bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physical and electrical properties of Al/Nb2O5 thin film Schottky diode for UV-A applications
Authors: Ataşer T. , Sönmez N. Akın , Asar T. , Özçelik S. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Nb2O5 thin films were deposited through sol-gel technique and then the films were annealed at temperature 300, 400, 500 and 600°C. The effect of annealing temperatures on the physical properties of the films was analyzed by several characterization techniques. Secondary ion mass spectroscopy analysis results indicated that uniform Nb and O distribution have formed throughout depth of the films deposited on substrates. The Atomic Force Microscope results observed that the increased temperature has resulted in increasing the surface roughness from 1.07 to 4.58 nm. The energy band gap (3.67–3.51 eV) was determined to be decrease with increase the annealing temperature. Therefore, considering the results of the both as-deposited at 150 ˚C and annealed films, it is clearly seen that as-deposited at 150 ˚C film has most uniform depth, a homogeneous surface and the highest optical band gap (at UV-A region). Therefore, the Al/Nb2O5 Schottky diode was fabricated based on the as-deposited film. The current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of the diode were measured at room temperature and detail discussed. It has been observed that the diode has exhibited good rectifying behavior. The obtained experimental results showed that the as deposited Nb2O5 thin film can be used in UV-A electro-optical applications.
Generation of heart behavior by neurons with multi dendrites
Authors: SELMI Kaouther 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The complex interplay between neuronal activity and cardiac function is crucial for maintaining heart health and diagnosing cardiac disorders. This study explores the generation of heart behavior influenced by neurons with multi-dendritic structures, focusing on their impact on electrocardiogram (ECG) readings. Neurons with multi-dendrites are known for their extensive synaptic connectivity, which can influence the rhythmic and electrical properties of the heart. Through a combination of computational modeling and empirical analysis, we investigate how these neurons contribute to normal and abnormal ECG patterns. Our findings reveal that multi-dendritic neurons play a significant role in modulating cardiac rhythms. In normal conditions, these neurons contribute to the stabilization of heart rates and the maintenance of consistent PQRST waveforms on the ECG. However, under pathological conditions, alterations in dendritic structure and synaptic inputs can lead to irregular heartbeats and abnormal ECG signatures, such as arrhythmias and fibrillation.
Removal of some contaminants from River Jakara using iron oxide nano particles prepared from Citrullus lanatus Fruit Waste
Authors: Ameh Paul Ocheje , Habila Mohammed A. , Garg Rajni , Christian Onoyima , Ihegboro Godwin O. , Ononamadu Chimaobi James , Garg Rishav , Adamu Zainab , Joel Udeh Jideoliseh , Showunmi Racheal 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This study investigated the applicability of iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized from Citrullus lanatus fruit waste (IONP) in the removal of some contaminants from water samples that were collected from River Jakara in Kano State Nigeria. The prepared nanoparticles was subjected to physico-chemical characteristic studies to determine the pH, moisture content, ash content, and porosity while the adsorbent surface characterizations was performed using Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). The BET results revealed that IONP have large surface area and are nanometer sized particles. SEM analysis indicated that the adsorbent contain microsphere which might have facilitated the efficient purification of the river water while TGA study revealed that the adsorbent exhibited a three step decomposition process. Data obtained from XRD indicated that the synthesized adsorbent is of high purity and crystalline in nature with an average particle size of 17 nm. Results obtained after treatment of the river water with the adsorbent indicated reduced values in some physicochemical parameters confirming the high adsorption ability of the prepared nanoparticles. The percentage removal of some heavy metals in the river water by IONP was found to depend on adsorbent concentration, agitation time and pH during the batch type adsorption experiments. The highest adsorption efficiency was obtained at pH = 8, temperature = 28°C, adsorbent dosage = 200 mg/L and contact time = 100 minutes. The adsorption process of the metal ions onto the adsorbent was best described by the Langmuir isotherm model predicting monolayer adsorption and followed the pseudo second order kinetics. The regeneration stability of the adsorbent was adequate when treated with the heavy metals ions at optimum conditions. The change in the intensity of absorption as observed in the FTIR spectra of the adsorbent after treatment with the heavy metals confirms a strong interaction between the metal ions and the synthesized adsorbent. The results obtained confirm the capability of the nanoparticles synthesized from Citrullus lanatus waste as a new, low-cost, efficient and environmentally friendly alternative for treatment of contaminated water.
Biases from Nanopore library preparation kits and their effects on microbiome and genome analysis
Authors: Chen Ziming , Ong Chian Teng , Nguyen Loan To , Lamb Harrison J. , O. González-Recio , M. Gutiérrez-Rivas , Meale Sarah J. , Ross Elizabeth M. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background Nanopore sequencing is a long-read sequencing technology that does not rely on a polymerase to generate sequence data. Sequencing library preparation methods used in nanopore sequencing rely on the addition of a motor protein bound to an adapter sequence, which is added either using ligation-based methods (ligation sequencing kit), or transposase-based methods (rapid sequencing kit). However, these methods have enzymatic steps that may be susceptible to motif bias, including the underrepresentation of adenine-thymine (AT) sequences due to ligation and biases from transposases. This study aimed to compare the recognition motif and relative interaction frequencies of these library preparation methods and assess their effects on relative sequencing coverage, microbiome, and methylation profiles. The impacts of DNA extraction kits and basecalling models on microbiome analysis were also investigated. Results By using sequencing data generated by the ligation and rapid library kits, we identified the recognition motif (5’-TATGA-3’) consistent with MuA transposase in the rapid kit and low frequencies of AT in the sequence terminus of the ligation kit. The rapid kit showed reduced yield in regions with 40–70% guanine-cytosine (GC) contents, while the ligation kit showed relatively even coverage distribution in areas with various GC contents. Due to longer reads, ligation kits showed increased taxonomic classification efficiency compared to the rapid protocols. Microbial profiles at different taxonomic levels showed significant variations due to the library preparation method used. The ligation kit outperformed the rapid kit in subsequent bacterial DNA methylation statistics, although there were no significant differences. Conclusions Our study indicated that careful and consistent library preparation method selection is essential for quantitative methods such as microbiome analysis due to the systematic bias induced by the enzymatic reactions.
Projection-based terrain feature line extraction from point cloud data
Authors: Kalita Nehal , Maurya Rajesh Kumar 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Feature lines of an object represent its surface characteristics along a specific plane or direction. They are essential for understanding and analysing the object's shape, geometry, and features. Depending upon the details stored in an object or data, feature line extraction can be a complex task. In terrain data, these details can be slopes for ridges and valleys, artefacts or some other forms of noise. If the data for analysis consists of point clouds with only positional values, one of the most common methods to detect patterns is to rely on the Euclidean distance between neighbouring points. In this paper, a method to extract terrain feature lines on point clouds has been presented that relies only on coordinate values. The feature line points are initially identified with the help of a projection of point clouds on 2D grids, and then these are used to extract feature lines or breaklines with the help of a spanning tree algorithm. The method can generate output with high accuracy for data with less noise and moderate accuracy for data with more noise.
Determinants of Polypharmacy and Health-Related Quality of life among chronically ill patients in Wolaita Sodo University Comprehensive specialized hospital:A hospital-based cross sectional study
Authors: Admasu Biruk , Chare Hailu , Mensa Mende , Berhanu Muluken 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
The incidence, prevalence, and mortality rates of chronic diseases are increasing worldwide. Patients with these conditions are also at an increased risk of polypharmacy and poor health-related quality of life. These problems are associated with major problems in chronically ill patients but are commonly studied only in the elderly population rather than in the entire adult population. This study aimedto examine the determinants of health-related quality of life and polypharmacy among chronically ill adult patients at Wolaita Sodo Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Southern Ethiopia 2023.
Methods
A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 348 chronically ill adult patients from the medical ward and chronic care units of Wolaita Sodo University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from June 1/2023 to September 30/2023. Study participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique. The data were collected using the WHO-BREF scale and a customized data abstraction chart. Statistical software for the social sciences, version 27, was used to conduct the binary and multiple logistic regression analyses.
Results
The prevalence of polypharmacy and poor health-related quality of life was 30.5% and 19.7%, respectively. Having comorbidities (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.48, 95% CI 0 19-0.81, p =0.003), being from the medical ward (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.48, 95% CI 0 073-0.51, p =0.001), polypharmacy (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.25, 95% CI 0 1- 0.62, p =0.003) and being divorced (adjusted odds ratio = 0.08 95% CI (0.012-0.58 p = 0.012) were significantly associated with poor health-related quality of life. Self-employment(AOR = 3.69, 95% CI 1.37-9.97, p = 0.01) and medical ward admission (AOR = 0.4, 95% CI 0.22-0.74, p = 0.03) were significantly associated with polypharmacy.
Conclusion: The prevalence of polypharmacy and poor health-related quality of life was high. To better benefit patients with these two problems, it is important to act by targeting patients with comorbidities from medical wards and self-employed individuals.
Characterization of a Carbon-Fiber Based Broadband Microwave Absorber
Authors: Tran Ha , Pejcinovic Branimir , Doneker Robert , Thompson Kent , Ramachandran Adithya 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This paper reports the development and characterization of a novel ultrawideband microwave absorber material (MAM) based on vertically aligned carbon fibers and ferrite beads. This specific material combination and manufacturing process allows MAM design that is thin, lightweight, and broadband. The material is prepared using a flocking process in which its components are electrostatically deposited on top of an adhesive substrate. Distinct material properties of the substrate and materials layers require characterization done with two separated layers. The microwave absorption characteristics are studied first by rectangular waveguide measurements at X and Ku bands that yield complex electric permittivity and magnetic permeability of the MAM samples without any metal backing. Here, the sample is measured under transverse electric waves (TE10). Additional analysis is accomplished with full electromagnetic (EM) simulation using a high-frequency structure simulator (HFSS). The scattering parameters (S-parameters) from waveguide measurements and HFSS simulations are compared and excellent agreement is achieved. Extracted material parameters are also used to analytically calculate the reflection loss (RF) based on the transmission line model. The transmission line model shows excellent agreement with the full EM simulation results which should speed up future studies. Finally, the broadband RL performance of MAM was investigated using a free space spot probe system. The results show a MAM with broadband performance of -10 dB RL over the entire X and Ku bands. Overall, this study demonstrates that MAM developed using magnetically loaded flocked carbon fiber (MLF-CF) has a promising combination of low-cost, lightweight, and broadband performance.
Complete chloroplast genome sequence of Buchanania latifolia (Anacardiaceae): genome structure, and phylogenetic relationships
Authors: Mao Chunmin , Rao Rui , Lei Quwen , Chen WanTing , Yue Liangliang 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The chloroplast (cp) genomes are valuable resource with multiple applications, encompassing species identification, phylogenetic reconstruction, and evolutionary investigations. In this study, the complete chloroplast genome sequence of Buchanania latifoliawas de novo sequenced, assembled and annotated. The chloroplast genome of B. latifolia exhibits a typical quadripartite structure, with a total length of 160,088 bp, containing 88 protein-coding sequences (CDS), 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes, with an overall GC content of 37.7%. A total of 99 SSR loci and 63 repeat sequences were identified, which can be utilized for marker development, phylogenetic and population studies of B. latifolia. Codon usage analysis revealed a preference for Leu codons ending with A/U. Additionally, the study investigated IR boundaries, DNA polymorphism, positive selection suites, and phylogenetic position. Comparative analysis with five other species from the Anacardiaceae family confirmed the nearly identical and highly conserved chloroplast genome features of B. latifolia, which can be valuable for understanding the plastid evolution and evolutionary relationships within Anacardiaceae. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that B. latifoliais positioned at the base of Anacardiaceae, sister to Choerospondias axillaris, Lannea coromandelica, and Sclerocarya birrea. These findings could provide important genetic information for further research into breeding of Anacardiaceae, phylogeny, and evolution of B. latifolia.
Short-term water demand prediction based on decomposition technique optimization and a multihead attention mechanism
Authors: Huang Haidong , Wu Meiqiong 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT
Short-term water demand prediction is crucial for real-time optimal scheduling and leakage control in water distribution systems. This paper proposes a new deep learning-based method for short-term water demand prediction. The proposed method consists of four main parts: the variational mode decomposition method, the golden jackal optimization algorithm, the multihead attention mechanism, and the bidirectional gated recurrent unit (BiGRU) model. Furthermore, a seq2seq strategy was adopted for multistep prediction to avoid the error accumulation problem. Hourly water demand data collected from a real-world water distribution system were applied to investigate the potential of the proposed method. The results show that the proposed method can yield remarkably accurate and stable forecasts in single-step prediction (i.e., the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) reaches 0.45%, and the root mean squared error (RMSE) is 25 m3/h). Moreover, the proposed method still achieves credible performance in 24-step prediction (i.e., the MAPE reaches 2.12%, and the RMSE is 126 m3/h). In general, for both single-step prediction and multistep prediction, the proposed method consistently outperforms other BiGRU-based methods. These findings suggest that the proposed method can provide a reliable alternative for short-term water demand prediction.
Holistic citywide sanitation for an urban area in the Global South: A case study of the Noakhali Pourashava of Bangladesh
Authors: Karim Farhana , Mohinuzzaman Mohammad , Rafa Nazifa , Uddin Sayed Mohammad Nazim , Hosen Rabby , Ahmed Sajib 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Urban areas currently grapple with the consequences of poor sanitation systems and a burgeoning population. The issue remains acute for developing nations where financing and governance structures for urban sanitation remain inadequate. Using cutting-edge techniques such as shit flow diagrams (SFDs), city service delivery assessments (CSDAs), and SWOT analysis, this study provides an in-depth exploration of the sanitation scenario in the Noakhali Pourashava of Bangladesh. The study reveals a critical lack of sanitation infrastructure and inadequate fecal sludge management, with implications for public health and environmental sustainability. Findings indicate that only 3% of excreta enters the sewer system, while 88% is improperly disposed of through SFDs and CSDAs, highlighting areas for improvement. Recommendations include increased investment in sanitation infrastructure, public awareness campaigns, adoption of innovative technologies, improved stakeholder coordination, and addressing cultural and behavioral barriers. These insights aim to inform policy and decision-making processes to achieve sustainable and inclusive urban sanitation, ultimately improving public health and environmental outcomes in Noakhali and similar coastal urban areas.
The potential of rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling as an alternative domestic water resource in Bahnstadt-Heidelberg, Germany
Authors: Kasipiyawong Jidapa , Gayh Ulrike , Ghomi Mohammad Reza 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

The use of high-quality potable water for non-essential activities results in substantial water waste. Therefore, treating and utilizing rainwater and greywater which contain low concentrations of organic substances and microbes as alternative domestic water resources can enhance the resilience and sustainability of water in urban areas. However, it encounters several challenges. This study was conducted in Banhstadt-Heidelberg, Germany, to estimate domestic water consumption patterns, evaluate the potential of rainwater harvesting from green roofs, and assess the public acceptability of greywater recycling. The primary data were collected from 361 Bahnstadt residents through the questionnaire to estimate water consumption. The non-potable water demand in Bahnstadt was estimated at 228 m3/day for 5,700 Bahnstadt residents. The harvestable rainfall volume was 16,017.58 m3/year. When rainwater supply was compared to water demand, the potential for rooftop rainwater harvesting was 19.25%. This value indicates that the amount of rainwater collected is less than that of non-potable water required per year. To meet the demand, rainwater harvesting will need to be supplemented with treated greywater. However, only 20.78% of respondents are willing to install a greywater recycling system, mostly because of public health concerns. Overall, this study shows the tendencies toward having green roofs with integrated rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling for the possible account of water saving.
Optimization and Characterization of a Nanostructured Lipid Carrier Containing α-Tocopherol/Tocotrienol Prepared using Rice Bran Oil and Palm Kernel Stearin
Authors: Silviandari Putri Masitha , Raharjo Sri , Setiowati Arima Diah 
Published: June 2024

Background:
α-tocopherol and tocotrienol are known for their antioxidant properties
and cannot be produced directly in the human body. However, their use remains limited because
of their low solubility, instability, and susceptibility to oxidation and high temperatures.

Objective:
This study aims to identify the optimal formulation of a carrier of phytonutrient α-
tocopherol/tocotrienol prepared via ultrasonication with rice bran oil (RBO), palm kernel stearin
(PKS), and Tween 80 and determine the characteristics of the optimal formulation during
storage.

Methods:
The box-behnken design (three factors and levels) was used to determine the formulation
of a nanostructured lipid carrier -tocopherol/tocotrienol (NLC-TT) based on the solid:
liquid lipid ratio, total lipid: surfactant ratio, and sonication time.

Results:
The optimal NLC-TT formulation prepared with a solid: liquid lipid ratio of 7.5:2.5,
total lipid: surfactant ratio of 1:3.9, and sonication time of 12 min and 6 s yielded a particle size
of 126.7 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.339, a zeta potential of -31.7 and an encapsulation efficiency
(EE) of 96.4%. During storage, NLC-TT and NLC-free particles exhibited particle sizes
of 123.6-144.2 nm, polydispersity indices of 0.245-0.339, zeta potentials of -31.7--39.6 mV,
EEs of 96.4%-89.6%, stabilities of 2.02-1.63, peroxide values of 0.05-0.25 mEqO2/kg, anisidine
values of 0.07-1.60 and free fatty acid contents of 0.04%-0.08%.

Conclusion:
RBO and PKS are potential lipid-based carrier systems for tocopherol/ tocotrienol
and exhibit good stability during storage.
Parental Autonomy in the Care of Premature Newborns and the Experience of a Neonatal Team: Observational Prospective Study
Authors: Piris-Borregas Salvador , Bellón-Vaquerizo Beatriz , Velasco-Echeburúa Leticia , Niño-Díaz Lidia , Sánchez-Aparicio Susana , López-Maestro María , Pallás-Alonso Carmen Rosa 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
The European Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants (EFCNI) has promoted the importance of parental involvement in the care of children.

Objective
The study aimed to examine how the time required by parents to achieve autonomy in the care of their very low–birth weight newborn infants was modified during the implementation of a training program.

Methods
This was an observational prospective study in the context of a quality improvement initiative. The Cuídame (meaning “Take Care of Me” in English) program was aimed at achieving parental autonomy. It was implemented over 2 periods: period 1, from September 1, 2020, to June 15, 2021; and period 2, from July 15, 2021, to May 31, 2022. The days required by parents to achieve autonomy in several areas of care were collected from the electronic health system.

Results
A total of 54 and 43 families with newborn infants were recruited in periods 1 and 2, respectively. Less time was required to acheive autonomy in period 2 for participation in clinical rounds (median 10.5, IQR 5‐20 vs 7, IQR 4‐10.5 d; P<.001), feeding (median 53.5, IQR 34‐68 vs 44.5, IQR 37‐62 d; P=.049), and observation of neurobehavior (median 18, IQR 9‐33 vs 11, IQR 7‐16 d; P=.049). More time was required to achieve autonomy for kangaroo mother care (median 14, IQR 7‐23 vs 21, IQR 10‐31 d; P=.02), diaper change (median 9.5, IQR 4‐20 vs 14.5, IQR 9‐32 d; P=.04), and infection prevention (median 1, IQR 1‐2 vs 6, IQR 3‐12; P<.001).

Conclusions
Parents required less time to achieve autonomy for participation in clinical rounds, feeding, and observation of neurobehavior during the implementation of the training program. Nevertheless, they required more time to achieve autonomy for kangaroo mother care, diaper change, and infection prevention.