bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel metallic Bi-Pb–Cd-Ag alloys for shielding against neutrons and gamma rays
Authors: Reda A M , El-Daly A A 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Obtaining high-performance shielding alloys against mixed neutrons and γ-rays is vital in the field of nuclear radiation. In this work, shielding Bi-Pb–Cd-Ag alloys with superior thermal neutron shielding and high ability to attenuate γ-rays were developed. The microstructure, melting behavior, and mechanical properties of the prepared alloys were characterized. The γ-rays mass attenuation coefficients (

μ
/
ρ

) were obtained using WinXCom program in the energy range of 0.015–15 MeV. The shielding parameters including atomic and electronic cross-sections (σ
a and σ
e), effective atomic number (Z

eff
), effective electron density (N

eff
) were calculated. The exposure buildup factor (EBF) using a geometric progression (GP) fitting method was estimated. The experimental measurements were carried out at 662 and 1173, 1332 keV of 137Cs and 60Co isotope sources, respectively using a scintillation gamma spectrometer NaI(Tl) detector. The calculated results of WinXCom are consistent and in agreement with the experimental values of

μ
/
ρ
.

The macroscopic effective removal cross-section (

∑

R

) of the samples for fast neutrons were calculated. Also, the attenuation of thermal neutrons through the prepared alloys has been investigated. It was found that the alloy containing 30% Cd complies with the compromise between superior thermal neutron attenuation besides its superior ability to attenuate γ-rays with good mechanical strength and high ductility.
Chemotactic response of Escherichia coli to polymer solutions
Authors: Yang Yue , Yue Caijuan , Zhang Chi , Yuan Junhua 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Polymers are important components of the complex fluid environment for microorganisms. The mechanical effects on bacterial motile behavior due to the viscous or viscoelastic properties of polymers were extensively studied, whereas possible chemical effects on bacterial motility through bacterial chemoreception of the polymers were unclear. Here we studied the chemotactic response of Escherichia coli to polymeric solutions by combining the bead assay and FRET measurements. We found that the wild-type E. coli strain exhibited an attractant response to widely used polymers such as Ficoll 400, polyethylene glycol (PEG) 20000 and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) 360000, and the response amplitude from chemoreception was much larger than that from the load-dependence of motor switching due to viscosity change. The chemotactic response depended on the type of receptors and the chain length of the polymers. Our findings here provided important new ingredients for further studies of bacterial motile behavior in complex fluids.
A prototype optical link board with redundancy design for the ATLAS liquid argon calorimeter Phase-2 upgrade
Authors: Huang X. , Liu C. , Deiana A. , Deng B. , Gong D. , Hasley L. , Hou S. , Liu T. , Sun H. , Ye J. , Zhang L. , Zhang W. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractA prototype optical-link board has been developed for the ATLAS Liquid Argon Calorimeter Phase-2 upgrade. The board consists of 24 lpGBT chips and 8 VTRx+ modules and demonstrates the full optical link design of the future front-end board. The board has 22 simplex optical links to transmit detector data, which are emulated in FPGAs and injected through 6 FMC connectors, to the off-detector electronics. The board implements 2 duplex optical links for clocks, control, and monitoring with redundant design to improve the system reliability. Data transmission and all redundant designs have been verified. A fiber routing scheme, in which 2 or 3 VTRx+ modules are re-connected to the front panel with an MPO connector, has been prototyped.
Prototype design of a timing and fast control system in the CBM experiment
Authors: Sidorenko V. , Fröhlich I. , Müller W.F.J. , Emschermann D. , Bähr S. , Sturm C. , Becker J. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The Compressed Baryonic Matter (CBM) experiment is designed to handle interaction rates of up to 10 MHz and up to 1 TB/s of raw data generated. With triggerless streaming data acquisition in the experiment and beam intensity fluctuations, it is expected that occasional data bursts will surpass bandwidth capabilities of the Data Acquisition System (DAQ) system. In order to preserve integrity of event data, the bandwidth of DAQ must be throttled in an organised way with minimum information loss. The Timing and Fast Control (TFC) system provides a latency-optimised datapath for throttling commands and distributes a system clock together with a global timestamp. This paper describes a prototype design of the system with focus on synchronisation and its evaluation.
A system test platform for the CERN power converter control electronics
Authors: Cabrera G. , Grimmer R. , Haynes P. , Nisbet D. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The power converters at CERN deliver a broad range of complex functions to assure the correct magnetic field throughout the beam acceleration cycle. The power converter controls are composed of remotely programmable electronics to handle the different characteristics of these power systems, that can supply up to 10 MW, 100 kV and 100 kA. However, such flexibility in the control devices is vulnerable to regression. Avoiding it before the deployment of new or modified software or firmware was the objective for the development of the test platform presented in this paper. It is important to detect possible incompatibilities between versions or errors that could damage the power converters. To achieve this, the platform uses continuous integration and continuous delivery techniques and hardware-in-the-loop modelling to emulate the different power converters range and to validate the controls before deployment.
PAM-4 implementation study for future high-speed links
Authors: Wanotayaroj C. , Mendes E. , Baron S. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
With the ever-increasing amount of data produced by the high energy physics experiments, the transmission rates from the detectors to the back-end stages must keep up. To mitigate the exponential growth of the total loss due to the increased bandwidth, the 4-Level Pulse-Amplitude Modulation (PAM4) could be envisaged. Where the line rate of Non-Return to Zero (NRZ) modulated signals is capping at 28 Gbps per lane, PAM4 allows the rate of 53.125 Gbps or above in extremely high-end applications. Investigating the implementation of such links in FPGA is one of the activities carried out by the Work Package 6 of the CERN EP Research and Development programme. A proof-of-concept system of high-speed links using PAM4-53.125 Gbps has been built, based on a Xilinx Virtex evaluation platform and various commercial optoelectronics transceivers. PAM4 standard Forward Error Correction (FEC) codes have also been implemented and characterized over electrical and optical layers in terms of coding gain and latency. Finally, the telecom and datacom markets were investigated to identify development perspectives for the research and development for future links. In this paper, the performance of the proof-of-concept implementing these high-speed links is presented and the current and future challenges for an error-free communication are discussed.
Multi-chamber GEM-based concept of radiated power/SXR measurement system for use in high radiation environment of DEMO
Authors: Chernyshova M. , Dobrut M. , Jabłoński S. , Malinowski K. , Fornal T. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
This work describes the progress of development of total core radiation power and soft X-ray (SXR) diagnostic system designed in accordance with the DEMO control requirements. Monitoring of energy loss through the separatrix is necessary for reliable plasma control. Data gathered by this system could also be helpful for studying spatial distribution of heavy impurities, MHD modes and their localization, plasma shape and position.
Gas electron multiplier (GEM) technology is assessed as a base for a new radiated SXR power measurement system. The main advantages of this technology are the compactness of GEM detector, good temporal and spatial resolution, the ability to discriminate energy of incident photons and better neutron resilience than existing systems. All of these make it potentially a good candidate for SXR diagnostic system in ITER and DEMO.
The scope of the study includes analysis of the feasibility of selected approaches, the design of the diagnostic system, necessary simulations and engineering considerations, and the proposal of an integration scenario. Preliminary design considerations for the GEM-sensor-based system under development have been done. Plasma radiation intensities and spectra have been simulated using data from the appropriate DEMO scenario. A concept of the photosensitive chamber has been assessed. Photoabsorption simulations with the proposed structure and parameters have been conducted and the results have been discussed.
Investigation of the cryogenic scintillation of pure and doped sodium-iodine
Authors: Clark M. , Froborg F. , Di Stefano P.C.F. , Calaprice F. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
We have studied the scintillation of pure and doped sodium
iodide crystals handled in low humidity conditions under external
α and γ excitation from room temperature down to 4 K.
The light yield of pure sodium iodide was seen to increase at low
temperatures by a factor 30 compared to room temperature, up to a
maximum of 40 photons/keV under γ excitation at 60 K,
stabilizing to 30 photons/keV at lower temperatures. Thallium doped
sodium iodide fluctuates by 20% around the room temperature value,
stabilizing at 40 photons/keV at low temperature. α/γ
quenching factor stabilizes at roughly 0.7 for both materials
beneath 50 K. Time constants of both materials slow greatly at low
temperature, reaching tens of microseconds. Cryogenic applications
of these materials are complexified by their mechanical fragility
and hygroscopicity.
The construction of a self-assembled coating with chitosan-grafted reduced graphene oxide on porous calcium polyphosphate scaffolds for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Ding Hongmei , Peng Xu , Yu Xiaoshuang , Hu Mengyue , Wan Chang , Lei Ningning , Luo Yihao , Yu Xixun 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Bone regeneration in large bone defects remains one of the major challenges in orthopedic surgery. Calcium polyphosphate (CPP) scaffolds possess excellent biocompatibility and exhibits good bone ingrowth. However, the present CPP scaffolds lack enough osteoinductive activity to facilitate bone regeneration at bone defects that exceed the critical size threshold. To endow CPP scaffolds with improved osteoinductive activity for better bone regeneration, in this study, a self-assembled coating with chitosan-grafted reduced graphene oxide (CS-rGO) sheets was successfully constructed onto the surface of CPP scaffolds through strong electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonds. Our results showed that the obtained CPP/CS-rGO composite scaffolds exhibited highly improved biomineralization and considerable antibacterial activity. More importantly, CPP/CS-rGO composite scaffolds could drive osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs and significantly up-regulate the expression of osteogenesis-related proteins in vitro. Meanwhile, the CS-rGO coating could inhibit aseptic loosening and improve interfacial osseointegration through stimulating bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) to secrete more osteoprotegerin (OPG) and lesser receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL). Overall, the CS-rGO coating adjusts CPP scaffolds’ biological environment interface and endows CPP scaffolds with more bioactivity.
Palm oil’s contribution to the United Nations sustainable development goals: outcomes of a review of socio-economic aspects
Authors: Chiriacò Maria Vincenza , Bellotta Matteo , Jusić Jasmina , Perugini Lucia 
Published: May 2022

AbstractPalm oil is both the world’s most-used vegetable oil and the most criticized for its environmental impact due to the observed reduction in tropical forest areas for its cultivation over the past decades. There is, however, very little discussion on the socio-economic implications associated with the production of palm oil. To contribute to a more informed debate, we conducted an in-depth review of the existing literature addressing the various socio-economic aspects of the production of palm oil, outlining its contribution to the achievement of the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs). The outcomes, findings and conclusions from 82 studies, published from 2010 onward, were considered as positive, negative, neutral or varied, and sometimes even contradicting, with regard to the contribution of palm cultivation and/or oil production to the achievement of a set of eight SDGs, selected to be those most related to socio-economic development, differentiating when possible between sustainable and conventional production. The results show that it is difficult to draw uniform views, highlighting the nuances and varied facets of the contribution of palm oil to the eight SDGs, some of which are inevitably interconnected. In general, it emerges that palm oil plays a crucial role in boosting the economy and livelihoods of local communities in many developing producer countries, substantially contributing to poverty reduction and to food security. However, the expansion of oil palm plantations has, in some cases, exacerbated social inequalities, and the economic growth generated by the palm oil production chain is not always accompanied by decent working conditions. Against this backdrop, the achievement of some SDGs is often facilitated by the implementation of sustainability certification schemes that play a key role in improving the socio-economic and environmental performance of palm oil production. This leads enhanced socio-economic livelihoods for the people living in the production areas in terms of working conditions, infrastructure, services and wages, with a consequent reduction of poverty rates, an increase in education quality, as well as better access to food and healthcare systems.
Impact of temperature and pH on antioxidant activity of green silver nanoparticles fabricated from Ananas comosus peel extracts
Authors: Razali Z , Norrizah J S , Abdullah S 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Silver nanoparticles arose as a new weapon in the development of green synthesis of these nanoparticles using diverse natural resources such as plant leaf, microorganisms, and fruit extracts. Biosynthesis approach by using waste materials from plant is widely used as it is proven to be environmentally and cost friendly method. This study aims to identify the impact of temperature and pH on antioxidant activities of silver nanoparticles fabricated from pineapple (Ananas comosus) peel extract. Different temperature (70°C, 80°C and 90°C) and pH (7, 8 and 9) have been tested to the samples and characterized using UV-Visible Spectroscopy. Then, antioxidant activities of the AgNPs produced using different temperature and pH were determined using free radical scavenging ability on 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The results were found at pH 9, the surface plasmon resonance peak for biosynthesized AgNPs was at 425 nm on Day 2 while other treatments took longer time to exhibit the AgNPs peak. Biosynthesized AgNPs treated at temperature 90°C showed the optimum temperature when it exhibited peak at 420 nm on Day 3. The biosynthesized of AgNPs from pineapple peel extracts exhibited potential antioxidant activity in the DPPH scavenging by highest DPPH scavenging percentage is at 84.75% for AgNPs treated at pH 9 and 80.29 % for AgNPs treated at 90°C with concentration of 1000 µg/mL. Temperature and pH gave significant impact in synthesis and increase antioxidant activity of green silver nanoparticles.
Recreational Risks: Human and Wildlife Conflicts at Johor National Parks, Malaysia
Authors: Sidi M.Adli Mohd , Ahmad Badli Esham , Puan Chong Leong , Noor Mohd Iqbal Mohd , Isa Kalam Azad , Norsyam Wan Mohd , Johannis Nik Jazwiri 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
National parks are significant ecotourism destinations providing various nature attractions in a form of biological, physical and/or historical resources. However, risk issues associated with recreational activities in national parks are becoming more pertinent and crucial as safety and threats to humans and wildlife can occur. This study was conducted to identify the risks for human and wildlife for visitors at tropical rainforests, marine parks, and coastal mangroves of Johor National Park. It is a qualitative study and data was collected through semi structured interviews with the National Park Managers, Former National Park Managers, and Instructors of Johor National Park. The study found that snakebite is the main concern for tropical rainforest and coastal mangroves category of national parks while hazardous marine species are the main risk for marine parks. The findings have shown that the risk of human and wildlife conflicts exist at all these three categories of national parks. Visitors’ negligence with the existence of dangerous wildlife may cause serious injury if no preventive measures are taken. The risk of human and wildlife conflict should be managed smartly to reduce the risks and ensure the sustainable development of the national parks.
Phytoremediation Using Ornamental Plants in Removing Heavy Metals from Wastewater Sludge
Authors: Ishak Irra Amirah , Hum Nurul Nadiah Mohd Firdaus 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Phytoremediation is a low cost and effective soil treatment option for metal reclamation compared to the conventional method which are very expensive and can cause disturbance to the soil. This research examined the ability of ornamental plants namely, hibiscus (Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis) and rose (Rosa sp.) to absorb heavy metals in the wastewater sludge. The objectives of this study were to determine the optimum heavy metals uptake from wastewater sludge using ornamental plants and to determine the overall distribution of heavy metals in the plant parts. The sludge was taken from Mawar wastewater treatment plant that is located at UiTM Shah Alam and treatment was conducted for a period of 30 days. Plants were exposed to the various percentage of sludge amendments in soil (0%-control, 10% - treatment A, 25% - treatment B, 50% - treatment C, 75% - treatment D and 100% - treatment E) for 30 days. The concentration of Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu were measured in each part of plants (roots, stems, leaves). Highest heavy metals removal was in the order of Fe>Mn>Zn>Cu with the treatment of 100% sludge. Root contained the highest concentration of heavy metals in the plant parts. While in comparison between the plants, rose removed more heavy metals as compared to the hibiscus plant.
Smart Campus Geographic Information System (GIS) Mobile Application Reporting System
Authors: Syafuan Wan Mohamed , Husin Rospi Mat , Fauzi Muhammad Faiz MD 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe Geographical Information System (GIS) mobile application helps the communities in a specific area, the agency related to the maintenance and solving problems related to infrastructure. The purpose of this study is to enhance the location and visualization of the current reporting system. The methodology used in this study starts with a preliminary study to understand the issue, data collection, data processing, and system design using ArcGIS for Desktop, ArcGIS App Studio to design the application, ArcGIS Online to create the computer dashboard, and finished by testing the system. As a result, a mobile geographical information system based on the maintenance and solving problems related to infrastructure was created as a mobile application. Some people tested the Smart Campus GIS Mobile Application Reporting System in the specified area to verify the capabilities. In conclusion, the positive feedback received from the respondent is used to validate the mobile application and is ready to be used by the people in the target area.
The hidden biodiversity of the blowfly Chrysomya megacephala revealed by the Cytochrome b gene
Authors: Kavitha R , Low VL , Azirun MS , Chen CD , Ahmad FMS , Shanti N , Zaibunnisa AH , Farida ZMY 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Insects or arthropods collected from a human deceased during crime scene investigation often revealed information related to the body of the deceased or the crime scene. Morphologically identical immature larvae or maggots have been identified using DNA identification methods. However, a big challenge to the DNA identification method is the presence of morphologically identical but genetically distinct taxa. The genetic diversity of Chrysomya megacephala flies from Malaysia will be revealed in this study. A total of 74 Chrysomya megacephala from Peninsular Malaysia were subjected to phylogenetic and haplotype analyses based on the Cytochrome b (Cyt b) gene. Chrysomya megacephala from Kuala Lumpur and Selangor are more diverse genetically compared to those from Perak, Johor and Pahang. The Cyt b gene revealed three distinct genetic clades of Chrysomya megacephala, one clade is for populations from Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, whereas the other two clades consisted of specimens from all five studied populations that is Perak, Pahang, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Johor. Detection of hidden lineages of Chrysomya megacephala based on the Cyt b gene may offer some clues for forensic entomological investigation in the country.
Herbal Plant Analysis Based on Leaf Features using K-Means Clustering
Authors: Mutalib Sofianita , Hasbullah Nur Hanani , Abdul-Rahman Shuzlina , Shamsuddin Mohd Razif , Malik Ariff Md Ab 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Plants are essential in the Earth, as it supplies the oxygen needed by human beings and animals, and becomes the source of foods and medical treatments. Many medicinal plants can treat diseases and it is also called herbal plants. Traditionally, these plants are processed and transformed as traditional medicines to cure any diseases. Nowadays, there are still practices that use medicinal plants. However, it is quite challenging to find herbal plants and these herbal plants come with different features such as size, shape, and colour. Therefore, this paper presents a machine learning approach, namely clustering, to classify the herbal plant species through images. We focused on six herbal plants in Malaysia which are Peacock Fern, Misai Adam, Mempisang, Tapak Sulaiman, Pandan Serapat and Kacip Fatimah. These species were collected from Taman Negara Pahang, Kuala Keniam, Malaysia. The k-means algorithm was employed by experimenting with several numbers of clusters in the range of two, three, four and five. The features extracted were colour and shape and this was performed using Python libraries. This study would benefit the researchers or botanists to identify the plant’s name based on the features. In order to give more interactive elements, a dashboard was developed in which the herbal plants are categorized in the group that has similar characteristics.