bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Firms and inequality
Authors: De Loecker Jan , Obermeier Tim , Van Reenen John 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
We review the existing literature on falling business dynamism and present a new analysis using comprehensive UK firm-level panel data. Since the mid-1990s, there has been a large increase in UK firm-level inequality (especially in the upper tails) of productivity, wages, markups and labour shares, similarly to the USA. We suggest a simple theoretical framework for understanding some of these trends and quantitatively analyse why, despite increasing markups, the UK labour share has not fallen as sharply as that in the USA. Finally, we suggest some policy options in response to these worrying trends, including modernizing competition rules to deal with the growth of superstar firms and strengthening worker bargaining power.
The distribution of public service spending
Authors: Ogden Kate , Phillips David 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn 2019–20, a total of £509 billion [22.5% of gross domestic product (GDP)] was spent on providing public services and infrastructure in the UK. Unlike spending on cash benefits, the primary aim of this spending is not redistribution. But spending on this scale does have big distributional effects—even before considering impacts of services on other dimensions of inequality, such as educational, health and labour market outcomes. There has been a long tradition of analysis of how public service spending is distributed across the population in the UK. This commentary has three main aims: first, to explain the key conceptual and methodological issues involved in such analysis, second, to set out what we know about the distribution of spending on major public services and how and why this changed over time, and third, to identify key lessons for policy and avenues for future research.
Diversifying the Physical Therapist Workforce Through Holistic Hiring, Admissions, and Retention Processes
Authors: Somyoo Nipaporn , Varnado Kimberly , Garavito Eder A , Kneiss Janet 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

In 2002, the Institute of Medicine’s recommendations emphasized diversifying the health care workforce to reduce racial and ethnic health disparities. Despite these efforts, the physical therapist profession remains predominantly White. The College of Saint Mary Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program employs deliberate strategies through 2 committees, faculty search and admissions, to foster diversity in both faculty and student populations. The DPT Program Faculty Search Committee, in collaboration with the human resource department, devised a comprehensive 3-phase recruitment process aimed at attracting qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds. Through purposeful mission-driven and equity-focused strategies, this approach has yielded a faculty body characterized by diversity, with 80% of faculty members self-identifying as belonging to historically excluded groups. Similarly, the Admissions Committee has adopted proactive measures to ensure a diverse student body. By implementing a holistic admissions process recommended by the Association of American Medical Colleges, including evaluating prerequisite courses and eliminating the Graduate Record Examination requirement, the committee has facilitated more equitable access to the program. Virtual interviews and thorough candidate assessments are conducted to mitigate potential biases in the selection process. As a result, these efforts have allowed us to maintain diverse cohorts, with 20% to 30% of our student body identifying as members of historically excluded groups.

Impact
Developing and sustaining a physical therapist workforce that reflects the communities it serves necessitates purposeful, mission-driven, and equitable strategies. These strategies aim to broaden the diversity of both faculty and student populations. Through such initiatives, we aim to foster an inclusive environment that reflects our society’s richness, enabling us to better understand society’s complex needs and mitigate health disparities.
Influence of 60Co gamma radiation on the structural, morphological and optical properties of hydrothermally synthesized MoO3–CeO2 nanocomposite
Authors: Shirni Asha P , Talwar Madhura N , B R Sweekar , Akkanagouda Patil Gnana Prakash 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The influence of 60Co gamma radiation on Molybdenum Oxide–Cerium Oxide (MoO3–CeO2) nanocomposite is investigated in the present study. The MoO3–CeO2 nanocomposite was synthesized by conventional hydrothermal route. Ammonium hepta molybdate tetrahydrate [(NH4)6Mo7O24.4H2O] and cerium nitrate [Ce (NO3)3.4H2O] were used as the precursors. The composite was subjected to high energy gamma irradiation for different doses of 50, 100 and 150 kGy using 60Co gamma irradiation chamber. The structural study was carried out using X-ray diffraction, the morphological studies were carried out using scanning electron microscopy and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy was carried out to study the optical properties before and after irradiation. The crystallite size was found to increase with increasing doses of gamma irradiation. The morphology of the samples shows that the nanoparticles tend to agglomerate with increasing doses of gamma radiation. The energy bandgap of the MoO3–CeO2 nanocomposite was calculated before and after irradiation and found to decrease with increasing doses of irradiation upto 100 kGy and then increases for 150 kGy.
Determination of uranium isotopes in ground water by alpha spectrometry and associated age-dependent ingestion dose
Authors: Ghosh Malay , Manilal Smithri , Gurunathan Ganesh 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Determination of uranium isotopes in ground water plays a key role in assessment of geochemical condition of ground water and for estimating ingestion dose received by the general public because of uranium intake through drinking water. An attempt has been made in the present study to estimate isotopic composition and activity ratios (AR) of uranium isotopes by analysing the ground water samples using alpha spectrometry. Associated age-dependent ingestion dose was also calculated for the public of different age groups. 238U, 235U and 234U activity concentration was found to vary in the ranges of 5.85 ± 1.19 to 76.67 ± 4.16, &lt; 0.90 to 3.15 ± 0.84 and 6.52 ± 1.25 to 107.02 ± 4.92 mBq/L, respectively. 235U/238U AR varies from 0.038 to 0.068 with an average of 0.047 which is close to 0.046 implies that uranium in the ground water is from natural origin. Uranium concentration was found to vary in the range of 0.47 ± 0.10 μg/L to 6.20 ± 0.34 μg/L with a mean value of 3.01 ± 0.23 μg/L, which is much lower than national as well as international recommendation value. Annual ingestion dose to the public of all age groups for uranium intake through drinking water ranges from 0.60 ± 0.11 to 19.50 ± 1.03 μSv/y.
Effect of 60Co gamma irradiation on hydrothermally synthesized Ga2O3-Tio2 nanocomposites
Authors: Talwar Madhura N , Shirni Asha P , Baradekoppa Ramesh Sweekar , Akkanagowda Patel Gnana Prakash 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The effect of 60Co gamma irradiation on gallium oxide and titanium oxide (Ga2O3-TiO2) nanocomposites are investigated in the present study. The Ga2O3-TiO2 nanocomposite was synthesized by hydrothermal method at 120°C. The precursors for the synthesis consist of gallium nitrate anhydrous and titanium trichloride along with sodium hydroxide to achieve the pH of 9. The synthesized Ga2O3-TiO2 was subjected to 60Co gamma irradiation for different doses such as 25, 50 and 75 kGy. The morphological, optical and microstructural characteristics were studied using scanning electron microscopy, UV–Visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, respectively. The results shows that the gamma irradiation induces significant changes in the Ga2O3-TiO2 microstructure and there is increase in the grain size and bandgap of the nanocomposites.
A digital volume pulse device—finger photo pulse plethysmography to trace the vascular integrity amongst the low back pain subjects with lumbar disc degenerative diseases diagnosed by MRI analysis
Authors: Sreeja Chidambaran K , Devi Vimala K N P M , Aneesh Mangalasseril K , Sreekanth Kavitha S 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Finger photo pulse plethysmography is a simple, inexpensive and non-invasive method for measurement of arterial stiffness. The objective is to assess the correlation of arterial stiffness in low back pain subjects with lumbar disc degeneration. Thirty-four back pain patients of both sexes in age group of 30–65 were included. Anthropometric measures like height, body weight, body mass index (BMI) were included. Stiffness index (SI) and reflection index (RI) were measured from the digital volume pulse waveform. There was a negative correlation between SI/RI and no correlation between SI and RI with BMI in both sexes. A significant correlation found between weight and BMI in both sexes. Arterial stiffness may not have any influence on disc degeneration. BMI showed some influence on disc degeneration and back pain.
Measurement of natural radioactivity levels in soil samples of Bidar district, Karnataka, India
Authors: Mugalgaon Rajesh Siddanna , Mugalgaon Archanadevi Rajesh , Kerur Basavaraj Rachappa 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Natural radioactivity measurement, radiation monitoring of the region, dose assessment and interpretation of radiological-related parameters are crucial aspects from the public awareness and environmental safety point of view. The ionising radiations (gamma-rays) emitted from radionuclides such as 226Ra, 232Th and 40K present in environmental materials contributes significantly to the external radiation dose received by the public. High-efficiency gamma spectrometry based on a 4″ × 4″ NaI (Tl) detector was employed for estimating activity concentrations of the gamma-emitting radioelements. The spectra from the detector were recorded using a PC-based 1k multichannel analyser system (WinTMCA 32). Each sample spectrum was acquired for a counting period of 60 000 s (16.67 hr). Assuming the daughter products of 226Ra and 232Th in equilibrium, the activity concentration of these radionuclides were estimated by using the prominent gamma photo peaks of daughter products. Using the same technique, dose-related radiological parameters were calculated for all the samples. The activity concentrations of the radionuclides and the dose-related parameters for the samples were found to be comparable with the global literature values. The data generated from our study will contribute to the baseline radiological data of the region.
Measurements of radon exhalations and radiological doses using LR-115 (II) nuclear track detectors in Tiru region of the Naga Schuppen Belt, India
Authors: Gogoi Pranjal Protim , Phukan Sarat , Barooah Debajyoti 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
In this present study, the nuclear track detector LR-115 (II) was employed to assess radon (222Rn) exhalation rate, effective radium (226Ra) content, and the annual effective dose from coal and soil samples collected in and around the coal mining area of Tiru region of Nagaland, India. The 222Rn mass and surface exhalation rates and 226Ra contents were found to be in the ranges of 7.3–17.3 mBq kg−1 h−1, 242.9–573.6 mBq m−2 h−1 and 1.0–2.3 Bq kg−1, respectively, for coal and 15.8–22.0 mBq kg−1 h−1, 523.8–730.4 mBq m−2 h−1 and 2.1–2.9 Bq kg−1, respectively, for soil. The 222Rn exhalation rates and 226Ra contents in soils were found to be higher than in coal. The estimated annual effective doses for coal and soils were found to be in the ranges of 17.6–41.6 and 38.0–53.0 μSv y−1, respectively. This study is an important contribution to the understanding of radiation exposure in the coal mining area of the thrust-bound sedimentary sequence of the Naga Schuppen Belt, and it would have potential impact on further human health studies. However, the measured values for all the samples were found to be within the globally recognised permissible range.
Impact of bismuth oxide on structural, optical and gamma-ray shielding properties of calcium–sodium–borate glasses
Authors: Byalollikar Devidas G , Biradar Shrikant , Dinkar Ashok , Sankarappa Talari , Biradar Jayashree 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
In the present study, we have prepared six glass samples of bismuth borate using the melt-quenching method with the composition (70-x)B2O3-10CaO-20Na2O-xBi2O3; x = 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 mol%. The density of the prepared glasses was determined using Archimedes principle. The X-ray diffraction patterns provide confirmation of the amorphous nature of the prepared samples, whereas the Fourier transform infrared measurements pointed to the existence of structural units like BO3, BO4, BiO3 and BiO6 within the glass network. An assessment of the optical absorption spectra unveiled that with the increase in the bismuth oxide content, there was a decrease observed in both the direct and indirect band gap energies. Specifically, they decreased from 3.40 to 2.79 eV and from 3.10 to 2.46 eV, respectively. The properties related to gamma ray attenuation, including the mass attenuation coefficient (μm), effective atomic number (Zeff), half-value layer (HVL) and mean free path (MFP), were examined for all the glass samples. This investigation was carried out using the Phy-X/PSD software, covering the energy range from 0.511 to 1.332 MeV. Out of all the samples, Bi-15, featuring the highest Bi2O3 content, demonstrated the highest μm, Zeff, the smallest HVL and MFP. These results suggest that the glass with 15 mol% of Bi2O3 offers the most effective gamma radiation shielding performance. Moreover, the glasses examined in this study exhibit superior radiation shielding characteristics compared with specific concrete types, namely, ordinary concrete, Hematite serpentine concrete and barite concrete, as well as commercial glasses such as RS-360 and RS-253.
Latent fingerprint imaging using irradiated novel mixed metal oxides (MXOY, M = Ba, Zn, Al, Ce) nanophosphor
Authors: Seegur Chandrakala S , Chandrashekaraiah Mallikarjunaswamy , Talwar Madhura N , Shirni Asha P , Akkanagowda Patel Gnana Prakash 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Latent fingerprint developed at the site of crime is considered as crucial physical evidence in forensic investigation. The mixed metal oxides (MXOY, M = Ba, Zn, Al, Ce) nanophosphor was synthesised by irradiating the precursor solution with 60Co gamma radiation followed by solution combustion method. The structural, morphological, optical characteristics and fingerprint imaging were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, UV–visible spectroscopy and powder dusting method, respectively. The XRD results revealed that the average crystallite size is found to be 30 nm with the estimated bandgap of 3.18 eV. The broadband UV exited luminescence of the phosphors was observed at λMax = 330 nm. The PL spectrum shows three emission bands at 432, 444 and 460 nm that corresponds to blue regions, suggesting that the synthesised nanophosphor is a potential luminous material for latent fingerprinting and luminescent devices.
Ambient gamma radiation level around Kaveri river basin, Karnataka state, India
Authors: Niranjan Rangapura Shettappa , Sadashivaiah Thimmaiah , Ningappa Chikkegowda , Sannappa Jadiyappa , Shashikumar Turaganur Siddaiah , Gowda Shivalinge , Anadaram Balisagara Nagarajan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Studies on ambient gamma radiation in indoor and outdoor environment and their effect on human health have created interest among the researchers across the world. The present study represents the results of indoor and outdoor ambient gamma dose rates around the Kaveri river basin from Talakaveri (Madikeri district) to Mekedatu (Ramanagara district) by using portable Environmental Radiation Dosemeter. The annual effective dose in the present study area varies between 0.14 mSv.y−1 and 0.58 mSv.y−1 with an average value of 0.30 mSv.y−1 for indoor radiation. The outdoor annual effective dose ranged between 0.01 mSv.y−1 and 0.14 mSv.y−1 with an average value of 0.06 mSv.y−1. The total annual effective dose varies from 0.17 to 0.72 mSv.y−1 with an average value of 0.36 mSv.y−1. The calculated values of indoor and outdoor annual effective dose in the study area (are found to be lower than the world average values (1 mSv.y−1 and 0.48 mSv.y−1).
Comparison of TL characteristics of natural quartz and zircon
Authors: Kumar A Ashok , Sundarakannan B 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The dosimetry of different minerals is carried out to investigate the dose received by the population in case of a nuclear accident. Retrospective dosimetry is a field where there is a continuous search to find new materials. Beach sand minerals, namely quartz and zircon, were exposed to beta and gamma radiation and studied separately. A comparison of the thermoluminescence (TL) output of different peaks of quartz for beta and gamma was studied. Comparison of quartz peaks with the TL output of zircon peaks was carried out. TL output for a constant dose of gamma is always higher compared to the TL output received due to beta.
Study of multi-elemental concentration and nano-micro structural morphology in medicinal plants by FE-SEM and EDX method
Authors: Kore Jalajakshi Subhash , Channappa Nagraj , Pattar Mohanraj , Kerur Basavaraj Rachappa 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Medicinal plants of the Moraceae family, such as Ficus racemosa linn, have been traditionally used in the North Karnataka region for treating various ailments. This study aims to analyze the elemental composition and nano-micro structural morphology of selected species of Moraceae family medicinal plants, focusing on their potential therapeutic applications. Samples were collected from the Dharwad and Gadag districts in North Karnataka. The surface morphology at nano and micro levels was examined using a field emission scanning electron microscope, while the elemental composition was analyzed through energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The study emphasizes the detailed examination of the specific weight percent of elemental concentration and the morphological features observed. The analysis revealed fine, irregularly shaped particles with an average diameter of 20 to 50 μm on the plant surface. Elemental composition analysis showed the presence of Mg, Al, Si, Cl, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn within WHO-recommended limits.
Radioactivity determination in depth distribution of stone samples of Kalaburagi District, Karnataka, India
Authors: Channappa Nagraj , Mutagar Jayashri , Kerur Basavaraj Rachappa 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K were found using high-resolution gamma-ray spectrometry on depth profile samples collected from the Kalaburagi districts. This study aims to ascertain the radioactivity Changes concerning the depth profile. With values of 51.64 ± 0.50 Bq kg−1 for 238U, 58.77 ± 0.23 for 232Th and 313.92 ± 3.57 for 40K, respectively, the depth profile samples of Jayanagar in the Kalaburagi region exhibit significant activity concentrations among the measured values. Moreover, estimates of the K/Th and K/U ratios have been made, based on surface-level collected samples, which may have values that differ from the samples under study.
Measurement of radon exhalation rate and radiation doses in fly ash samples
Authors: Sharma Anil , Pandit Pragya , Attri Asha , Acharya Sanigdha 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Coal based thermal power plants contribute about ~ 72% of the power generation in India. Indian coal is of bituminous type, having a high ash content with 55–60% ash. Due to considerable environmental importance the collected fly ash has become a subject of worldwide interest in recent years. In the present study radon exhalation rate and the activity concentration of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K radionuclides in fly ash samples from Kasimpur Thermal Power Plant, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India have been measured by ‘Sealed Can technique’ using LR-115 type II detectors and a low-level NaI (Tl)- based gamma-ray spectrometer, respectively. Radon exhalation rate has been found to vary from 57.1 ± 5.3 to 119.4 ± 7.7 mBq m−2 h−1 with an average value of 87.3 ± 5.8 mBq m−2 h−1. Activity concentration of 226Ra ranged from 20.0 ± 8.5 to 30.0 ± 9.7 Bq kg−1 with an average value 23.4 ± 9.0 Bq kg−1, 232Th ranged from 17.0 ± 9.9 to 69.0 ± 13.8 Bq kg−1 with an average value of 46.5 ± 12.1 Bq kg−1 and 40K ranged from 130.0 ± 7.2 to 332.0 ± 11.1 Bq kg−1 with an average value of 177.0 ± 8.1 Bq kg−1.
Contributions of Prof. P. Venkataramaiah to the research on radiation physics and education in India
Authors: Venkataramaiah Puttaiah , Mallesh Karinanjanapura Subbanna , Nagaiah Ningaiah , Bari Syed Abdul , Venkateshwarlu Mididoddi , Vasudev Mullapalli , Nagaraja Kamsali , Hariprasad Sreemathi , Neelwarne Bhagyalakshmi 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Prof. P. Venkataramaiah (P.V.), born on July 08, 1937, has been active in research for the past five decades in several areas of Nuclear Physics and Environmental Sciences. He has visited several Universities and research institutes in various countries such as Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, France, the UK, Canada and the USA. Apart from research work he has also held many administrative positions and made revolutionary improvements in the education sector of India. Even after retirement, Prof. P.V. has actively involved himself inspiring and encouraging the younger generation at secondary level. As an honour for his untiring dedication even in his eighties, his colleagues and students have written articles about his contributions to research and education. This include contributions from Prof. P.V. himself along with Prof. K.S. Mallesh, Prof. N. Nagaiah, Prof. S.A. Bari, Prof. M. Venkateshwaralu, Shri. M. Vasudev, Dr K. Nagaraja, Mrs. Sreemathi Hariprasad and Dr N. Bhagyalakshmi.
Four-toed sengi (Petrodromus tetradactylus, Afrotheria, Mammalia) museomics reveals a crucial role of East African forests in macroscelidean diversification
Authors: Hagemann Justus , Nogales Luis Victoria , Hofreiter Michael , Arnold Patrick 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Sengis (Macroscelidea) are members of the Afroinsectivora, a group of mammals belonging to the supercohort Afrotheria. Sengis’ low population densities and their distribution, which includes politically unstable regions with ongoing armed conflicts, hinder contemporary sampling of comprehensive datasets. We overcome this obstacle for the species Petrodromus tetradactylus, one of the most widely distributed sengi species, by utilizing 44 historical museum samples from multiple natural history museums. These historical samples were combined with newly generated or published data of 11 modern samples, thus creating a dataset of 55 P. tetradactylus individuals covering most of the species’ distribution.
Phylogenetic reconstruction with 11 nuclear loci in conjunction with mostly complete mitochondrial genomes reveals multiple deeply divergent and formerly unknown lineages within this monotypic genus, highlighting the need for a taxonomic revision. Furthermore, we can show that the assumed allopatric distribution of P. tetradactylus in Central Africa most likely represents a sampling artifact. Biogeographic character mapping indicates that the African forest system and its dynamics through climate fluctuations shaped the evolutionary and biogeographic history of this taxon. We show that lineages within Petrodromus that were able to adapt to dryer woodland ecosystems are much more widely distributed than lineages restricted to moist forest systems. The evolution and radiation of the four-toed sengi (P. tetradactylus) mirrors the patterns of its distant relative, the giant sengis (Rhynchocyon) in both ecotype variation and overall distribution, implying a significant influence of climate and landscape features in shaping diversification.