bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of films thickness and hydrogen annealing on passivation performance of plasma ALD based Hafnium oxide films
Authors: Devi Meenakshi , Tomer Shweta , Pathi Prathap , Vandana  
Published: March 2024

Abstract
We investigate the silicon surface passivation property of Plasma Atomic Layer Deposited (PALD) hafnium oxide thin films and study its dependence on silicon (Si) doping type, film thickness, and post-deposition annealing conditions. Our results demonstrate that as-deposited HfOx films exhibit poor passivation quality that can be improved by performing post-deposition annealing at 450 °C in hydrogen ambient. We demonstrate that the films can effectively passivate p-Si surfaces as compared to n-Si, where the surface passivation quality of the films improves with increasing film thickness for both silicon doping types. The best performance with a minority carrier lifetime of 1.7 ms, corresponding surface recombination velocity (SRV) ∼10 cm s−1, is achieved for HfOx films thickness ∼23 nm deposited on the p-Si substrate. The Capacitance-Voltage (C–V) measurements give an insight into the passivation mechanism of the studied films. Field effect passivation is found to be an important passivation mechanism in PALD-deposited HfOx films, as revealed by C–V measurements. The films are also characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), which reveals the chemical passivation provided by hydrogen ambient annealing. Overall, the impact of hafnium oxide film thickness and hydrogen ambient annealing conditions on silicon surface passivation is investigated. Our findings will help in utilizing plasma ALD process based HfOx films for silicon solar cell device application.
Bubbles of nothing:
the tunneling potential approach
Authors: Blanco-Pillado J.J. , Espinosa J.R. , Huertas J. , Sousa K. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Bubbles of nothing (BoNs) describe the decay of spacetimes with compact dimensions and are thus of fundamental importance for many higher dimensional theories proposed beyond the Standard Model. BoNs admit a 4-dimensional description in terms of a singular Coleman-de Luccia (CdL) instanton involving the size modulus field, stabilized by some potential V(ϕ). Using the so-called tunneling potential (Vt
) approach, we study which types of BoNs are possible and for which potentials V(ϕ) can they be present. We identify four different types of BoN, characterized by different asymptotic behaviours at the BoN core and corresponding to different classes of higher dimensional theories, which we also classify. Combining numerous analytical and numerical examples, we study the interplay of BoN decays with other standard decay channels, identify the possible types of quenching of BoN decays and show how BoNs for flux compactifications can also be described in 4 dimensions by a multifield Vt
. The use of the Vt
approach greatly aids our analyses and offers a very simple picture of BoNs which are treated in the same language as any other standard vacuum decays.
CosmiXs: cosmic messenger spectra for indirect dark matter searches
Authors: Arina Chiara , Di Mauro Mattia , Fornengo Nicolao , Heisig Jan , Jueid Adil , Ruiz de Austri Roberto 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The energy spectra of particles produced from dark matter (DM) annihilation or decay are one of the fundamental ingredients to calculate the predicted fluxes of cosmic rays and radiation searched for in indirect DM detection. We revisit the calculation of the source spectra for annihilating and decaying DM using the Vincia shower algorithm in Pythia to include QED and QCD final state radiation and diagrams for the EW corrections with massive bosons, not present in the default Pythia shower model. We take into account the spin information of the particles during the entire EW shower and the off-shell contributions from massive gauge bosons. Furthermore, we perform a dedicated tuning of the Vincia and Pythia parameters to LEP data on the production of pions, photons, and hyperons at the Z resonance and discuss the underlying uncertainties. To enable the use of our results in DM studies, we provide the tabulated source spectra for the most relevant cosmic messenger particles, namely antiprotons, positrons, γ rays and the three neutrino flavors, for all the fermionic and bosonic channels and DM masses between 5 GeV and 100 TeV, on github.
Integral analysis of the effect of material dimension and composition on tokamak neutronics
*
Authors: Bae Jin Whan , Young Davin , Borowiec Katarzyna , Badalassi Vittorio 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The neutronics performance of a tokamak has been identified as an important factor in designing a fusion power plant. The design of the tokamak should not only meet operational parameters such as sufficient tritium breeding, but also safety parameters such as low structural material activation. This paper investigates the impacts of the neutronics metrics for the ARC-class tokamak, a compact tokamak with an immersion blanket, by perturbing the first five layers of structural material—first wall, inner vacuum vessel, coolant salt channel, neutron multiplier, and outer vacuum vessel. The goal of this work is to provide insight into shaping and scaling the flux on each layer to obtain optimized operational and safety metrics through quantification of the responses from each perturbation. Results show that increased first wall thickness can increase the tritium breeding ratio (TBR) in specific configurations with high 6Li  enrichments and that vacuum vessels decrease TBR for low-6Li  enrichment configurations. It was also found that the neutron multiplier can either increase or decrease TBR depending on the configuration. The response of metrics to the change in layer thickness and enrichment also varies depending on the vacuum vessel material. The integral impacts of 6Li  enrichment, layer thicknesses, and vacuum vessel material choice are investigated and presented in this paper.
Liquid organic fertilizer effectiveness test and the combination with chemical fertilizer on maize to increase yield in dry land
Authors: Krismawati A , Arifin Z , Purbiati T , Rachmawati D 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The aim of the research was to examine the effectiveness of Liquid Organic Fertilizer (LOF) combination with chemical fertilizer on maize to increase yield in dry land. The research was conducted from May to October 2018 in Kediri Regency. The research used a RBD with seven treatments and four replications, namely were: A = Control; B = RRCF; C = 6 L LOF ha-1; D = ¾ RRCF + 3 L LOF ha-1; E = ¾ RRCF + 6 L LOF ha-1; F = RRCF + 3 L LOF ha-1, and G = RRCF + 6 L LOF ha-1. The data were analyzed by ANOVA using SPSS 2.2 software, and result further tested using DMRT at 5% significance level. The addition 6 L LOF ha-1 with RRCF (G), seeds yield of maize reached 8.44 t.ha-1 it yield was higher than the treatment of 3 L LOF ha-1 with RRCF (F) which was 7.85 t.ha-1. The calculation of the RAE value showed that treatment G obtained the highest RAE value of 139.46%, while the second highest RAE value was obtained for treatment F of 119.73%.
Effect of NPK fertilizer and soil amendments of soybean productivity in saline soil
Authors: Purwaningrahayu R D , Harsono A , Susanto GWA , Kuntyastuti H 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Salinity on agricultural land due to global warming occurs almost all over the world. Salinity stress was harmful to cultivated plants, including soybeans. Saline soils require the management of nutrients and water to reduce salt from the soil so that plants can grow optimally. This study aims to obtain effective doses of NPK fertilizers and soil amendments for soybean cultivation in saline soils. The research was conducted during the 2019 rainy and dry seasons in Lamongan and Tuban Regencies, East Java Province, Indonesia. The electrical conductivity (EC) of soil during the growing season was 5-12 dSm-1, with irrigation water was 6-7 dSm-1. The treatment consisted of NPK fertilizers, ameliorants: gypsum, manure, and straw mulch, which were arranged in a randomized block design and replicated 15 times. The results showed that the Anjasmoro variety of soybean productivity on saline in the Lamongan Regency during the rainy season was higher (90%) than in the Tuban Regency in the dry season. Application of NPK Fertilizer (46 kg N + 108 kg P2O5+ 60 kg K2O ha-1 + or 400 NPKS kg ha-1 with ameliorants (gypsum 1.5 t ha-1; manure 2.5-5.0 t ha-1 and straw mulch 3.5 t ha-1) have the potential to increase soybean yield up to 2 t ha-1 on saline soil.
Water quality monitoring of welang river basin
Authors: Putri A A , Cahyani N W , Rahmania F N , Irawanto R 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The Welang watershed, located in Malang Regency and Pasuruan Regency, has diverse human activities that can affect watershed hydrology, one of which is related to water quality. The purpose of this research is to determine the current water quality of the Welang watershed. This research was conducted in March 2023 - June 2023, which was conducted using random purposive samples with parameters of sunlight intensity, humidity, air temperature, water temperature, pH, TDS, brightness, chlorine, bromine, lead, nitrate, nitrite, fluoride, iodine, cyanuric acid, carbonate root, and total alkalinity. From this study, it was obtained that the upstream part of the Welang River on the Arjuno side and Bromo side contained Chlorine (Cl), Bromine (Br), Iron (Fe), Lead (Pb), Nitrate (NO3-), Nitrite (NO2-), Fluoride (F-), and Carbonate Root (CO3
2–). Meanwhile, the middle part of the Welang River dominantly has the same content, but no Iron (Fe) was found but instead Cyanuric Acid C3N3(OH)3. Meanwhile, the downstream part of the Welang River contained Chlorine (Cl), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), and Fluoride (F-).
Evaluating causes of construction waste in East Java Province of Indonesia using RII method
Authors: Hadiningrias F T , Negara K P , Hasyim M H , Zahra S Y P 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Indonesia’s construction industry is still expanding. The construction sector is a major contributor to global waste production. Over 30% of construction waste is disposed of in landfills, leading to a detrimental impact on the environment. This study aims to identify the causes of construction waste in East Java’s Construction industry. The causes of construction waste were divided into two categories: causes of natural material waste and causes of fabricated material waste. Data for this study were collected using the questionnaire. The sample consisted of 32 respondents from medium-to large-scale construction enterprises involved in 4 building construction projects. The method used to identify the dominant waste is mean analysis, meanwhile the causes of construction waste is analyzed using Relative Importance Index (RII) method. The results show that the main cause of natural material waste is inaccurate field measurements resulting in excess volume, and the main cause of fabricated material waste is the cutting of leftover materials that cannot be used anymore. Through the findings the prevention or minimization of construction waste can be carried out according to the causes.
The impact of compression ratio on performance and exhaust emissions in a 100 cc spark ignition engine for green technology
Authors: Syamsuri  , Suheni  , Harimurti G B , Lilahulhaq Z , Priya N 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The compression ratio has a significant role in vehicle performance. The arrangement of air entering and leaving the combustion chamber is determined by the design of the air inlet and outlet locations. The design of the combustion chamber is crucial to prevent backflow in the remaining combustion air. Backpressure is the emission of gases flowing back into the combustion chamber, causing non-stoichiometric combustion. The purpose of this research is to find the effect of compression ratio on performance and exhaust emissions of motorcycles, especially spark ignition engines. The research procedure begins with a standard piston modification process to get compression ratios of 9:1, 10:1, 11:1, and 12:1. In order to get uniform weight, pistons with low compression ratios will be equipped with holes at the bottom. Experimental data taken were; dynamometer, gas analyzer, and SFC. An increase in compression ratio causes an increase in vehicle performance in the form of torque and power. The air-fuel mixture is compressed to a smaller volume, leading to increased density. This increased density promotes better flame propagation and faster combustion. When the combustion process is faster and more efficient, there is less time for unburned hydrocarbons to be released into the exhaust gases.
Preliminary study of exfoliated graphite (EG) produced by electrochemical exfoliation and EG-TiO2 composite
Authors: Hikmah U , Ubaidillah R N , Ariska L P A 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In this research, Exfoliated Graphite (EG) materials have been synthesized using the electrochemical exfoliation method. The starting materials are graphite sheets, before the exfoliation process, a simple pre-treatment was carried out, by immersing the graphite sheet in a mixture solution of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) with a ratio of 95:5 to widen the interlayer distance in graphite sheets for the optimum electrochemical exfoliation process. This study used ammonium sulfate solution (NH4)2SO4 as an electrolyte with a concentration 0.25 M. The obtained EG materials are then composited with TiO2 to increase the resulting energy density of the materials. The in-situ sol-gel method was used to synthesize the EG-TiO2 composite assisted by microwave irradiation. The resulting materials were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform infrared (FTIR), and LCR meter. Based on the XRD results, the EG-TiO2 composite showed an amorphous structure with an average crystallite size of 24.9 - 49.9 nm. It also shows that the XRD pattern of the EG-TiO2 composite has a lower peak intensity than the EG material. The FTIR result shows that the functional group of the rGO-TiO2 composite has a combination of Ti-O-Ti and Ti-O-C vibrations, which indicates the chemical interaction of TiO2 with EGs.
The Oncological and Surgical Outcomes of Immediate Oncoplastic Breast Reconstruction With Contralateral Breast Adjustment
Authors: Sahar Ofir , Har Zvi Reut , Barsuk Daphna , Barnea Yoav , Gelbart Pridan Or , Hod Keren , Ben-David Merav Akiva 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Oncoplastic surgery is an expanding approach for managing breast conservation because it offers improved cosmetic outcomes while maintaining oncological safety.

Objectives
This study aimed to assess the oncological and surgical outcomes of patients who underwent oncoplastic procedures at a single institution.

Methods
The study population includes all consecutive breast cancer patients who underwent lumpectomy followed by immediate oncoplastic breast reconstruction with contralateral breast adjustment between 2010 and 2021. Following IRB approval, patient demographics, tumor characteristics, surgical details, complications, and follow-up were evaluated for this group. Quality of life (QOL) and patient-reported outcome measures were assessed through questionnaires.

Results
Following multidisciplinary tumor board discussion, 77 patients (82 breasts) underwent oncoplastic surgery. Of these, 92.2% underwent breast MRI prior to surgery with mean mass enhancement of 2.35 cm (range, 0-8.5 cm) and non-mass enhancement of 5.77 cm (range, 0-14 cm), and 44% presented with multifocal disease. The final positive surgical margin rate was 2.4%, and all conserved breasts received adjuvant radiation therapy. The 5-year local recurrence rate for invasive tumors was 4.1%. QOL scores were generally high, with most patients reporting good to excellent cosmetic outcomes and high personal satisfaction with breast appearance and softness. Physicians reported breast symmetry in 89.5%.

Conclusions
The findings suggest that oncoplastic surgery with contralateral breast adjustment is safe, effective, and an excellent option for breast cancer patients wishing for breast conservation even for large or multifocal masses, with favorable oncologic and cosmetic outcomes. The QOL analysis indicates high patient satisfaction. These results support the use of oncoplastic surgery in the management of breast cancer.

Level of Evidence: 4
Substrate profiling of human transglutaminase 1 using cDNA display and next-generation sequencing
Authors: Munaweera T I K , Damnjanović Jasmina , Camagna Maurizio , Nezu Moeri , Jia Beixi , Hitomi Kiyotaka , Nemoto Naoto , Nakano Hideo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Human transglutaminase 1 (TG1) modulates skin development, while its involvement in diseases remains poorly understood, necessitating comprehensive exploration of its substrate interactions. To study the substrate profile of TG1, an in vitro selection system based on cDNA display technology was used to screen two peptide libraries with mutations at varying distance from the reactive glutamine. Next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics analysis of the selected DNA pools revealed a detailed TG1 substrate profile, indicating preferred and non-preferred amino acid sequences. The peptide sequence, AEQHKLPSKWPF, was identified showing high reactivity and specificity to TG1. The position weight matrix calculated from the per amino acid enrichment factors was employed to search human proteins using an in-house algorithm, revealing six known TG1 substrate proteins with high scores, alongside a list of candidate substrates currently under investigation. Our findings are expected to assist in future medical diagnoses and development of treatments for skin disorders.
Dietary tryptophan affects group behavior in a social bird
Authors: Saldanha Beatriz C , Beltrão Patrícia , Gomes Ana Cristina R , Soares Marta C , Cardoso Gonçalo C , Trigo Sandra 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The amino acid tryptophan (Trp) is a precursor of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Trp supplementation or other forms of serotonergic enhancement generally promote pro-social behavior, decreasing aggression, and also feeding in different animals. However, past research has been conducted in confined spaces, and there is little work in naturalistic conditions where animals move and associate more freely. We gave a Trp-enriched diet to a free-flying flock of common waxbills (Estrilda astrild) in semi-natural conditions and monitored group foraging, aggressions during feeding, and the social network. Contrary to expectations, aggressiveness and feeding increased during Trp supplementation. Consistent with the prediction of increased social associations, foraging groups became larger, and individuals joined more foraging groups, but these changes appear driven by increased appetite during Trp treatment. Also, the mean strength of associations in the social network did not change. Overall, Trp supplementation affected group behavior in this free-flying flock, but mostly in directions unanticipated based on research conducted in small spaces. To harmonize our results with those found in small confined spaces, we hypothesize that free-flying birds have energetic requirements not experienced in lab-housed individuals, which may impact social behavior and responses to Trp.
Deep learning in spatially resolved transcriptomics: a comprehensive technical view
Authors: Zahedi Roxana , Ghamsari Reza , Argha Ahmadreza , Macphillamy Callum , Beheshti Amin , Alizadehsani Roohallah , Lovell Nigel H , Lotfollahi Mohammad , Alinejad-Rokny Hamid 
Published: March 2024

AbstractSpatially resolved transcriptomics (SRT) is a pioneering method for simultaneously studying morphological contexts and gene expression at single-cell precision. Data emerging from SRT are multifaceted, presenting researchers with intricate gene expression matrices, precise spatial details and comprehensive histology visuals. Such rich and intricate datasets, unfortunately, render many conventional methods like traditional machine learning and statistical models ineffective. The unique challenges posed by the specialized nature of SRT data have led the scientific community to explore more sophisticated analytical avenues. Recent trends indicate an increasing reliance on deep learning algorithms, especially in areas such as spatial clustering, identification of spatially variable genes and data alignment tasks. In this manuscript, we provide a rigorous critique of these advanced deep learning methodologies, probing into their merits, limitations and avenues for further refinement. Our in-depth analysis underscores that while the recent innovations in deep learning tailored for SRT have been promising, there remains a substantial potential for enhancement. A crucial area that demands attention is the development of models that can incorporate intricate biological nuances, such as phylogeny-aware processing or in-depth analysis of minuscule histology image segments. Furthermore, addressing challenges like the elimination of batch effects, perfecting data normalization techniques and countering the overdispersion and zero inflation patterns seen in gene expression is pivotal. To support the broader scientific community in their SRT endeavors, we have meticulously assembled a comprehensive directory of readily accessible SRT databases, hoping to serve as a foundation for future research initiatives.
Associations of MRI-derived kidney volume, kidney function, body composition and physical performance in ≈38 000 UK Biobank participants: a population-based observational study
Authors: Cho Jeong Min , Koh Jung Hun , Kim Seong Geun , Lee Soojin , Kim Yaerim , Cho Semin , Kim Kwangsoo , Kim Yong Chul , Han Seung Seok , Lee Hajeong , Lee Jung Pyo , Joo Kwon Wook , Lim Chun Soo , Kim Yon Su , Kim Dong Ki , Park Sehoon 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

Background
Kidney volume is used as a predictive and therapeutic marker for several clinical conditions. However, there is a lack of large-scale studies examining the relationship between kidney volume and various clinicodemographic factors, including kidney function, body composition and physical performance.

Methods
In this observational study, MRI-derived kidney volume measurements from 38 526 UK Biobank participants were analysed. Major kidney volume–related measures included body surface area (BSA)-adjusted total kidney volume (TKV) and the difference in bilateral kidneys. Multivariable-adjusted linear regression and cubic spline analyses were used to explore the association between kidney volume–related measures and clinicodemographic factors. Cox or logistic regression was used to identify the risks of death, non-kidney cancer, myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke and chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Results
The median of BSA-adjusted TKV and the difference in kidney volume were 141.9 ml/m2 [interquartile range (IQR) 128.1–156.9] and 1.08-fold (IQR 1.04–1.15), respectively. Higher BSA-adjusted TKV was significantly associated with higher estimated glomerular filtration rate {eGFR; β = 0.43 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.42–0.44]; P &lt; .001}, greater muscle volume [β = 0.50 (95% CI 0.48–0.51); P &lt; .001] and greater mean handgrip strength [β = 0.15 (95% CI 0.13–0.16); P &lt; .001] but lower visceral adipose tissue volume [VAT; β = −0.09 (95% CI −0.11 to −0.07); P &lt; .001] in adjusted models. A greater difference in bilateral kidney volumes was associated with lower eGFR, muscle volume and physical performance but with higher proteinuria and VAT. Higher BSA-adjusted TKV was significantly associated with a reduced risk of CKD [odds ratio (OR) 0.7 (95% CI 0.63–0.77); P &lt; .001], while a greater difference in kidney volume was significantly associated with an increased risk of CKD [OR 1.13 (95% CI 1.07–1.20); P &lt; .001].

Conclusion
Higher BSA-adjusted TKV and lower differences in bilateral kidney volumes are associated with higher kidney function, muscle volume and physical performance and a reduced risk of CKD.