bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of thickness on tunability performance of plasma sputtered indium tin oxide as Q-switcher
Authors: Zalkepali N U H H , Mahmud N N H E N , Awang N A , Muhammad N A M , Zamri A Z M 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
We successfully investigated the influence of thickness on the tunability performance of plasma-sputtered indium tin oxide (ITO) as a Q-switcher. ITO is coated using direct current magnetron sputtering techniques with sputtering times of 150 s, 250 s, and 350 s to generate excellent quality ITO. Filmetrics measures the thickness, yielding 17.80 nm, 30.70 nm, and 38.90 nm, respectively. A stable Q-switched pulse is achieved at an operating wavelength and peak power of 1562.30 nm and −6.47 dBm for the thickness of 17.80 nm, 1561.40 nm and −3.19 dBm for the thickness of 30.70 nm, and 1560.2 nm and −2.44 dBm for the thickness of 38.90 nm. The thickness of 38.90 nm exhibit a high repetition rate of 43.60 kHz and narrow pulse width of 4.83 µs compared to other thickness. Employing the tunable bandpass filter in the laser ring cavity gives the wide-tuning of the wavelength range of 19.69 nm, 31.86 nm, and 36.59 nm for the thickness of 17.80 nm, 30.70 nm, and 38.90 nm, respectively. The tunability of Q-switched with the thicknesses of 30.70 nm and 38.90 nm is realized in the region of C-band to L-band. Regarding the authors’ expertise, this seems to be the first proposed influence of thickness on the tunability of plasma sputtered ITO that serves as saturable absorber in a Q-switched pulse.
Tuning of optical fiber laser based on super-mode interference in a seven-core fiber
Authors: Vallejo-Carrillo R G , Salceda-Delgado G , Torres-Torres M , Amezcua-Correa R , Antonio-Lopez J E 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Tuning of optical fiber laser emissions based on super-mode interference in a seven core fiber (SCF) is presented. This super-mode interference is generated by a super-mode Mach–Zehnder interferometer constructed with a few millimeters of SCF spliced between two single mode fibers (SMFs). In the SCF, two super-modes are exited via the fundamental mode of the SMF. Then, an interference pattern caused to the optical path difference between super-modes is generated at the final of the SCF, which is collected with the spliced SMF. This interference pattern induces and tunes laser line emissions by adjusting the laser cavity losses in an optical fiber laser. By bending the Mach–Zehnder interferometer, a wavelength shift of the interference pattern is induced, which in turn causes a wavelength shift of the laser cavity losses and, therefore, a displacement of the laser wavelength emission. Laser line emissions were tuned by linear factors of around 0.91 nm mm−1, and the switching of simultaneous emissions was also obtained. The stability and reliability of the laser emission on the proposed method are also discussed.
Modeling extracellular stimulation of retinal ganglion cells: theoretical and practical aspects
Authors: Kish Kathleen E , Lempka Scott F , Weiland James D 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Objective. Retinal prostheses use electric current to activate inner retinal neurons, providing artificial vision for blind people. Epiretinal stimulation primarily targets retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), which can be modeled with cable equations. Computational models provide a tool to investigate the mechanisms of retinal activation, and improve stimulation paradigms. However, documentation of RGC model structure and parameters is limited, and model implementation can influence model predictions. Approach. We created a functional guide for building a mammalian RGC multi-compartment cable model and applying extracellular stimuli. Next, we investigated how the neuron’s three-dimensional shape will influence model predictions. Finally, we tested several strategies to maximize computational efficiency. Main results. We conducted sensitivity analyses to examine how dendrite representation, axon trajectory, and axon diameter influence membrane dynamics and corresponding activation thresholds. We optimized the spatial and temporal discretization of our multi-compartment cable model. We also implemented several simplified threshold prediction theories based on activating function, but these did not match the prediction accuracy achieved by the cable equations. Significance. Through this work, we provide practical guidance for modeling the extracellular stimulation of RGCs to produce reliable and meaningful predictions. Robust computational models lay the groundwork for improving the performance of retinal prostheses.
Cosmic muon tomography at the Wylfa reactor site utilising an anti-neutrino detector
Authors: Bridges K. , Coleman J. , Collins R. , Dasari J. , Holt G. , Metelko C. , Morgan A. , Murdoch M. , Schnellbach Y. , Tsurin I. , Mills R.W. , Ryan M. , Edwards G. , Roberts A. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
An anti-neutrino detector (a prototype of VIDARR) was
deployed at the Wylfa Magnox nuclear power station between 2014 and
2016. It was comprised of extruded plastic scintillating bars
measuring 4 cm by 1 cm by 152 cm and utilised wavelength
shifting fibres (WLS) and Multi-Pixel Photon Counters (MPPCs) to
detect and quantify radiation. During deployment, the detector
recorded cosmic muon events in accidental coincidence along with the
anti-neutrino events. The cosmic muons produced in the upper
atmosphere had their paths obscured by the power plant buildings as
the cosmic muons originated behind the buildings. Cosmic muons have
a significantly higher probability to be attenuated and/or absorbed
by denser objects and so one-sided muographic methods were utilised
to image the reactor site buildings. In order to achieve clear
building outlines a control data set was taken at the University of
Liverpool from 2016 to 2018 which had minimal occlusion of the
cosmic muon flux by dense objects. By taking the ratio of these two
data sets and using GEANT4 simulations it is possible to perform a
one-sided cosmic muon tomography analysis. This analysis can be used
to discern specific buildings, building heights, and features at the
Wylfa reactor site including the reactor core/reactor core shielding
using cosmic-ray events equivalent to that which would be seen in
∼ 3 hours of normal operation. This result demonstrates the
feasibility of using cosmic muon analysis to determine a segmented
detector's location with respect to surrounding buildings, assisted
by aerial photography or satellite imagery.
Contrasting trends in short-lived and long-lived mesoscale eddies in the Southern Ocean since the 1990s
Authors: Shi Fei , Luo Yiyong , Wu Renhao , Yang Qinghua , Chen Ruiyi , Wang Chuanyin , Lin Yichen , Chen Dake 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Mesoscale eddies play an important role in the transport of heat, carbon, and nutrients in the Southern Ocean. Previous studies have documented an increasing intensity of the Southern Ocean eddy field during recent decades; however, it remains unclear whether the mesoscale eddies with different lifetimes have different temporal variations. Using satellite altimeter observations from 1993 to 2020, we found that the increasing trend in the intensity of eddies is dominated by long-lived eddies (with lifetimes ⩾ 90 d), whose amplitude has increased at a rate of ∼2.8% per decade; the increase is concentrated downstream of topography. In contrast, short-lived eddies (with lifetimes < 90 d) do not appear to have a significant trend in their amplitudes since the early 1990s. An energy conversion analysis indicates that the increased baroclinic instabilities of the mean flows associated with topography are responsible for the amplitude increase of the long-lived eddies. This study highlights the need for a better understanding of the changes in mesoscale eddies owing to their importance in the transport of heat, carbon, and nutrients.
A new mathematical model of rigid boundary in shear flows
Authors: Chanishvili R , Chagelishvili G , Kalashnik M , Chkhetiani O , Gogichaishvili D , Kharshiladze O 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
The present investigation is devoted to the revealing of the physical essence of the action of the rigid boundary on the linear dynamics of perturbations in plane shear flows. A new mathematical approach is proposed which accurately and completely replaces the horizontal rigid boundary by the actions of certain localized sources placed on the plane of the boundary (z = 0) in the original/canonical shear flow dynamical equations for wave and vortex mode perturbations, i.e. for perturbations with zero and nonzero potential vorticity. The approach is elaborated on the example of the well-known problem of geophysical hydrodynamics—the linear dynamics of perturbations in semi-infinite (

z
⩾
0

) flow of stratified rotating fluid with a vertical shear of velocity,

{U}

0

(
A
z
,
0
,
0
)

, zero beta, β = 0, and horizontal rigid boundary at z = 0—which analytical wave and vortex mode solutions are well-known and serve as the reference solutions of our model equations. From the beginning, we have replaced the rigid boundary with localized sources for vortices and wave modes separately. The sources are the sum of the delta function and its first derivative the coefficients in front of which were unknown at this stage. In what follows, we accurately calculated these coefficients and thus determined the exact expressions for localized sources. Subsequent mathematical analysis showed that the localized sources give rise to new perturbations which can be labeled as secondary. The revealed physical essence of the action of the rigid boundary is as follows: being the external (localized) source of the analyzed open complex flow system, the rigid boundary puts an additional energy into perturbation harmonics that becomes an important power supplier supporting the linear dynamics of the system under study. Namely, the rigid boundary rearranges the vortex component via exciting new/secondary perturbations, which, superimposing with the main/primary perturbations of the flow, ensures zeroing of perturbations in the area z < 0 and, at the same time, provides the growth of the wave component in the area

z
⩾
0

coinciding with the well-known analytical solution of the canonical approach. From a general point of view, the following is important: In the existing/classical trend of studying the dynamics of perturbations in bounded shear flows, the actions of the flow boundary/boundaries and the flow shear are not delimited from each other. Whereas, the proposed new mathematical approach delimits them highlighting the action of the boundary on the linear dynamics of wave and vortex modes of perturbations.
Stochastic geometric mechanics in nonequilibrium thermodynamics: Schrödinger meets Onsager
*
Authors: Huang Qiao , Zambrini Jean-Claude 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
We are describing relations between Schrödinger’s variational problem and Onsager’s approach to nonequilibrium statistical mechanics. Although the second work on reciprocal relations and detailed balance has been published in the same year (1931) as the first one, the impact of Schrödinger’s idea has not yet been considered in the classical context of Onsager.
Production of biocoke from microalgae powder
Authors: Ang X Y , Koesoemadinata V C , Md Khudzari J , Abdullah N , Iwamoto K 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Biocoke has been invented to replace commercial coke in order to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels. However, the main target of the feedstock has been limited to plant and wood biomass, while algal biomass is rarely used. This work evaluated four microalgae species: Chlorella, Nannochloropsis, Diatoms, and Aurantiochytrium as the feedstocks to produce biocokes. The production of the biocoke was set to 100°C at 20 MPa for 6 mins 20 secs. Based on visual observation, the color of the biocokes produced was darker than the microalgae powder due to the Maillard reaction. This study suggested that the Chlorella and Nannochloropsis biocoke have the potential to produce the biocoke due to their oleaginous characteristic. Nannochloropsis had a higher apparent density than Chlorella biocoke. However, the Chlorella had a higher compression strength of 37.55MPa, compared to Nannochloropsis (27.70MPa). Meanwhile, Aurantiochythrium biocoke had an irregular shape and was sticky due to the high lipid content in the species. The Diatoms biocoke was hard but chalky due to its silica shell on the microalgae cell. Therefore, the Aurantiochythrium and Diatoms were not suitable for producing the biocokes.
Extraction and determination of flavonoid compounds in citrus fruit waste
Authors: Rushdan Zaim I N , Wahab M , Ismail H F , Othman N , Hara H , Md Akhir F N 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Citrus is a globally cultivated fruit crop that has been heavily industrialised to manufacture food products. It is commonly sought out for its nutritional benefits. However, parallel to rapid industrialisation, parts of the crop’s physical composition (inner and outer peel, seeds etc.) are often discarded to the environment as waste. Recent advancement in technology has led researchers to look for alternatives to recover potential therapeutic compounds from citrus fruit waste, directly extending the life of the waste and indirectly solving waste management concerns. Citrus fruit peels are especially rich in flavonoid compounds, a subclass of the many phytochemicals largely present in the body of the fruit. Flavonoid compounds have the capacity to be act as antioxidants, leaving room for the potential of the flavonoids present in fruit waste to be commercialized as a natural bioresource. This study aims to extract and recover the flavonoid compounds present in the peels of citrus fruits calamansi (Citrus microcarpa), kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix), and key lime (Citrus aurantiifolia) via ethanolic extraction and test the presence of recovered flavonoid compounds via alkaline reagent test. In addition, this study also aims to measure the antioxidant activities of all three citrus fruit peel samples via the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay. This study hopes to shed light on the therapeutic potential of citrus fruit peel waste as a bioresource which could benefit communities in the future.
Analysis of suspended atmospheric microplastics size at different elevation in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur
Authors: Afiq Daniel Azmi M , Yasin N L N M , NorRuwaida J , Hasnatul A H , Dewika M , Sara Y Y 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Atmospheric microplastics can be found in the atmospheres of urban, suburban, and even remote locations. To date, limited studies have been done in investigating the microplastics contamination at different elevation. In this regard, suspended atmospheric microplastics were sampled at two different elevations in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. The sampling was done using SIBATA High-Volume Sampler HV-1000R pump for 24 hours sampling, twice a week for 10 weeks. The primary objective of this research is to analyze the size of the suspended atmospheric microplastics at different elevation which is ground level (H1) at1.5m and upper level (H2) at 10m. The finding shows that the range size of the microplastics at H1 is between 70 to 1855 μm and H2 is 102 to 5429 μm indicate that the microplastics size at higher elevation is larger compared to the lower ground. The range abundance of microplastic is also discussed where it is between 97 to 775 particle/m2/day, with the particulate concentration ranging from 16.39 to 96.81 μg/m3/day for both locations. The EDI indicate that children are much more exposed to polymer-based MPs by dust consumption than teenagers and adults, with 4.6 particle/kg.day at H1 and 3.4 particle/kg.day at H2.
Flood preparedness module for Malaysian Higher Education students via Metaverse Environment
Authors: Sa don N F , Sa don H S , Alias R A , Nakanishi H 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
In Malaysia, the severity of natural disasters such as floods, landslides, and earthquakes have increased in recent years, making disaster preparedness a crucial aspect of students’ lives. In the context of flood preparedness, accessibility to materials on flood is still in deficit and a future-ready learning approach is required. This is parallel to Sustainable Development Goals Goal 4 in promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. The objective of this research is twofold: to study flood preparedness among Malaysian higher education students and to propose a flood preparedness module for Malaysian higher education students via Metaverse environment. The module is developed using Spatial.io, an immersive shared AR platform. For this research, the module addresses flood which is presented via a 3-D virtual learning space. This beta version will opt for multiple-stage sampling method via a focus group comprising 10 PPSSAAS students. Then, UX Testing, and post-test are conducted to gauge the module usability and latent potentials. Based on the research, the use of metaverse for the flood preparedness module shows significant impact amongst the respondents. The finding from this research is hoped to enhance students’ knowledge and awareness of flood preparedness so students can care for themselves and be of help to others during an emergency.
Assessment of peat fire susceptibility for carbon emission reduction
Authors: Ahmad Nizam M A H , Mat Taib S , Mohd Yunus N Z , Saman N 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
This paper aims are; a) to identify the peat classification based on peat depth and groundwater level; b) to identify CO2 content stored and CO2 emission of peat within the study area; c) to produce a hotspot hazard map using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and geospatial technologies. These are vital components in producing a holistic peat fire management approach. Based on the site works, the majority of the peat within the area is classified as Sapric (low fibre content) using the Von Post Classification System, with an average peat thickness of 0.65m at a maximum depth of 1.2m and average groundwater level of 0.67m. On the other hand, soil samples were collected on-site and tested, indicating an average organic and fibre contents of 45.24% and 37% respectively, with a bulk density of 1.03 Mg/m3. The average carbon content was 30.29 carbon tonne/hectare, hence having the potential to release 381,925.18 tonnes of CO2 annually (tCO2/year). Finally, potential peat fire susceptible areas were classified and visualized on a hotspot hazard map utilizing the data acquired. It can be concluded that continued development without considering appropriate mitigation measures will potentially increase the feasibility of peat ignition, thus, increasing overall carbon emission significantly.
Current biofabrication methods for vascular tissue engineering and an introduction to biological textiles
Authors: Kawecki Fabien , L’Heureux Nicolas 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality in the world and encompass several important pathologies, including atherosclerosis. In the cases of severe vessel occlusion, surgical intervention using bypass grafts may be required. Synthetic vascular grafts provide poor patency for small-diameter applications (< 6 mm) but are widely used for hemodialysis access and, with success, larger vessel repairs. In very small vessels, such as coronary arteries, synthetics outcomes are unacceptable, leading to the exclusive use of autologous (native) vessels despite their limited availability and, sometimes, quality. Consequently, there is a clear clinical need for a small-diameter vascular graft that can provide outcomes similar to native vessels. Many tissue-engineering approaches have been developed to offer native-like tissues with the appropriate mechanical and biological properties in order to overcome the limitations of synthetic and autologous grafts. This review overviews current scaffold-based and scaffold-free approaches developed to biofabricate tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) with an introduction to the biological textile approaches. Indeed, these assembly methods show a reduced production time compared to processes that require long bioreactor-based maturation steps. Another advantage of the textile-inspired approaches is that they can provide better directional and regional control of the TEVG mechanical properties.
Fabrication and multi- performance optimization of mechanical properties of novel Babbitt-Ilmenite metal matrix composite using entropy based hybrid Taguchi-grey relational analysis
Authors: Wadhwa Amandeep Singh , Chauhan Amit 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
In the present study, a Babbitt-Ilmenite composite was developed via stir casting and the mechanical properties (hardness and tensile strength) of the composite were optimized using the Taguchi philosophy. The effects of variations in the percentage weight of Ilmenite, stirring speed and aging time on the mechanical properties of the composite were studied. Energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis confirmed the presence of Ilmenite in the metal matrix and uniform dispersal of Ilmenite in Babbitt was established via scanning electron microscopy. A Morphological analysis of the fractured tensile specimen was conducted to ascertain the type of failure. The Taguchi methodology and analysis of variance technique were proposed to predict the optimum levels of controllable parameters and to determine their percentage contribution to the optimization of mechanical properties of the composite. The percentage weight of Ilmenite and stirring speed were found to have significant effect on hardness while aging time was a significant parameter for the tensile strength of the composite. The predicted results were validated by confirmation experiments with a deviations of 1.6% and 2.1% for hardness and tensile strength respectively for single objective optimization. The weights of the responses were determined objectively and the multi-performance optimization of mechanical properties of the composite was performed using entropy based grey relational analysis (EGRA). The percentage weight of Ilmenite was only significant parameter with contribution of 30.65% for multi-performance optimization of mechanical attributes of composite using hybrid Taguchi grey relation analysis (TGRA). An overall improvement of 0.445 and 0.105 in the grey relation grade was reported using EGRA and TGRA respectively. The study concludes that the Babbitt/Ilmenite composite has superior mechanical properties both for single and multi-objective optimized conditions than the unreinforced tin Babbitt. The developed composite can be used for bearings in crankshafts, connecting rods and axles of automobiles.