bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality Control Assessment in the River of Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
Authors: Zainudin M R , You H W , Lee K E , Zahidi A M 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
This paper investigates the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and the pH level along Jelok River, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia. The BOD and pH level are of major interest as microbial activity. Five water sampling locations along the river have been selected. To test the pH level of each water sample, a pH meter was used. To test the BOD of each water sample, the 5-days BOD test was conducted. Using the collected data, the Pearson’s correlation coefficient between the pH and BOD was calculated. The computed Pearson correlation coefficient is -0.67988, indicating that pH does affect BOD of the water, specifically for this river. In addition, it demonstrates that when pH value increases, BOD of the water will decrease. The results show that water pH was quite stable, range between 7.05 to 7.65, while BOD fluctuates wildly, range between 1.4 to 4.3 mg/L. According to the BOD value, the high BOD value was found along the bridge at Changkat Road with 4.3 mg/L, and the lowest was found to be the one at Shell Petrol Station along Semenyih Road with BOD value of 1.4 mg/L. From the findings, public and authority shall be alert of the water performance and actions are necessary to preserve the water quality along this river. In addition, it is recommended to compare the water quality parameters among few rivers in future studies.
Analysis of sediment load on meandering channel due to combined effect of rainfall and flow
Authors: Besar Norhashimah binti Awang haji , Shams Shahriar , Ratnayake Uditha , Rahman Ena Kartina Abdul , Al-Mamun Abdullah 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Topography, geology, climate change and anthropogenic activity are key factors for erosion that affects channel morphology. Water erosion leads to sedimentation. The study of sediment is important for the management of water quality, river structures as well as flood control. Erosion of soil by water poses a serious problem in terms of degradation of land and eutrophication of water. River or stream erosion is mainly caused by rainfall and streamflow as they detach soil particles and transport them as sediment. The meandering channel is common in most rivers or streams where it is formed by the deposition of sediments due to the depletion of water energy. Therefore, this study aims to analyse the sediment load under the combined effect of rainfall and flow for a meandering channel. This study was conducted based on the Advanced Environmental Hydrology System to determine the relationship among sediment load, rainfall and flow rate. Twenty-five sets of experiments were conducted on a 2 m long, 20 cm wide and 4 cm deep model meandering channel, moulded in the Armfield S12 MKII on a 1% constant slope. Five different rainfalls intensities (0.46 mm/hr, 1.39 mm/hr, 2.78 mm/hr, 3.70 mm/hr and 4.63 mm/hr) and five different flow rates (0.5 L/min, 1.0 L/min, 1.5 L/min, 1.75 L/min and 2.0 L/min) were used to analyse the different trends of sediment load with respect to rainfall and flow rate. This study shows that there is a correlation among rainfall, flow and sediment load. The erosion rate during lowest flow and rainfall is 4.75 g/min and for highest rainfall and flow is 70.2 g/min.
Peat Soil Improvement for Amenable Wetland Development - Review
Authors: Affam Augustine Chioma , Chundi Bagkermaix Anak , Chung Wong Chee 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
This review present various ways to improve peat soil stability or strength. There is need to investigate the applicability of cationic grouts in addition to biochar in peat enhancement towards the development of wetland soil for construction purposes. The effects of several cationic stabilizers such as monovalent, divalent (calcium oxide and calcium chloride), and trivalent in addition to biochar would require investigation on the shear strength improvement of the Sibu peat samples. The unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests would need to be performed after 7, 21, and 30 days of curing, respectively. Apart from the physicochemical characteristics of the stabilized peat, scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy tests would also be necessary to study the changes in the microstructure. Some studies have shown improvement in the application of stabilizers in peat soil towards development of wetlands. These are highlighted in this article. Where changes are observed due to improvement via the various cationic stabilizers and biochar addition, an explanation considering the mineralogical and physicochemical composition on the peat would be important.
Mediating Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on Single Use Plastic Production, Usage and Disposal Management Models Correlations
Authors: Zreba Kamal Yousef Ali , Izhar Tengku Nuraiti Tengku , Zakarya Irnis Azura , Hwidi Rajeb Salem A , Hweidi Abdalbaset Salem Amar 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
This research examines the consequences of the COVID-19 epidemic on the production, use, and disposal of single-use plastics. This research explores the intricate relationships between the impacts of COVD-19 on single-use plastic production, usage, and waste management with a focus on the mediating effects of the pandemic related to model parameters and correlations to develop a trustworthy approach. The report examines first the increasing evidence regarding the pandemic’s influence on various users and industries, and then the consequences for waste management and the environment. The research then examined the relationships and modelling framework correlations between the variables utilised to estimate the influence of COVID-induced changes in production, consumption, and management on single-use plastics. The study variables captured the influence of production, usage, and disposal on the environment. The study’s parameters are equally linked to types of usage, have a pronominal effect, and disposal plays a vital role in the environmental impact, which makes them extremely dynamic for parameters in this study. Single-use plastic aggregation in the environment is predicted to be a dominant mechanism by disposal behaviour.
A Review of HKUST-1 Metal-Organic Frameworks in Gas Adsorption
Authors: Chong Kok Chung , Lai Soon Onn , Mah Shee Keat , Thiam Hui San , Chong Woon Chan , Shuit Siew Hoong , Lee Sze Shin , Chong Wan Erl 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe discovery of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology-1 (HKUST-1) metal-organic framework has made a remarkable improvement in the metal-organic frameworks to achieve the goal of air polluted gas adsorption. Nowadays, HKUST-1 has become a new alternative used as an ideal platform for gas adsorption due to the open metal sites inside the structure with the large adsorption capacity and chemical tunability. The adsorption performance was related to the formation and preparation of the HKUST-1 and its effect on other fabrication parameters. The impact on the fabrications of HKUST-1, such as solvents, reactants, temperature and time, grinding process, and pressure, affected the formation of the surface area and performance of HKUST-1. Air pollution gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and methane (CH4) adsorption on HKUST-1 were studied and discussed. The structure of the HKUST-1 with the presence of the open metal sites, Lewis acid, and the benzene ring structure were the key components to act as a good adsorbate for CO2, CH4, and VOCs gas. Moreover, the incorporated post-synthesized HKUST-1, such as the added functional group, metal cations, or composite materials, could exhibit great adsorption capacities for the polluted gas instead of pristine HKUST-1.
Boosted Regression Tree (BRT) model for PM10 concentrations prediction in Malaysia
Authors: Norazrin R. , Hamid Hazrul Abdul , Yahaya Ahmad Shukri 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Air pollution in urban areas is a highly complex problem, displaying strong seasonality and dependence on meteorological factors. Urban particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 10 μm (PM10) has been identified as one of the most hazardous air pollutants to human health due to the fact that its size range overlaps with that of respirable particles. Models of air quality forecasting are used to provide forecasters with numerical guidance for issuing particulate matter concentration forecasts to human health exposure in a timely manner. The aim of the study was to propose a Boosted Regression Tree (BRT) model for predicting PM10 concentrations in the short term. Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) and Boosted Regression Tree (BRT) models for short-term PM10 predictions are provided, and performance indicators (IA, R2, RMSE, MAE, and MAPE) are used to find the appropriate model. The Department of Environment Malaysia (DOE) provided seventeen years of daily average air quality monitoring data, including eight parameters (PM10, wind speed, temperature, relative humidity, NO2, SO2, CO, and O3) and five monitoring stations (Perai, Shah Alam, Nilai, Larkin, and Pasir Gudang). The BRT model gave good results for predicting the PM10 concentrations for each station. The results indicated that for the Perai monitoring station (R2 = 0.774), Shah Alam monitoring station (R2 = 0.813), Nilai monitoring station (R2 = 0.792), Larkin monitoring station (R2 = 0.817) and the Pasir Gudang monitoring station (R2 = 0.810). According to the findings, the BRT model should be employed in air pollution research, where it is projected to outperform other methodologies in terms of predictive performance. The findings would enhance the existing air pollution research and forecasting approaches.
Preparation of cerium-based UiO-66 metal-organic framework (MOF) without addition of solvent for developing its sustainable synthesis
Authors: Ho P S , Chong K C , Lai S O , Lu S Y , Lau W J , Ooi B S 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
UiO-66(Ce) metal-organic framework (MOF) has been a promising material for broad applications, including gas adsorption, photocatalysis, water treatment and reaction catalysis. For its usual preparation, a large amount of solvent is required and added during its fabrication process. This solvent is harmful to the environment most of the time. It is neither recyclable nor reusable, indicating the difficulty in waste disposal after MOF fabrication and the challenges for its scaling-up production. Given this, a solvent-free way of synthesizing the UiO-66 MOF to develop its sustainable synthesis was reported here. The MOF can be obtained by mechanically grinding the cerium (IV) ammonium nitrate (CAN) and terephthalic acid (BDC) using mortar and pestle without the addition of any solvent. Then the mixture was transferred into an autoclave and heated at 100 °C for one day. In this work, UiO-66(Ce) MOF samples with varying Ce to BDC molar ratios were successfully fabricated using the solvent-free method, supported by the XRD, SEM, EDX and FT-IR analysis results. By looking at their XRD patterns, two characteristic peaks for UiO-66(Ce) MOF were observed at 8.4° and 9.1°. The SEM images revealed the spherical crystalline morphology of UiO-66 MOF. At the same time, the EDX analysis result found the elemental composition of UiO-66 MOF was coherent with the reactants used, suggesting the excellent purity of MOF product formed in this work. As verified by the thermal stability test, the UiO-66 MOF produced here is thermally stable up to 250 °C in the air atmosphere.
Properties of High Strength Concrete Containing Spent Garnet as Sand
Authors: Budiea A M A , Azhar N N M , Mokhatar S N , Muthusamy K , Satar M K I M 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Spent garnet is a waste resulting from abrasive media known as garnet and disposed into the landfill which can become threat to the environment. Meanwhile, the step of substituting sand by spent garnet can reduce sand exploitation activities which have been ongoing to fulfil the continuous development and construction. This work attempts to investigate the mechanical properties of specimens made of concrete that contains spent garnet. This new material replaces sand partially at different percentages of 10% and 20% by weight. The compressive strength test as well as splitting tensile test have been both conducted after 7 days and 28 days water curing. The results show an improvement of the strength during the compressive test. The increment appears to be in positive relationship with the replacement percentage. Meanwhile, splitting tensile strength testing shows that 20% performs better than 10% sand replacement. In conclusion, the inclusion of spent garnet in reasonable amount to take place instead of sand has improved the concrete’s properties.
Improving sustainability of road construction by partial replacement of natural aggregates in subbase layer with crushed brick and reclaimed asphalt pavement
Authors: Razak S M , Yahya N , Zahid M Z , Bulkini A K , Adiyanto M I , Harith N S H , Rizalman A N F , Mohamad M E 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Reducing dependent on naturally sourced materials is among the priority in improving the sustainability of road construction. The subbase layer which provides strength and stability across the road profile, comprised mainly of natural aggregates. This study aims to explore the feasibility of partial replacement of natural aggregates in subbase layer with 20% Crushed Brick (CB) and 20 to 50% Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP). California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test and Constant Head Permeability tests were carried out to determine the effect of this partial replacement on the geotechnical properties of the subbase layer. The results obtained denotes that the combination of 20% CB and 50% RAP is the optimum partial replacement of natural aggregates in subbase layer with CB and RAP. The use of CB further complements RAP in improving the stiffness and compressibility of the subbase layer while contributing significantly toward sustainability in road construction.
Comparative Environmental Impact Evaluation of Disposable Surgical and Reusable Cloth Face Masks
Authors: Ragaven R , Sara Y Y , Dewika M , Zulkifli A R , Tengku Izhar T N , Amneera W A 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Malaysia, wearing face mask during Covid-19 outbreak were mandatory. This action has caused significant surge in face mask production which deem to affect environment and human health. This paper evaluates and compared the environmental impacts, in a life cycle assessments perspective between disposable surgical face mask and reusable cloth face mask using cradle-to-grave approaches according to ISO 14040. The environmental impacts were assessed based on nine midpoint impact categories which are ozone depletion, greenhouse gases, acidification, eutrophication, smog formation, human health cancer and non-cancer, human health particulates and ecotoxicity. The functional unit for both types of face masks is a person wearing face mask as protection every day for one year (365 masks for disposable surgical face mask and 3 masks for reusable cloth face mask). The LCA tool used was OpenLCA software with Ecoinvent consequential 3.7.1 version database and TRACI 2.1 for impact method assessment. The study showed that reusable cloth face mask had the lowest impact compared to disposable surgical face mask across the assessed midpoint impact categories. This study suggested incineration as the best disposal method for the End-of-Life (EoL) of both face masks. Sensitive analysis also performed by manipulating the amount of face mask used per individual and it was found that the amount of mask used had significant effects to the environmental performance.
Two-dimensional cuprate nanodetector with single telecom photon sensitivity at T = 20 K
Authors: Merino Rafael Luque , Seifert Paul , Retamal José Durán , Mech Roop K , Taniguchi Takashi , Watanabe Kenji , Kadowaki Kazuo , Hadfield Robert H , Efetov Dmitri K 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Detecting light at the single-photon level is one of the pillars of emergent photonic technologies. This is realized through state-of-the-art superconducting detectors that offer efficient, broadband and fast response. However, the use of low T
C superconducting thin films limits their operation temperature to approximately 4 K and below. Here, we demonstrate proof-of-concept nanodetectors based on exfoliated, two-dimensional cuprate superconductor Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8-δ
that exhibit single-photon sensitivity at telecom wavelength at a record temperature of T = 20 K. These non-optimized devices exhibit a slow

∼

m
s

reset time and a low detection efficiency (

∼

10

−
4

). We realize the elusive prospect of single-photon sensitivity on a high-T
C nanodetector thanks to a novel approach, combining van der Waals fabrication techniques and a non-invasive nanopatterning based on light ion irradiation. This result paves the way for broader application of single-photon technologies, relaxing the cryogenic constraints for single-photon detection at telecom wavelength.
Investigation of inverse design of multilayer thin-films with conditional invertible neural networks
Authors: Luce Alexander , Mahdavi Ali , Wankerl Heribert , Marquardt Florian 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
In this work, we apply conditional invertible neural networks (cINN) to inversely design multilayer thin-films given an optical target in order to overcome limitations of state-of-the-art optimization approaches. Usually, state-of-the-art algorithms depend on a set of carefully chosen initial thin-film parameters or employ neural networks which must be retrained for every new application. We aim to overcome those limitations by training the cINN to learn the loss landscape of all thin-film configurations within a training dataset. We show that cINNs can generate a stochastic ensemble of proposals for thin-film configurations that are reasonably close to the desired target depending only on random variables. By refining the proposed configurations further by a local optimization, we show that the generated thin-films reach the target with significantly greater precision than comparable state-of-the-art approaches. Furthermore, we tested the generative capabilities on samples which are outside of the training data distribution and found that the cINN was able to predict thin-films for out-of-distribution targets, too. The results suggest that in order to improve the generative design of thin-films, it is instructive to use established and new machine learning methods in conjunction in order to obtain the most favorable results.
Caleosin/peroxygenases: multifunctional proteins in plants
Authors: Hanano Abdulsamie , Blée Elizabeth , Murphy Denis J 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundCaleosin/peroxygenases (CLO/PXGs) are a family of multifunctional proteins that are ubiquitous in land plants and are also found in some fungi and green algae. CLO/PXGs were initially described as a class of plant lipid-associated proteins with some similarities to the oleosins that stabilize lipid droplets (LDs) in storage tissues, such as seeds. However, we now know that CLO/PXGs have more complex structures, distributions and functions than oleosins. Structurally, CLO/PXGs share conserved domains that confer specific biochemical features, and they have diverse localizations and functions.ScopeThis review surveys the structural properties of CLO/PXGs and their biochemical roles. In addition to their highly conserved structures, CLO/PXGs have peroxygenase activities and are involved in several aspects of oxylipin metabolism in plants. The enzymatic activities and the spatiotemporal expression of CLO/PXGs are described and linked with their wider involvement in plant physiology. Plant CLO/PXGs have many roles in both biotic and abiotic stress responses in plants and in their responses to environmental toxins. Finally, some intriguing developments in the biotechnological uses of CLO/PXGs are addressed.ConclusionsIt is now two decades since CLO/PXGs were first recognized as a new class of lipid-associated proteins and only 15 years since their additional enzymatic functions as a new class of peroxygenases were discovered. There are many interesting research questions that remain to be addressed in future physiological studies of plant CLO/PXGs and in their recently discovered roles in the sequestration and, possibly, detoxification of a wide variety of lipidic xenobiotics that can challenge plant welfare.
Demystifying the convergent ecological specialization of desiccation-tolerant vascular plants for water deficit
Authors: Bondi Luiz , de Paula Luiza F A , Rosado Bruno H P , Porembski Stefan 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsDesiccation-tolerant vascular plants (DT plants) are able to tolerate the desiccation of their vegetative tissues; as a result, two untested paradigms can be found in the literature, despite contradictions to theoretical premises and empirical findings. First, it is widely accepted that DT plants form a convergent group of specialist plants to water deficit conditions. A derived paradigm is that DT plants are placed at the extreme end of stress tolerance. Here, we tested the hypotheses that DT plants (1) are in fact convergent specialists for water deficit conditions and (2) exhibit ecological strategies related to stress tolerance, conservative resource-use and survival.MethodsWe used biogeographical and functional-traits approaches to address the mentioned paradigms and assess the species’ ecological strategies. For this, 27 DT plants were used and compared to 27 phylogenetically related desiccation-sensitive vascular plants (DS plants).Key ResultsWe could not confirm either of the two hypotheses. We found that despite converging in desiccation tolerance, DT plants differ in relation to the conditions in which they occur and the ecological strategies they use to deal with water deficit. We found that some DT plants exhibit advantageous responses for higher growth and resource acquisition, which are suitable responses to cope with more productive conditions or with higher disturbance. We discuss that the ability to tolerate desiccation could compensate for a drought vulnerability promoted by higher investment in growth and bring advantages to deal with quick and pronounced variation of water, rather than to drought solely.ConclusionsDT plants are not only selected by drought as an environmental constraint. The alternative functional designs could promote the diversity of ecological strategies, which preclude their convergence to the same resources and conditions. Thus, DT plants are a heterogeneous group of plants in how they deal with drought, despite their desiccation tolerance ability.