bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multinational oil corporations, policy violation and environmental damage in rivers state of Nigeria: a theistic ethics approach
Authors: Josiah Ucheawaji Godfrey , Akpuh Charles Chinanu 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAchieving a sustainable environment is not unconnected with a pragmatic adherence to environmental policies in any given society. The continuous and expanding experience of environmental degradation and its attendant consequences on human and other lives in Rivers State of Nigeria still call for urgent attention for enduring solution. Yet, it seems that all efforts made toward resolving the problem have yielded very few positive results because the root cause of the problem(s) has not been given adequate attention. This study explored the organic connectedness between breaches (i.e., policy violation) of environmental regulations (as a major cause of the problem) and environmental chaos (as the consequence of the breach) in Rivers State of Nigeria, from the theistic ethics standpoint. To investigate the actuality of the connectedness of the breaches and the incessant environmental decadence in the study location, 30 copies of self-constructed, close-ended questionnaire were administered to a purposively selected sample of 30 Community Liaison Officers (CLOs) of the major oil business firms across the entire three Senatorial Districts of Rivers State. Out of the 30 administered questionnaire, 26 valid copies (86.7%) were retrieved and analysed, using frequencies, simple percentage counts, and regression analysis. A total of 88.5% of the CLOs confirmed that breaches in fundamental environmental policies were major causes of the environmental chaos and other associated problems in Rivers State, Nigeria. Also, pipeline vandalism, oil spillages, and oil theft typified breaches of theistic and other environmental regulations with ecological consequences. The F-test from the regression analysis shows that the value of F-calculated (6.633) is greater than F-tabulated (3.86) taking cognizant of the P-value of 0.01, which is lesser than 0.05 level of probability. This confirmed a significant relationship between contravention of law and ethical principles, and environmental degradation in Rivers State. Furthermore, the value of coefficient of correlation (r) is 0.126. This confirmed a positive relationship between violation of environmental policies (X) and environmental degradation (Y) in Rivers State. The paper concluded that adherence to the theistic and other environmental policies by oil firms in Rivers State could serve as respite to the environment.
A quasi-experimental controlled study of a school-based mental health programme to improve the self-esteem of primary school children
Authors: Iwahori Miyuki , Oshiyama Chiaki , Matsuzaki Hideo 
Published: April 2022

AbstractChildren’s mental health problems are associated with a low self-esteem. Harter has proposed that recognising competence in personal importance and social support would improve students’ self-esteem. However, to the best of our knowledge, no study has examined Harter’s theory for primary school children. This study aimed to test the effectiveness of the Treasure File Programme for improving primary school children’s self-esteem. The programme’s effectiveness was evaluated regarding the students’ self-esteem, physical well-being, emotional well-being, family relationships, friendships, and school performance. A total of 794 primary school students (aged 7–11 years) in the intervention group and 592 in the control group were recruited in a quasi-experimental study design. The intervention group indicated significant improvement in the self-esteem domain compared to the control group. However, no intervention effects were observed on physical well-being, emotional well-being, family, friends, and school. These findings indicate that this programme is effective in improving self-esteem in primary school students. Given the importance of self-esteem in children’s mental health, this programme may be helpful as a primarily educational programme option to address mental health problems in primary school children.
The Wsp system ofPseudomonas aeruginosalinks surface sensing and cell envelope stress
Authors: O’Neal Lindsey , Baraquet Claudine , Suo Zehui , Dreifus Julia E. , Peng Yun , Raivio Tracy L. , Wozniak Daniel J. , Harwood Caroline S. , Parsek Matthew R. 
Published: April 2022

SignificanceBacteria must respond quickly to environmental changes to survive. One way bacteria can respond to environmental stress is by undergoing a lifestyle transition from individual, free-swimming cells to a surface-associated community called a biofilm characterized by aggregative growth. The opportunistic pathogenPseudomonas aeruginosauses the Wsp chemosensory system to sense an unknown surface-associated cue. Here we show that the Wsp system senses cell envelope stress, specifically conditions that promote unfolded or misregulated periplasmic and inner membrane proteins. This work provides direct evidence that cell envelope stress is an important feature of surface sensing inP. aeruginosa.
Three-dimensional imaging for the quantification of spatial patterns in microbiota of the intestinal mucosa
Authors: Mondragón-Palomino Octavio , Poceviciute Roberta , Lignell Antti , Griffiths Jessica A. , Takko Heli , Ismagilov Rustem F. 
Published: April 2022

Significance
Many human diseases are causally linked to the gut microbiota, yet the field still lacks mechanistic understanding of the underlying complex interactions, because existing tools cannot simultaneously quantify microbial communities and their native context. In this work, we provide an approach to tissue clearing and preservation that enables 3D visualization of the biogeography of the host–microbiota interface. We combine this tool with sequencing and multiplexed microbial labeling to provide the field with a platform on which to discover patterns in the spatial distribution of microbes. We validated this platform by quantifying bacterial distribution in cecal mucosa at different stages of antibiotic exposure. This approach may enable researchers to formulate and test new hypotheses about host–microbe and microbe–microbe interactions.
Machine learning recognition of protein secondary structures based on two-dimensional spectroscopic descriptors
Authors: Ren Hao , Zhang Qian , Wang Zhengjie , Zhang Guozhen , Liu Hongzhang , Guo Wenyue , Mukamel Shaul , Jiang Jun 
Published: April 2022

Significance
We propose and demonstrate the use of two-dimensional UV (2DUV) spectroscopic features as observable-based descriptors for a machine learning protocol aimed at discriminating protein secondary structure motifs. The 2DUV spectra viewed as grayscale images were fed into convolutional neural networks (CNNs), resulting in accurate spectrum-structure correlation model. This enables an automated secondary structure recognition with accuracies of 97% (91%) for (non-)homologous protein segments. The success of protein 2DUV descriptors for machine learning is ascribed to their unique cross-peak information that reflects couplings between electronic transitions located at different chromophores. Incorporating coupling information is crucial for connecting the descriptors to the protein structure.
State-selective electron capture in collisions of fully stripped neon ions with ground-state hydrogen
Authors: Kotian A M , Plowman C T , Abdurakhmanov I B , Bray I , Kadyrov A S 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Electron capture and ionisation in bare neon ion collisions with ground-state atomic hydrogen are modelled over the energy range from 1 to 2000 keV/u using the two-center semiclassical wave-packet convergent close-coupling method. The calculated total electron-capture cross section agrees very well with the molecular and atomic orbital close-coupling calculations at low and intermediate energies. Our results slightly overestimate the experimental results by Meyer et al [1985 Phys. Rev. A
32 3310], but underestimate the measurements by Panov et al [1983 Phys. Scr.
T3 124] available only below 10 keV/u. At higher energies, where there are no measurements, the results also agree very well with the classical trajectory Monte-Carlo results. Partial n and nl-resolved electron-capture cross sections, important for fusion plasma diagnostics, have also been calculated for final states up to n = 10, where n and l are the final state principal and angular momentum quantum numbers, respectively. The results are generally in good agreement with the atomic calculations. However, due to the finer energy grid used, we are able to detect pronounced oscillations in the state-selective cross sections for n ⩾ 8 at energies below 10 keV/u. Our results for the total ionisation cross section are overall in good agreement with the latest classical trajectory Monte-Carlo results.
Minimizing the linewidth enhancement factor in multiple-quantum-well semiconductor optical amplifiers
Authors: Aşırım Özüm Emre , Jirauschek Christian 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs) often exhibit pronounced phase noise owing to their inherently high linewidth enhancement factor (LWEF). The signal to noise ratio of a SOA is often decreased due to refractive index fluctuations in the gain medium causing distorted phase relationship between the generated photons, which is quantified by the LWEF. A simple and precise theoretical model that offers a prescription for minimizing the LWEF in SOAs is unavailable in the literature. In this study, we have developed an inclusive yet simple algorithmic model that aims to both represent the variation and to provide a strategy for minimizing the LWEF in multiple-quantum-well (MQW) based SOAs. The results of the presented model were verified via a reasonable agreement with experimental results. This study provides a theoretical description of how to adjust the LWEF through tuning of the most critical MQW SOA parameters in the design stage.
High pressure nanoarchitectonics and metallization of barium chloride and barium bromide
Authors: Wei Shubo , Zhang Peiyu , Liu Hanyu 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
As one of the most prototypical AX
2-type compounds, barium halide shared the cubic structure with Fm−3m symmetry for BaCl2 or orthorhombic structure with Pnma symmetry for BaBr2 at ambient pressure. In this work, we explored the crystal structures of BaCl2 and BaBr2 under high pressure. We predicted a thermodynamically more favored structure with orthorhombic Cmcm symmetry for both BaCl2 and BaBr2, at 74 and 47 GPa, respectively. Our simulations reveal that the metallic feature of Cmcm BaCl2 and Cmcm BaBr2 under high pressure. The present results improve the understanding of high-pressure structures of AX
2 compounds at extremely high-pressure conditions.
Perfect spin-filtering effect in molecular junctions based on half-metallic penta-hexa-graphene nanoribbons
Authors: Deng Yuan-Xiang , Chen Shi-Zhang , Hong Jun , Jia Pin-Zhen , Zhang Yong , Yu Xia , Chen Ke-Qiu 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The design and control of spintronic devices is a research hotspot in the field of electronics, and pure carbon-based materials provide new opportunities for the construction of electronic devices with excellent performance. Using density functional theory in combination with nonequilibrium Green’s functions method, we design spin filter devices based on Penta-hexa-graphene (PHG) nanoribbons—a carbon nanomaterial in which the intrinsic magnetic moments combines with edge effects leading to a half-metallic property. Spin-resolved electronic transport studies show that such carbon-based devices can achieve nearly 100% spin filtering effect at low bias voltages. Such SEF can resist the influence of hydrogen passivation at different positions, but hardly survive under a hydrogen-rich environment. Our analysis show that the perfect SEF transport properties are caused by the magnetic and electronic properties of PHG nanoribbons, especially the magnetic moments on the quasi-sp
3 carbons. These interesting results indicate that PHG nanomaterials have very prominent application prospects in future spintronic devices.
Ultra-low turn-off current 2D material heterojunction selectors: first-principle calculations
Authors: Dai Yuehua , Hu Guyue , Li Xing , Wang Feifei , Yang Fei , Wu Zuheng 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Selector is important for emerging non-volatile memory arrays to settle the sneak path problem and inhibit the array leakage current. The turn-off current of the selector determines the ability of selector to inhibit the leakage current. Here, selector models with the structure of graphene/g-GaN/graphene show ultra-low turn-off current. First, combining the plane electrostatic potential and the current–voltage characteristic of switch layers of heterojunctions, it can be concluded that the resistance switching mechanism is based on Schottky barrier at the interface. Moreover, three selector models with different switch layers (model A, B, C) are explored to study the influence of the switch layer structure on the device. The plane average electrostatic potential of selectors shows that the different structures of the switch layer result in the difference of the threshold voltage (V
th), owing to the different interface barrier. Finally, the electronic transmission shows each selector have an ultra-low turn-off current (I
off) and high nonlinearity, which could better suppress the leakage current in array. This work supplies a potential implementation scheme for the selector with ultra-low turn-off current.
Radiation shielding properties of Cd-Bi-Pb-Zn-borate glasses: influence of Bi2O3 activation
Authors: Aboud Haydar , Mkhaiber Ahmed Fadhil , Alajermi Yasser 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
We report the detail characterizations and γ-radiation protecting characteristics of some new types of cadmium (Cd)-bismuth (Bi)-lead (Pb)-zinc (Zn)-borate glasses of the form (70-x)B2O3-10ZnO-10PbO-10CdO-xBi2O3 (with x = 0 to 20 mol%) synthesized via melt-quenching process. The influence of various Bi2O3 contents on the γ-radiation shielding traits of the obtained glass samples was evaluated by exposing them at different γ-ray energies (0.356, 0.662, 1.173, and 1.33 MeV) which were recorded by the NaI detector. XRD analyses of the as-quenched specimens showed their glassy phase. A comparison between theoretically computed (Phy-X and XCOM software) and experimentally measured various shielding parameters of the glass samples were performed. Irrespective of the Bi2O3 contents, the values of the mass attenuation coefficient, effective atomic number and effective electron density of the prepared glass samples were reduced with the increase of γ-ray energies. Furthermore, the theoretically calculated values of all the shielding parameters were agreed well with the measured ones. Regardless of the γ-ray energy exposures, the shielding capacity of the studied glasses was improved with the increase of Bi2O3 doping contents. The proposed glass compositions were asserted to be useful for the γ-ray absorber applications.
Graphene-based ultra-wideband absorber for terahertz applications using hexagonal split ring resonators
Authors: Upender Patri , Kumar Amarjit 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
In this paper, a hexagonal split ring ultra-wideband absorber is proposed at THz frequency. The proposed structure consists of four graphene based hexagonal split rings, a dielectric substrate and graphene layer at the bottom. The proposed absorber achieves an ultra-wideband absorption characteristics from 0.95 THz to 2.96 THz with percentage bandwidth of 102.8% and bandwidth of 2.1THz with absorptivity beyond 90%. Also, 100% absorption is achieved from 2.07 to 2.33 THz making this unique feature for THz applications. Ultra-wideband response is mainly resulted because of overlapping of strong Electromagnetic (EM) resonance of the four split rings. The modes generated within the graphene split rings are merged for achieving ultra wide band response. Furthermore, the proposed absorber is polarization insensitive because of symmetry geometry and also exhibits absorption greater than 90% for incidence angle up to 75° for both TE and TM waves. In addition, tunability is achieved by varying the graphene chemical potential. These features make the proposed metal free absorber useful for terahertz applications and future nanoscale systems. The proposed absorber shows narrow absorption characteristics for higher graphene chemical potential values which can also be utilized for sensor applications.
Dissolution of four-stage to three-stage dynamic scaling behavior with stabilization of relaxor character in K0.5Bi0.5TiO3 based binary system
Authors: Pappachan Seethal , Rashid A , Nambi Venkatesan Giridharan 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Here, we report the dynamic scaling of a ferroelectric material at the transition compositions, from normal ferroelectric to relaxor ferroelectric (relaxor), with K0.5Bi0.5TiO3 (KBT) as base material and LiNbO3 (LN) as the substituent. Ferroelectric (Polarization Vs Electric field), piezoelectric (Strain Vs. Electric field) and temperature dependent dielectric data reveals that 0.98KBT-0.02LN (KLN2) has more of normal ferroelectric character while relaxor character is dominating in 0.97KBT-0.03LN (KLN3). The dynamic scaling study with constant frequency and varying electric field shows the evolution of a four-stage behavior for KLN2, distinct from previous reports with two-stage and three-stage behavior, while KLN3 shows 3-stage dynamic behavior. The evolution of a four-stage dynamic behavior is attributed to the clamping of domain walls at lower electric fields. The dissolution of the first and second stages into a single stage with the increase of LN content from 2% to 3% is attributed to the extinction of the clamping effect due to the emergence of polar nanodomains. To generalize the dissolution of stages with the increase of relaxor character, further studies are required.
Ethical implications of visual neuroprostheses—a systematic review
Authors: van Velthoven E A M , van Stuijvenberg O C , Haselager D R E , Broekman M , Chen X , Roelfsema P , Bredenoord A L , Jongsma K R 
Published: April 2022

AbstractObjective. The aim of this review was to systematically identify the ethical implications of visual neuroprostheses.Approach. A systematic search was performed in both PubMed and Embase using a search string that combined synonyms for visual neuroprostheses, brain–computer interfaces (BCIs), cochlear implants (CIs), and ethics. We chose to include literature on BCIs and CIs, because of their ethically relavant similarities and functional parallels with visual neuroprostheses.Main results. We included 84 articles in total. Six focused specifically on visual prostheses. The other articles focused more broadly on neurotechnologies, on BCIs or CIs. We identified 169 ethical implications that have been categorized under seven main themes: (a) benefits for health and well-being; (b) harm and risk; (c) autonomy; (d) societal effects; (e) clinical research; (f) regulation and governance; and (g) involvement of experts, patients and the public.Significance. The development and clinical use of visual neuroprostheses is accompanied by ethical issues that should be considered early in the technological development process. Though there is ample literature on the ethical implications of other types of neuroprostheses, such as motor neuroprostheses and CIs, there is a significant gap in the literature regarding the ethical implications of visual neuroprostheses. Our findings can serve as a starting point for further research and normative analysis.
The Impacts of Urban Air Pollution on Malaysian Traffic Police: A Framework for Evaluation of Real-Time Monitoring System on Its Usability
Authors: Jamil P A S M , Yusof N A D M , Karuppiah K , Rasdi I , How V , Tamrin S B M , Mani K K C , Naeni H S , Sambasivam S , Nata D H M S 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The respiratory health of Malaysian Traffic Police has been compromised by working in heavy traffic and congested junctions with bad air for long hours. A wireless outdoor individual exposure device is vital to track their exposure, however, the efficacy of the system remains uncertain. While existing techniques exist to examine the efficacy of such system, there is a lack of methodology for engaging multiple assessment methods to evaluate the degree of user experience. This paper aims to propose a methodological framework tool for a quantitative evaluation of the wireless outdoor individual exposure indicator system prototype. A systematic search was conducted in major electronic databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science, Google), grey literature sources and all relevant data in the field. A three-stage framework consisting of simulation real-time monitoring, in-field testing, and usability testing is assembled. The three-stage framework proposed serves as a generic approach for evaluating the prototype with the purpose of tracking individual outdoor exposure. The method is capable of describing the complete evaluation process, from the accuracy and performance of the sensor to the extent of the end-user experience. Using the three-stage approach, future researchers may be able to create a monitoring system that is relevant to their needs.
Association of short-term exposure to sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide with number of hypertensions in East Java, Indonesia
Authors: Firdausi S A , Azizah R , Jalaludin J , Zakaria Z A 
Published: April 2022

AbstractPreviously, several studies conducted related to hypertension which associated with sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. The number of East Java’s hypertension cases from 2015 to 2017 had increased. It is predicted that the number of hypertension cases would be increased. This study was aimed to determine the association between short term exposure to sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide with the number of hypertension cases in East Java. This research was an ecological study, where ambient air pollutants data were taken from the Environmental Management Information Report of East Java 2017, while the number of hypertension cases was taken from the report of Health Profile of East Java Province 2017. Spearman coefficient correlation was used to determine the objective. There was no association between sulphur dioxide with the number of hypertension cases according to gender (male: p= 0.624, r= -0.082; female: p= 0.697, r= -0.065; all cases: p= 0.768, r= -0.050) and nitrogen dioxide (male: p= at 0.24, r= 0.195; female: p= 0.611, r= 0.085; all cases: p= at 0.254, r= 0.190). There was an increase in the number of East Java hypertension cases. However, there was no association between SO2and NO2with the number of East Java hypertension cases.
A Review of Plastic-derived Diesel Fuel as a Renewable Fuel for Internal Combustion Engines: Applications, Challenges, and Global Potential
Authors: Nurdiyana Wan Mansor Wan , Ashraf Razali Nurul , Abdullah Samsuri , Nor Khasbi Jarkoni Mohammad , Busrya Eddy Sharin Anis , Huda Abd Kadir Nurul , Ramli Aima , Chao How-Ran , Lin Sheng-Lun , Jalaludin Juliana 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Plastics’ broad application in a wide range of industries has resulted in an increase in global plastic production rates over time. The continued need for plastic, which can take up a lot of space in landfills due to the accumulation of plastic trash, has contributed to environmental problems. To address the problem of plastic waste, many options, such as recycling and energy recovery technologies, have been created. One possible technique to address landfill issues is to convert plastic waste into diesel fuel. In this review, the potential use of plastic-derived diesel fuel in internal combustion engines as a renewable and sustainable energy source is discussed. It’s been found that due to similar properties in plastic-derived diesel fuel, it inherits similar performance in internal combustion engines.