play a significant role in contributing towards better management of plastic packaging. Using plastic beverage packaging as an example, a survey was carried out on consumer willingness to participate in an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system and pay for a more sustainable packaging option. Some open-ended questions were also applied to implore on factors that would encourage consumer participation in sustainable plastic packaging management. A majority of the respondents gave positive responses towards their willingness to participate and willingness to pay for a more environmentally friendly plastic packaging options. The results also showed that the respondents will be more encouraged to participate if it is convenient for them to do so, but also raised the need for a better management system, infrastructure, mindset, awareness and education to be in place. The results provided valuable insights to both policy makers and the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector in determining the way forward for solid waste management in general and plastic packaging policy and management in particular.
Exploring Best Practices for New Climate Change Policy and Law Program
Authors: Mohamad Ani Munirah , Ahmad Wan Norhayati Wan , Anuar Haslinda Mohd , Wahab Harlida Abdul , Mohsin Mohamad Farhan Mohamad
Published: March 2024

Climate change law is seldom taught formally as a program at institutions of higher education. Hence, it is unclear as to how climate change law lessons should be delivered. This paper focuses on the exploration of best practices for new climate change policy and law program. The study engaged in purely qualitative methodology, involving interviews with 10 experts in environmental law and climate change from academia and industry partners, as well as environmental law alumni. The collected data was analysed in ATLAS.ti software version 22 using thematic analysis approach. The study found that among the recommended best practices of teaching delivery methods for the program are service learning (SL), global learning, article contributions to newspapers and project-based learning (PBL). SL involves the implementation of credited projects by the students for the benefit of a targeted community focusing on climate change issues. Meanwhile, global learning involves collaborative events with member institutions within Malaysia or abroad, in which experts, academia and industry practitioners can join and participate for sharing of experiences, skills and knowledge on climate change current issues and challenges. Students can also be encouraged to write their articles to be submitted to newspaper portals, either printed or online sites. Additionally, lecturers can prompt specific PBL projects to the students, in which students are to “carry out” climate change-related projects in this innovative and inspiring learning strategy. The final strategy is to encourage students to implement roleplay in classes, aiming at giving simulation experiences in solving climate change issues. Hopefully, this paper will become a catalyst for future studies on climate change curriculum development, particularly on teaching delivery practices. The findings are highly pertinent to United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal SDG13 on climate action. In the broader context, the findings of the study will be a great contribution towards the attainment of sustainability efforts on climate action, particularly in capacity building of the people on teaching delivery methods of climate change policy and law.
Geological Mapping and Stand-up Time Estimation based on Core Drilling Evaluation using Rock Mass Rating Method on The Main Spillway and Diversion Tunnel at Manikin Dam, Kupang Regency, Nusa Tenggara Timur
Authors: Sianturi Lukas , Indrawan I Gde Budi , Hendarto
Published: March 2024

The Main Spillway and Diversion Tunnel at Manikin Dam is one of the dams under construction in the Kupang City area, where several soil or rock investigations have been carried out around it. However, the field investigations are not accompanied by a surface geological investigation or evaluation of subsurface geological conditions based on core drill results. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to evaluate the engineering geological condition in tunnel construction by displaying surface and subsurface geological mapping with a scale of 1:10,000 and evaluate samples of core drilling using the Rock Mass Rating method in order to have more accurate stand-up time assumptions. The result of engineering geological mapping shows that the research area has three lithologies, namely a basalt unit, a carbonaceous sandstone unit, and a scaly claystone with a chaotic rock unit. The core-drill evaluation indicates that the research area is classified into three quality rock masses, namely Good Rock with an RMR Rating of 64, Fair Rock with an RMR Rating of 46, and Poor Rock with an RMR Rating of 36. The stand-up time value for each rock mass quality category is obtained from the quality rock mass results. The stand-up time value for the Good Rock category is 2200 hours, the Fair Rock category is 30 hours and the Poor Rock category is 1.2 - 1.7 hours. Based on the low stand-up time values in the Fair Rock and Poor Rock categories, it is expected that a support system will be installed immediately after tunnel excavation.
Discovering potential of different parts of Moringa oleifera’s plants as clarifying agent in coffee effluent treatment
Authors: Said Nor Sakinah Mohd , Abdullah Siti Rozaimah Sheikh , Ismail Nur ‘Izzati
Published: March 2024

Selection of coagulant for coagulation-flocculation treatment process involves more factors than we generally expect. Embracing emerging global concerns on green technologies and sustainability, researchers have been focusing on natural coagulant as an alternative to minimize environmental impact due to toxic chemical coagulants. Moringa oleifera has long been discovered as a highly potential agent in water clarification treatment, but most of the research done focuses only on the seeds of the plant. In this research, various parts of this plant species were studied namely soft stems, leaves, seeds and pods. These coagulants were prepared through drying and grinding methods, without any chemical activation or extraction to avoid unnecessary chemical burden on produced sludges or treated water after treatment. In treating coffee effluents, all these four coagulants from different parts (soft stems, leaves, seeds and pods) were able to remove good amount of turbidity compared to the control without coagulant. The performance of all four types of prepared coagulants were analyzed using jar test within similar dosage range to identify which part of M. oleifera that can serve the best coagulant. The highest removal of turbidity was achieved by the pods with 60-62% removal at a dosage as low as 0.03 and 0.04 g/L with 24-hour sedimentation. A similar range of turbidity removal was achieved by leaves coagulant at 0.06 g/L with similar operational conditions. These findings give evidence that different parts of M. oleifera plants possess good water clarifying ability, even better than the seeds that had been discovered beforehand.
Water sanitation and hygiene practices of the indigenous Tharu community in Chitwan, Nepal
Authors: Paudel Bishnu P , Devkota Bhimsen
Published: March 2024

Nepal is a multi-ethnic country with cultural diversity according to ethnicity. Culturally rich, the Tharu ethnicity is the fourth largest ethnic group. Sanitation and hygiene are integral parts of their culture. Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) are fundamental for everyone. This study aims to identify the WASH practices and situation of diarrhoeal diseases among the Tharu ethnic group in the Chitwan district of Nepal. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was used for the study. The study area and ethnic group were selected randomly. Primary data were collected using an interview schedule and observation checklist. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS version 24. The findings confirmed that all households clean their yards, and about 9 in 10 (87.5%) respondents have dustbins in their households. Almost all (98.8%) clean their kitchen utensils twice daily, and 96.8 percent use ash or soap as a cleaning agent. Nearly all (99.7%) households have a toilet (92.8% water seal), whereas 75.3 percent use water, brush, and cleaning agents, and 96.8 percent use separate slippers in the toilet. All the respondents wash their hands with soap before eating food and after defecation. Almost all (95.7%) wash their hands with soap after cleaning yards, 92.5 percent after cleaning the child’s bottom, 91.5 percent after touching cow dung, 89.9 percent after agricultural work, 73.1 percent after feeding the child, and 90.7 percent after cleaning the toilet. The study shows that 46.3 percent of women and girls use commercial sanitary pads during menstruation, and 43.7 percent use pieces of cloth as pads. About half (49.6%) clean their genitals four or more times daily, whereas nine in ten (92.6%) respondents take a bath four or more times during the menstrual period, and 76.8 percent use soap as a cleaning agent. In the previous year, only 26.1 percent of respondents’ families suffered from diarrhea; however, nobody was infected by cholera. The study suggests that socioeconomic status and contextual factors must be improved to strengthen and sustain WASH practices. Including good WASH practices of indigenous Tharu people in the local curriculum could motivate them to empower and develop further good practices, which is possible through the school curriculum, which the local and federal governments mandate.
Removal of total phosphate and sulfate from industrial wastewater by recirculating flow in nanofiltration
Authors: Firdaus Abiyyu Armijn Firman , Slamet Agus , Yuniarto Adhi , Said Nusa Idaman
Published: March 2024

This study is related to industrial wastewater treatment in Indonesia using nanofiltration membrane technology and was carried out on a pilot scale. This research aims to study the total removal of phosphate and sulfate from industrial wastewater through flow recirculation in nanofiltration and the membrane pressure factors that influence the removal of these pollutants. The treated wastewater is industrial wastewater belonging to Jababeka Infrastruktur Corp. and is arranged in various concentrations. The membrane module in this study uses a spiral wound with model specifications NF2-4040 and a two-stage membrane system. The reactor used provides crossflow velocity and is processed by recirculation. The research results stated that variations in concentration and recovery rate provided total removal of phosphate and sulfate in the range of 70-90% and pressure reached 11 bar as both increased. This research has proven that nanofiltration membrane technology can remove total phosphate and sulfate, with the consequence that the more concentrated the wastewater being treated, the greater the pressure required.
Overpressure Estimation Based on Velocity Data Analysis in The Subduction Zone of Hyuga-nada at Western Nankai Trough, Japan
Authors: Ni’mah Kafa ‘Aisyana , Warnana Dwa Desa , Kinoshita Masataka , Komara Eki
Published: March 2024

Subduction zone is one of the areas which has great potential of earthquake. Nankai trough in Japan is such an area with subduction zone where earthquake records are well archived, despite its complexity. Also, slow earthquakes have been detected in this zone over the past 20 years, so that there are many opportunities to understand the dynamics and deformation in such an active setting. To expand the knowledge about slow earthquake which might occur and trigger a bigger earthquake, this study wants to infer the relationship between overpressure, one of the states and properties of seismogenic zone, and tremors. To carry out this research, 4 velocity models of seismicity line taken in Hyuga-nada are used. And the recorded tremor data placed around the lines came from Yamashita. In correlating the overpressure and tremors, this research is started by converting the Vp model to porosity model using Wyllie equation to predict the pore pressure conditions in the area. Then, the model will be used for fitting the actual data. Assuming there is an exact location following the normal compaction curve as a function of effective stress, it can be used for estimating the overpressure. Overpressure is economized by comparing the observed porosity and the reference curve at the same depth below seafloor. Potential overpressure occurred may be associated with areas of low Vp. The estimated overpressure is in the range of 1.2 to 12 MPa in the depth range of 700 to 4000mbsf. This study also concludes that the overpressure zone overlaps with the tremor location, although the overpressure value estimated is also still uncertain due to the uncertainty of the density value used.
Current status of environmental water quality of Kappaphycus alvarezii seaweed cultivation in the Seribu Islands, Indonesia and the concept of sustainable development by using a System Dynamic Model approach
Authors: Sujatmiko W , Karnaningroem N , Santoso I B , Aliah R S
Published: March 2024

The aim of this research is to analyze the current status of water quality in seaweed cultivation environments related to the decline in seaweed production. Field research was conducted in the Seribu Islands Regency, DKI Jakarta, during April and May 2023. The analysis of environmental factors encompassed physical, chemical, and biological parameters at 12 designated sampling points. The results of the analysis of water quality parameters generally meet the requirements, except for oil and grease at 7-51 mg/L and nitrate at 1.60-6.3 mg/L, both of which exceed the quality standards for biota. Plankton analysis shows the total abundance of plankton reaches 36 to 9,070 ind/L. Evaluation of the suitability class shows that the waters are in class S (Suitable). The Pollution Index value ranges from 6.51 to 8.05, indicating a fairly polluted status. The high levels of oil and grease, nitrate, and the presence of index pollutants have a significant influence on the decline in seaweed production in the Seribu Islands Regency. The preparation of improvement strategies can be conducted using a System Dynamics Model approach, involving the creation of comprehensive Causal Loop Diagrams. This process considers four key factors: environmental water quality, human resources, technology, and seaweed.
Detailed yield assessment of carbon nanostructures synthesized by submerged arc discharge in water
Authors: Chao-Mujica Frank Justo , Corcho-Valdes Angel Luis , Padron-Ramirez Ivan , de Leon -Cabrera Josue Ponce , Hernandez-Tabares Lorenzo , Antuch Manuel , Desdin-Garcia Luis Felipe
Published: March 2024

Submerged arc discharge in water (SADW) is one of the most effective methods for the synthesis of high-quality carbon nanostructures (CNSs). Despite the numerous published studies on SADW, systematic data on yield is still lacking. The SADW runs as a succession of stable and unstable zones, but the influence of these zones on its yield has not yet been explored. The CNSs were synthesised in a SADW facility with a micro-positioning system controlled by current feedback, stabilisation via ballast resistance, and data recorded by a five-parameter correlated measurement system. The synthesis products were characterised by x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) adsorption isotherms. In this study, an approach is presented to determine the SADW yield by analysing the correlation between the process parameters recorded with the experimental setup and gravimetric measurements. In the work, the relationship between the formation of the different CNSs and the stable and unstable zones is discussed. The yield was determined at a current of 30 A, which is considered the optimal current for CNSs synthesis, and the estimation obtained indicates that it is in the range of 1%–1.3%. The energy consumption to produce CNSs was assessed to be around 80 kJ.mg−1. The results obtained contribute to clarifying some of the factors that influence yield and how to optimise it. This work provides a useful reference point for future work associated with CNS synthesis using SADW.
Closed 𝑘-Schur Katalan functions as 𝐾-homology Schubert representatives of the affine Grassmannian
Authors: Ikeda Takeshi , Iwao Shinsuke , Naito Satoshi
Published: March 2024

Recently, Blasiak–Morse–Seelinger introduced symmetric func- tions called Katalan functions, and proved that the

K
K

-theoretic

k
k

-Schur functions due to Lam–Schilling–Shimozono form a subfamily of the Katalan functions. They conjectured that another subfamily of Katalan functions called closed

k
k

-Schur Katalan functions is identified with the Schubert structure sheaves in the

K
K

-homology of the affine Grassmannian. Our main result is a proof of this conjecture.

We also study a

K
K

-theoretic Peterson isomorphism that Ikeda, Iwao, and Maeno constructed, in a nongeometric manner, based on the unipotent solution of the relativistic Toda lattice of Ruijsenaars. We prove that the map sends a Schubert class of the quantum

K
K

-theory ring of the flag variety to a closed

K
K

-

k
k

-Schur Katalan function up to an explicit factor related to a translation element with respect to an antidominant coroot. In fact, we prove this map coincides with a map whose existence was conjectured by Lam, Li, Mihalcea, Shimozono, and proved by Kato, and more recently by Chow and Leung.
Genetic Structure and Origins of Siberian and Alaskan Arctic Populations
Authors: Crawford Michael H
Published: March 2024

This research focused on the peopling of the Americas by comparing DNA markers in Siberian and Alaskan indigenous populations. In the first phase of the research, the Soviet Union did not give permission to collect samples from Chukotka, Siberia, forcing a modification of the original National Science Foundation grant. Instead of analyzing genetic variation of Siberian versus Alaskan populations, different linguistic groups were compared. Yupik-speaking Savoonga and Gambell on St. Lawrence Island were compared to Inupik-speaking Wales and King Island. Additional genetic data came from available Russian publications on Arctic populations. The Yupik populations clustered together as did the Inupik-speaking groups. The second phase of the research program was initiated after the USSR permitted research in Central Siberia and Kamchatka. MtDNA, NRY, and ABO molecular haplotypes were analyzed in samples of Evenki, Kets, Altai, Eveni, and Aleut Siberian populations. Because of their ancient ancestry, the Siberian groups exhibit a greater genetic variation than Alaskan indigenous populations.
Bio-demography of Italian and Hungarian Populations
Authors: Crawford Michael H
Published: March 2024

Genetic structure of human populations can be approximated using demographic data obtained from church records, government documents, and family interviews. Analyses were conducted on two regions of Europe: three alpine villages from Valle Maira, Italy; and 24 agricultural villages from Tiszhat, Hungary. These villages are isolated from the remainder of Hungary by the Tisza River. Frequency of exogamous marriages revealed a pattern of gene flow coming from outside the valley and villages. In Tiszahat, the relationship between geography and predicted kinship decreased over two time periods, suggesting an isolation-by-distance model. A shift in the Russian border had minimal effects on the genetic structure of the villages of Tiszahat. The closing of the Russian border in 1945 created a linear effect resulting from greater gene exchange between adjacent villages and the reduction of gene flow from an easterly direction.
Conclusion
Authors: Crawford Michael H
Published: March 2024

The concluding chapter summarizes the field investigations, sources of funds, and collaborations in over 50 years of research by an anthropological geneticist. The organization of 13 major research projects is discussed in some detail. All of the American Anthropological Association research guidelines are discussed. These guidelines include (1) do no harm; (2) be open and honest; (3) obtain informed consent; (4) acknowledge competing ethical obligations; (5) make results accessible; and (6) protect and preserve results. Finally, “What’s in it for the community?” The potential dangers of epidemic diseases and risks of violence are discussed in populations that are socially and politically unstable. Equal partnership is advocated between the indigenous communities and the scientist.
Simple Incisionless Temporary Stabilization: An Adjunct to Lower Blepharoplasty
Authors: Reggie Sara N , Ho Tiffany C , Buchanan Adam G , Holds John B
Published: March 2024

Background

Lateral canthal tightening is indicated for patients undergoing lower eyelid blepharoplasty who have preexisting lower eyelid laxity or ectropion. A canthoplasty or canthopexy is indicated at the time of lower blepharoplasty to avoid postoperative complications, such as eyelid retraction or ectropion. Various surgical techniques are described to accomplish this goal, including canthopexy procedures, which usually access the lateral canthal tendon through an upper eyelid blepharoplasty or lateral canthal incision.

Objectives

To describe an incisionless technique adjunctive to lower blepharoplasty, which stabilizes the lower eyelid in the week following blepharoplasty.

Methods

This operative technique description and retrospective case series includes 15 patients who underwent a simple incisionless temporary stabilization (SITS) during lower eyelid blepharoplasty. The procedures were performed at the same outpatient office-based surgery center and were performed by the author surgeons. Patients were followed from 3 to 6 months postoperatively.

Results

The SITS procedure during lower eyelid blepharoplasty successfully maintained a desirable functional and aesthetic eyelid position with minimal complications. One patient reported tearing postoperatively which was determined to be unrelated to the SITS and resolved by the 1-month follow-up visit. No patient had any other complications during the follow-up period.

Conclusions

The SITS procedure was successfully utilized in patients with mild-to-moderate lower eyelid laxity and/or a negative vector to prevent postoperative ectropion and eyelid retraction. It is a more favorable alternative to temporary tarsorrhaphy, as it does not obstruct vision during healing and better secures the eyelid. It should not be used in patients with significant lower eyelid laxity that would place the patient at significant risk of ectropion and lower eyelid retraction related to swelling and inappropriate eyelid position during the early postoperative course.

Level of Evidence: 4
From local to global gene co-expression estimation using single-cell RNA-seq data
Authors: Tian Jinjin , Lei Jing , Roeder Kathryn
Published: March 2024

In genomics studies, the investigation of gene relationships often brings important biological insights. Currently, the large heterogeneous datasets impose new challenges for statisticians because gene relationships are often local. They change from one sample point to another, may only exist in a subset of the sample, and can be nonlinear or even nonmonotone. Most previous dependence measures do not specifically target local dependence relationships, and the ones that do are computationally costly. In this paper, we explore a state-of-the-art network estimation technique that characterizes gene relationships at the single cell level, under the name of cell-specific gene networks. We first show that averaging the cell-specific gene relationship over a population gives a novel univariate dependence measure, the averaged Local Density Gap (aLDG), that accumulates local dependence and can detect any nonlinear, nonmonotone relationship. Together with a consistent nonparametric estimator, we establish its robustness on both the population and empirical levels. Then, we show that averaging the cell-specific gene relationship over mini-batches determined by some external structure information (eg, spatial or temporal factor) better highlights meaningful local structure change points. We explore the application of aLDG and its minibatch variant in many scenarios, including pairwise gene relationship estimation, bifurcating point detection in cell trajectory, and spatial transcriptomics structure visualization. Both simulations and real data analysis show that aLDG outperforms existing ones.
Growth modulatory effects of fenretinide encompass keratinocyte terminal differentiation: a favorable outcome for oral squamous cell carcinoma chemoprevention
Authors: Wang Daren , Pei Ping , Shea Fortune , Spinney Richard , Chang Albert , Lahann Joerg , Mallery Susan R
Published: March 2024

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is worldwide health problem associated with high morbidity and mortality. From both the patient and socioeconomic perspectives, prevention of progression of premalignant oral intraepithelial neoplasia (OIN) to OSCC is clearly the preferable outcome. Optimal OSCC chemopreventives possess a variety of attributes including high tolerability, bioavailability, efficacy and preservation of an intact surface epithelium. Terminal differentiation, which directs oral keratinocytes leave the proliferative pool to form protective cornified envelopes, preserves the protective epithelial barrier while concurrently eliminating growth-aberrant keratinocytes. This study employed human premalignant oral keratinocytes and an OSCC cell line to evaluate the differentiation-inducing capacity of the synthetic retinoid, fenretinide (4HPR). Full-thickness oral mucosal explants were evaluated for proof of concept differentiation studies. Results of this study characterize the ability of 4HPR to fulfill all requisite components for keratinocyte differentiation, i.e. nuclear import via binding to cellular RA binding protein-II (molecular modeling), binding to and subsequent activation of retinoic acid nuclear receptors (receptor activation assays), increased expression and translation of genes associated with keratinocyte differentiation [Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunoblotting] upregulation of a transglutaminase enzyme essential for cornified envelope formation (transglutaminase 3, functional assay) and augmentation of terminal differentiation in human oral epithelial explants (image-analyses quantified corneocyte desquamation). These data build upon the chemoprevention repertoire of 4HPR that includes function as a small molecule kinase inhibitor and inhibition of essential mechanisms necessary for basement membrane invasion. An upcoming clinical trial, which will assess whether a 4HPR-releasing mucoadhesive patch induces histologic, clinical and molecular regression in OIN lesions, will provide essential clinical insights.
18F-FDG PET/CT and radiolabeled leukocyte SPECT/CT imaging for the evaluation of cardiovascular infection in the multimodality context: ASNC Imaging Indications (ASNC I2) Series Expert Consensus Recommendations from ASNC, AATS, ACC, AHA, ASE, EANM, HRS, IDSA, SCCT, SNMMI, and STS
Authors: Bourque Jamieson M , Birgersdotter-Green Ulrika , Bravo Paco E , Budde Ricardo P J , Chen Wengen , Chu Vivian H , Dilsizian Vasken , Erba Paola Anna , Gallegos Kattan Cesia , Habib Gilbert , Hyafil Fabien , Khor Yiu Ming , Manlucu Jaimie , Mason Pamela Kay , Miller Edward J , Moon Marc R , Parker Matthew W , Pettersson Gosta , Schaller Robert D , Slart Riemer H J A , Strom Jordan B , Wilkoff Bruce L , Williams Adam , Woolley Ann E , Zwischenberger Brittany A , Dorbala Sharmila
Published: March 2024

This document on cardiovascular infection, including infective endocarditis, is the first in the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology Imaging Indications (ASNC I2) series to assess the role of radionuclide imaging in the multimodality context for the evaluation of complex systemic diseases with multi-societal involvement including pertinent disciplines. A rigorous modified Delphi approach was used to determine consensus clinical indications, diagnostic criteria, and an algorithmic approach to diagnosis of cardiovascular infection including infective endocarditis. Cardiovascular infection incidence is increasing and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Current strategies based on clinical criteria and an initial echocardiographic imaging approach are effective but often insufficient in complicated cardiovascular infection. Radionuclide imaging with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and single photon emission computed tomography/CT leukocyte scintigraphy can enhance the evaluation of suspected cardiovascular infection by increasing diagnostic accuracy, identifying extracardiac involvement, and assessing cardiac implanted device pockets, leads, and all portions of ventricular assist devices. This advanced imaging can aid in key medical and surgical considerations. Consensus diagnostic features include focal/multi-focal or diffuse heterogenous intense 18F-FDG uptake on valvular and prosthetic material, perivalvular areas, device pockets and leads, and ventricular assist device hardware persisting on non-attenuation corrected images. There are numerous clinical indications with a larger role in prosthetic valves, and cardiac devices particularly with possible infective endocarditis or in the setting of prior equivocal or non-diagnostic imaging. Illustrative cases incorporating these consensus recommendations provide additional clarification. Future research is necessary to refine application of these advanced imaging tools for surgical planning, to identify treatment response, and more.