bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Physical and Mechanical Properties of Soft Soil on Subgrades Performances in Lubuk Bayas Village, Serdang Bedagai Regency
Authors: Juliana Nova , Bawadi Nor Faizah binti 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Generally, the existence of soft soil in Indonesia will be a problem in the construction of highway construction. One factor that influences and needs to be known in road construction is the characteristics of the subgrade where the pavement construction will be placed on it. Poor soil characteristics can cause bumpy road surfaces, cracks, or other road damage. Therefore, before carrying out a soil improvement, it is necessary to know its characteristics through the physical and mechanical properties of the subgrade. This research was conducted in Lubuk Bayas Village, Serdang Bedagai Regency, North Sumatra Province. Tests of physical properties in this study include sieve analysis, water content, specific gravity, plasticity limit test, and liquid limit test. The soil shear strength test and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test were carried out to test the mechanical properties using a Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP). From the results of testing the physical properties of the soil, it was found that Samples 1, 2, and 3 were fine-grained soils with the percentage of soil passing the No.200 sieve greater than 50%. The USCS classification system shows that samples 1 and 2 of the soil are in the Lean Clay (CL) group, while sample 3 is in the Fat Clay (CH) group. Samples 1, 2, and 3 include soils with high plasticity because the PI value is >17. The results of testing the mechanical properties of the soil Sample 1 obtained the value of c = 0.1299 kg/cm2 and Ø = 13.2°, in Sample 2 obtained the value of c = 0.1075 kg/cm2 and the value of Ø = 11.2° and in Sample 3 obtained the value of c = 0.1275 kg/cm2 and the value of Ø = 11.9°. DCP testing on samples 1, 2 and 3 obtained CBR values of 5.35%, 4.73% and 3.15%. From the CBR results, it can be seen that the soil in this location has a low soil bearing capacity, so if it is to be used as a subgrade layer, it will be necessary to repair the soil first so that structural damage does not occur in the future. Soil improvement can be made by stabilizing the soil using natural materials to maintain environmental sustainability. Natural materials that can be used include sand with certain gradations, stone ash, palm shell ash, and various other natural materials.
Captive growth analysis of Siberian sturgeon juveniles (Acipenser baerii J. F. Brandt, 1869) fed on a commercial fodder and its importance to a sustainable development of the aquaculture sector
Authors: Deák György , Burlacu Laurențiu , Lumânăroiu Lucian , Jawdhari Abdulhusein , Gheorghe Petrache Ionuț , Raischi Marius , Holban Elena , Zakarya Irnis Azura 
Published: July 2023

AbstractSturgeon aquaculture is an important continuously developing sector within freshwater aquaculture and its sustainability is one of the most pressing matters nowadays. Thus, the urge to apprehend the mechanics of sturgeon growth in captivity as well as in nature is of immediate importance, considering the increase in customers’ requests for captive-grown sturgeon meat, caviar, and adjacent by-products. The present study evaluates several canonical growth indices in a controlled, indoor environment that included fluctuations in temperature, dissolved oxygen saturation, and ponderal density (g/L), known to affect sturgeon growth performance. Over the 91 days of evaluation, no significant correlation was found between the weight gain and the ponderal density, dissolved oxygen values, and temperature, among the 4 tanks used in the experiment setup, indicating, along with the lack of significant variance for the RCI per tank, that the growth observed is correlated only with the fodder fed to the fish.
The Effect of Graphene Addition on the Microstructure and Properties of Graphene/Copper Composites for Sustainable Energy Materials
Authors: Jamadon Nashrah Hani , Rasid Nurul Izzati Muhamad , Ahmad Mohd Azwan , Lutfi Maisarah , Adzila Sharifah , Jamal Nur Ayuni , Muhamad Norhamidi 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Graphene is a single thin layer (mono layer) of a hexagon-bound carbon atom and is an allotropic carbon in the form of a hybrid atomic plane, with a molecular bond length of 0.142 nm. Graphene is the thinnest and lightest material with 0.77 mg square meters, which exhibited excellent electricity and heat conductor. However, the perfect uniform microstructure, strength and optimum thermal properties of copper-graphene composites cannot be achieved because the amount of graphene does not reach the optimum level. In order to solve this problem, copper-graphene composites were produced by metal injection molding method (MIM) with various percentage of graphene, specifically 0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5% in the composite, to compare the physical and mechanical properties of these samples. MIM process involves the preparation of feed materials, pre-mixing process, mixing process, mold injection process, binding process and sintering processes. Feeding materials were used are copper and graphene, which have the powder loading of 62% with a mix of binder comprising 73% polyethylene glycol (PEG), 25% polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and 2% stearic acid (SA). Densification and tensile test were conducted to determine the mechanical properties. Scanning electron microstructure (SEM) was performed to obtain the microstructure of the composites. From the research, the result revealed that the 0.5% graphene content had the optimum parameter, which the hardness and tensile stress values were at 94.2 HRL and 205.22 MPa.
The effect of fly ash to alkaline activator ratio to the mechanical properties of stabilized lateritic soil using fly ash based geopolymer
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad Munsif , Muhamad Khairunnisa , Razak Rafiza Abdul , Abdullah Mohd Mustafa Al Bakri , Hashim Nurul Huda , Othman Nur Amira Farhani 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Stabilization of fill soil improve its physical and mechanical properties and led to better load carrying capacity and enable steeper temporary slope to be formed during construction period. In this study an industrial by-product, fly-ash (FA), was used as precursor to produce geopolymer as chemical stabilizer to improve the physical and mechanical properties of fill soil. Sodium silicate solution (Na2SiO3) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) at a concentration of 15 molars were combined as the liquid alkaline activator (AA). The effect of different fly ash to alkaline activator ratio (0, 1.0, 1.5, 2.5 and 3.0) on the physical and mechanical properties of treated fill soil were measured using Atterberg limit test and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) test. All sample were tested at 1 day and 3 days of curing period under room temperature. The result indicates that the highest compressive strength is obtained with fly ash to alkaline activator ratio of 2.5 for both 1 day and 3 days of curing. In addition, the plasticity index of the treated sample for all fly ash/alkaline activator were lower than that of the untreated fill soil.
Assessment of Water Quality and Nutrient Uptake of Azolla in Different Fertilizers
Authors: Zakarya Irnis Azura , Nasir Nor Anis Nadhirah Md , Razali Najiha , Ibrahim Mahamad Hakimi , Boboc Madalina 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The improvement of water quality through aquatic plants’ nutrient uptake is one of the crucial elements in achieving a sustainable ecosystem. Water quality is affected by a variety of variables, including dissolved oxygen concentrations, nutrient overabundance, bacterial populations, salt content, and the number of suspended particles in the water. This experiment was performed to evaluate the biological and biochemical characteristics of azolla using various fertilizers (compost food waste, cow dung, liquid fertilizer, mushroom block fertilizer). It also examined the ability and effectiveness of aquatic macrophytes, Azolla pinnata to absorb amounts of nutrients including phosphate, potassium, and nitrogen ammonia in a nutrient-rich medium. The water quality during the cultivation period, including its turbidity, pH, and the temperature was monitored. The biological and biochemical characteristics of azolla have been assessed in a variety of fertilizers, including cow dung, liquid fertilizer, mushroom block fertilizer, and compost food waste, at various concentrations of 5g, 10g, and 15g. The study findings indicated that the most suitable fertilizer for azolla growth is cow dung fertilizer and the least suitable fertilizer is liquid fertilizer. The rapid growth of azolla between days 15 to 25 were observed for the cow dung fertilizer at all concentration as compared to control and other fertilizers. Water quality for each parameter increase over time. The ability of azolla to absorb nutrients shows great potential for the phosphorus element when compared to potassium and nitrogen uptake. To reduce the amount of excessive phosphorus and potassium in water, azolla is a great candidate for eco-friendly phytoremediation.
Fabrication, characterization and optimal selection of aluminium alloy 8011 composites reinforced with B
4
C-aloe vera ash
Authors: Sharma Rajesh , Pradhan M K , Jain Pankaj 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The aim of this study is to determine the use of B
4
C along with AVA as economical reinforcements to improve the mechanical properties of aluminium alloy 8011. The purpose of this investigation is the development of cost-effective hybrid metal matrix composites. The present investigation assessed the mechanical characteristics of Al-8011 alloy, Al-8011/3AVA, Al-8011/4B
4
C, Al-8011/2.5B
4
C/2.5AVA, and Al-8011/3B
4
C/3AVA composites, which were manufactured through stir-casting techniques. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging with an energy-dispersive spectroscope (EDS) was performed on the fabricated composites to confirm the presence of reinforcements, and the images revealed a uniform distribution of reinforcements in the matrix. The density of the composite decreased with an increase in weight % of AVA-B
4
C in comparison with that of matrix aluminum alloy 8011. Results obtained for tensile strength and hardness exhibit the optimal results from adding 3 wt.% B
4
C with 3 wt.% AVA. The present paper also investigates the application of three multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) methodological approaches to select the best option.
The effect of the number of hydrophobic tails of cationic ammonium surfactants on mesoporous TiO2 synthesized
Authors: Fisli Adel , Velasufah Wasfi , Arofah Nurmaya , Mulyawan Ade , Mustika Deni , Ridwan  , Karo Aloma Karo , Yusuf Saeful , Mulyaningsih Th. Rina 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Mesoporous titanium dioxide (TiO2) is one of the most studied mesoporous materials considering its special character and various applications. In the present work, mesoporous TiO2 was synthesized by a sol–gel method employing different hydrophobic tails of ammonium cationic surfactants templates. The prepared samples were characterized by various techniques. The XRD profiles confirmed that all samples crystallized into the TiO2 anatase phase. The crystallite size of all samples was found to vary in the range of 8.60 nm to 13.61 nm. The transition temperature of the anatase phase was increased to several Celsius degrees since TiO2 was fabricated with a template assistant. The surface area of the mesoporous TiO2 was increased in the range of 93 m2.g−1 (CTAB) − 116.8 m2.g−1 (MTAB). These values were larger than the TiO2 synthesized without a template (72 m2.g−1). The total pore volume was also increased between 0.1704 cm3.g−1 (CTAB) and 0.300 cm3.g−1 (MTAB), while the TiO2 synthesized without a template was only 0.161 cm3.g−1. Using CTAB and DDAB yield a uniform mesopore size distribution. MTAB tends to produce non-uniform pore of the mesoporous system. The soft-templating method opens up new possibilities for synthesizing mesoporous metal oxides.
Graphene fortified polyvinyl alcohol based nanofibre membranes for preserving perishable food
Authors: Gupta Manjula , Sheikh Lubna , Kumar Navin , Kumar Nitish , Gupta Dara Singh , Pramanik Chandrani 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIn recent years, graphene as a biomaterial has received considerable attention due to its outstanding physio-mechanical properties. In the present work, we found superior tensile strength, hydrophobic and antibacterial activities in graphene incorporated polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) based nanofibers, prepared by electrospinning. A series of ultrafine graphene-based ink (G-Ink) incorporated PVA nanofiber (GPN) with different concentrations of graphene (0, 0.008, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, and 0.08% w/v) was fabricated. To overcome difficulty in direct dispersing graphene into the PVA solution, we have prepared graphene-based ink for dispersing into polymer solution. The morphology, composition, mechanical behaviour, and surface wettability of these membranes was investigated. The Fourier transform infrared spectra and the Raman spectra confirmed the successful incorporation of graphene into the GPN. Graphene when used as a nanofiller in polymers, provides excellent mechanical properties (814%), hydrophobicity (40%), and antibacterial properties. In the current study we tested GPN membranes for preserving two fast rotting foods like coriander leaves and tomato. We found that GPN membrane can be used safely for food packaging applications to increase the shelf life of perishing food items, such as up to 3 days for coriander leaves and 8 days for tomatoes.
Machine Learning based tumor diagnosis using compressive sensing in MRI images
Authors: Mathew Nimmy Ann , Stanley Ishita Maria , Jose Renu 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Despite the widespread use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) analysis for disease diagnosis, processing and analyzing the substantial amount of acquired data may be challenging. Compressive Sensing (CS) offers a promising solution to this problem. MRI diagnosis can be performed faster and more accurately using CS since it requires fewer data for image analysis. A combination of CS with conventional and Deep Learning (DL) models, specifically VGGNet-16, is proposed for categorizing reconstructed MRI images into healthy and unhealthy. The model is properly trained using a dataset containing both normal and tumor images. The method is evaluated using a variety of parameters, including recall, F1-score, accuracy, and precision. Using the VGGNet-16 model, the proposed work achieved a classification accuracy of 98.7%, which is comparable with another state-of-the-art method based on traditionally acquired MRI images. The results indicate that CS may be useful in clinical settings for improving the efficiency and accuracy of MRI-based tumor diagnosis. Furthermore, the approach could be extended to other medical imaging modalities, possibly improving diagnosis accuracy. The study illustrates how CS can enhance medical imaging analysis, particularly in the context of tumor diagnosis using MRI images. It is necessary to conduct further research to investigate the potential applications of CS in other medical imaging contexts.
Interdecadal variation and possible causes of summer extreme precipitation over northern Xinjiang province, northwestern China
Authors: Li Minggang , Zhao Yong , Li Yang , Meng Lixia , Chen Dong 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Using daily precipitation data from 25 stations, NCEP/NCAR reanalysis data, and 12 climate indices for boreal summers from 1963 to 2017, we investigate the interdecadal variation and causes of extreme precipitation in northern Xinjiang Province (NXJ), northwestern China. The summer frequency of daily precipitation extremes (DPEs), summer precipitation from DPEs, and contribution of precipitation from DPEs to total summer precipitation have increased significantly since the early 1990s, and this increase in extreme precipitation is more intense at stations in the eastern part of NXJ. Comparing the periods 1963–1988 and 1992–2017, the anomalous circulation over the Mongolian Plateau changed from cyclonic to anti-cyclonic, and the center of the anomalous cyclonic circulation over Central Asia shifted northward from the Iranian Plateau to the Aral Sea. These changes in anomalous circulation pattern induced changes in the paths of water vapor transport and the distribution of moisture convergence, which explain well the interdecadal increase in extreme precipitation and its spatial variability. Further analysis confirms evident impacts of the Indian Ocean basin mode (IOBM) and Scandinavia teleconnection pattern on the development of anomalous circulation related to the interdecadal increase in extreme precipitation. A positive IOBM favors the northward transport of moisture from the northern Indian Ocean to Xinjiang Province and the development of anomalous cyclonic circulation over Central Asia in the middle and upper troposphere. The negative phase of the Scandinavia pattern, which has prevailed since the late 1970s, and the enhanced out of phase connection between the anomalous circulation over Scandinavia Peninsula and the West Siberia during 1992–2017 favors the development of anomalous anti-cyclonic circulation over the Mongolian Plateau.
Data-driven dynamics reconstruction using RBF network
*
Authors: Du Cong-Cong , Wang Xuan , Wang Zhangsen , Wang Da-Hui 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Constructing the governing dynamical equations of complex systems from observational data is of great interest for both theory and applications. However, it is a difficult inverse problem to explicitly construct the dynamical equations for many real complex systems based on observational data. Here, we propose to implicitly represent the dynamical equations of a complex system using a radial basis function (RBF) network trained on the observed data of the system. We show that the RBF network trained on trajectory data of the classical Lorenz and Chen system can faithfully reproduce the orbits, fixed points, and local bifurcations of the original dynamical equations. We also apply this method to electrocardiogram (ECG) data and show that the fixed points of the RBF network trained using ECG can discriminate healthy people from patients with heart disease, indicating that the method can be applied to real complex systems.
A novel monocrystalline PV array configuration for enhancing the maximum power under partial shading conditions
Authors: Vunnam Sarayu , Vanithasri M , Alla RamaKoteswaraRao 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems have gained importance as a promising renewable energy source in recent years. PV arrays are prone to variable irradiance levels under partial shading conditions due to non-uniform shading. As a result, there will be a decrease in the amount of power produced and hotspots will occur. To overcome these issues, it is essential to select an appropriate PV material and a suitable array configuration. To obtain the maximum output power from a PV array under partial shading conditions, this paper suggests a novel triple-series–parallel ladder topology with monocrystalline PV material. Considering short and wide, long and wide, short and narrow, long and narrow, middle and diagonal shading situations, a 6 × 6-sized array has been considered and compared with other existing configurations such as total cross-tied, bridge-link, honeycomb, series–parallel and series–parallel cross-tied. The proposed configuration has an optimal number of cross ties to produce maximum power. It has 4 cross ties fewer than a honeycomb, 3 cross ties fewer than a bridge link, 16 cross ties fewer than a total cross-tied and 7 cross ties fewer than series–parallel cross-tied configurations. The proposed configuration has an improvement in power of 0.1% to 20% compared with other configurations under the considered shading scenarios.
Habitat and food preferences of European rabbits in core and edge populations along the invasion front Patagonia-Monte, Argentina
Authors: Bobadilla Sabrina Yasmin , Dacar María A , Jaksic Fabián M , Ojeda Ricardo A , Fernanda Cuevas María 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The European rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus is an exotic herbivorous mammal undergoing an active phase of geographical expansion in the arid ecosystems of Argentina. The Adaptive Flexibility Hypothesis states that populations at the range edge (new populations) will exhibit greater flexibility in the use of resources compared with populations located in the range core (older populations). The objective of this work was to compare the rabbit’s use of spatial and trophic resources in relation to the establishment time of their populations. The sampling was carried out for 2 years (2017 and 2018) in sites with different establishment times for rabbit populations. Random sampling stratified by type of habitat was applied using 115 fixed strip transects of 1,000 m2 laid out across the study areas. Fresh rabbit signs were recorded in each transect, and environmental and anthropic variables were measured. Our results show that the individuals from the range edge are more selective in the use of habitat than those from the range core. At the microhabitat level, we observed a pattern in the particular components of habitat use by rabbits mainly linked to food availability and proximity to water. From a trophic perspective, rabbits could show flexible adjustment to novel conditions and environments in the range edge. The variability in resource use by the European rabbit confirms its ecological flexibility, pivotal for their advance toward new environments in Argentina.
Tuberculosis case finding in a public healthcare setting in South Africa: using QI worksheets and a social network learning platform for rapid data-driven improvement
Authors: Youngleson Michele , Tshabalala Maureen , Ngozo Jacqueline , Zulu Nokuthula , Kamoga Nelson , Linda Zanele , Sodzi-Tettey Sodzi , Barker Pierre 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Background
The Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic diverted attention and resources away from tuberculosis (TB) and other non-COVID services and decreased clinic attendance.

Objective
The objective was to rapidly restore TB case finding to pre-pandemic levels using a data-driven, quality improvement (QI) approach, adapted to constraints of the pandemic.

Method
A mixed-methods assessment of a QI intervention in 129 health facilities from five rural health districts in KwaZulu-Natal province was performed. Eight worksheets guided clinical teams, using QI principles, to improve routine data quality and implement preselected change ideas for TB case finding in Human Immunodefiency Virus-positive clinic subpopulations. Facility teams shared data and learnings and were coached in person and via a social media platform and virtual encounters.

Results
We observed high rates of engagement by district TB managers and facility teams (94% of facilities posted worksheets on WhatsApp each month). The number of worksheets posted, TB investigations undertaken, and TB cases confirmed increased rapidly over time. Facility data quality improved significantly over time (median 40% errors at start vs 5% errors at end).

Conclusion
The Sprint initiative showed that a novel simplified QI intervention that integrated clinical protocols and data tracking was rapidly adopted and improved TB case finding despite the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic. Two key innovations—a simplified set of data-focused QI worksheets and a social engagement and learning platform—were used to drive a focused QI effort. The approach should be considered for improving gaps in focused health system priorities in low- and middle-income country settings beyond the pandemic.
Technical note—the use of an inclinometer to accurately guide intra-operative femoral de-rotational osteotomies
Authors: Mayne Alistair Iw , Diamond Owen J 
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACT
Femoral de-rotational osteotomies are a safe and effective treatment for symptomatic excessive femoral anteversion or retroversion. The author’s preferred technique for performing a de-rotational osteotomy is via a subtrochanteric transverse osteotomy with intramedullary nail fixation. We describe a method for guiding femoral de-rotation correction intra-operatively using a bubble inclinometer.