Search

This study presents a pioneering approach to enhance the performance of flexible strain sensors based on polypyrrole (PPy) by incorporating micro-patterns onto polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates. Micro-patterned PPy films were generated through image-reversal photolithography and pattern lift-off followed by a straightforward chemical oxidative polymerization process to deposit the films. A method of surface treatment using the dopant sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS) was also used to enhance the conductivity of the degraded PPy films after the formation of patterns. We conducted a systematic exploration of various fabrication conditions, including unpatterned and three micro-patterned variants. Utilizing X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses, we investigated the interplay between SDBS treatment, structural modifications, and strain sensor performance. Our results unveiled that micro-patterned sensors treated with SDBS and capped by PDMS layer showed remarkable performance attributes. The sensors fabricated by this method exhibited a gauge factor of 35 at 100 % strain, coupled with a very fast response time of ∼2.8 ms under quasi-step function strain ranging from 0 to 1 % in 1.8 ms, demonstrating excellent durability across 500 stretching/release cycles. This study provides invaluable insights into enhancing the effectiveness of micro-patterned PPy/PDMS strain sensors, opening avenues for their widespread utilization in wearable electronics. [Display omitted] • Highly flexible strain sensors were fabricated using micro-patterned polypyrrole films on PDMS substrates. • The SDBS-treated, micro-patterned PPy/PDMS sensor capped with PDMS displayed superior sensing performance. • A gauge factor of ∼35 was achieved in the 0–100% strain range. • An ultra-fast transient response time of ∼2.8 ms was recorded under 0–1% strain. • Analyses of surface morphologies, XPS, and electrical characteristics examined the impact of micro-patterns and SDBS dopant on strain sensor performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the implementation of blockchain technology in the Chinese food supply chain during the COVID-19 pandemic and examines its advantages and challenges. This study uses an interpretive research strategy and theoretical framework to gather positive feedback on blockchain technology from the fresh vegetable food industry, online retailers, state-owned enterprises, the meat industry, the dairy industry, and retail stores. These findings highlight the potential benefits of blockchain, including enhanced efficiency, transparency, reliability, and traceability in the food supply chain. However, difficulties with labor data management, interoperability, data accuracy, financial constraints, and regulatory considerations have been identified. This study collects comprehensive data on labor management, standardized protocols, verification mechanisms, barrier-reduction efforts, and collaboration with stakeholders and regulators to address these challenges. This study aimed to create a more resilient and efficient food supply chain system by providing a roadmap for prioritizing improvements. The practical implications include risk management strategies, targeted support for farmers, and investments in sustainable agricultural practices to ensure food security. Overall, this study provides valuable insights for harnessing the potential of blockchain technology to strengthen the Chinese food supply chain amid crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theoretical insight into the thermodynamic, structural, electronic and optical properties of SrZr 1-x Ce x O 3 (x = 0, 0.037 and 0.125) ceramics is presented using DFT calculations for predicting their potential applications as photocatalysts. The stable incorporation of Ce4+ dopant at Zr site of SrZrO 3 is examined in terms of enthalpies of formation and defect formation energies using valid limits of atomic chemical potentials of the species involved in substitutional doping. Our results indicate expansion in the SrZrO 3 lattice and decrease of band gap with increasing cerium doping concentration. Significant differences are observed in the electronic and optical properties of SrZr 1-x Ce x O 3 ceramics due to different nature of unoccupied Ce- 4f states above the Femi level when cerium doping concentration increases from x = 0.037 to x = 0.125. Inclusion of the spin-orbit coupling in our DFT calculations are found to cause splitting of the unoccupied Ce- 4f states above Fermi level for high concentration of doping. The trends observed in the structural and electronic properties of SrZr 1-x Ce x O 3 ceramics with increasing cerium doping concentration are found to be qualitatively similar for calculations performed without and with the inclusion of spin-orbit coupling. We show that the near UV absorption of SrZrO 3 can be considerably enhanced by increasing cerium doping concentration beyond x = 0.037; making Ce4+ doped SrZrO 3 potential heterogeneous photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Watermelon is one of the fruit crops being produced in large scale (9000 ha in the year of 2021) in Malaysia. However, fungal diseases are a major factor in suppressing yield. In November 2019, field surveys in the states of Kelantan, Terengganu, and Penang found harvested watermelon showing fruit rot disease symptoms. In the present study, we delineated the pathogens causing these symptoms using morphological observations, molecular methods, and pathogenicity tests. Morphological characterization, DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis using ITS and TEF loci revealed that two isolates, S9 and S11, isolated from symptomatic fruits were Fusarium falciforme and F. oxysporum , respectively. Pathogenicity tests confirmed the both Fusarium species caused the observed symptoms, fulfilling Koch's postulates. This is the first report of these Fusarium species as the pathogens of watermelon fruit rot in Malaysia. Findings from the present study contribute to the knowledge of watermelon diseases in Malaysia, provide an essential foundation for development of effective pre-harvest and postharvest disease management strategies to curb disease spread. • Harvested watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) was found infected with fruit rot in major watermelon-producing states in Malaysia. • Two morphotypes of Fusarium species were characterized, further supported with multi-loci phylogenetic analyses. • The occurrence of F. falciforme and F. oxysporum on harvested watermelon showing fruit rot symptoms was clarified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work is definitely an approach towards attaining price competency of bio-diesel to petroleum diesel. The oils extracted from abundantly available waste of Zahidi, Basra and Khazravi date seeds were used to produce biodiesel using acid (HCl), base (KOH), immobilized enzyme (lipase), immobilized enzyme/acid (lipase/HCl) and immobilized enzyme/base (lipase/KOH) catalyzed processes. Mixed catalysis (immobilized enzyme + acid or immobilized enzyme + base) resulted in better yields in comparison to acid or base catalysis. The properties of biodiesel were evaluated by fuel standard tests and the results were compared with EN14214 and ASTM D6751 standards. Biodiesel produced from date seed oil was found to have a high cetane number (55–60.3), low iodine value (44–50) and good flash point (135–140 °C). Pour point of pure biodiesel produced from Khazravi and Zahidi was found to range from 2 to −2 °C. Biodiesel produced from Basra exhibited good pour point (−4.7 to −8.3 °C) in comparison to other varieties. The components present in biodiesel produced from various date varieties were determined by gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analyses (GCMS). The fatty acid (%) detected in date seed biodiesel were oleic acid (33.4–47.4), lauric acid (19–28), palmitic acid (13.6–19.2), myristic acid (13.6–17.44) and linoleic acid (6.4–8.5). A special feature of date seed oil biodiesel was the presence of considerable amounts of low chain fatty acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Feature selection using various statistical methods for Pima Indian diabetes data. [•] Feature generation using genetic programming for diabetes classification. [•] Diabetes classification using genetic programming, KNN and SVM classifier. [•] Comparative partner selection during crossover in genetic programming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a highly sensitive bending sensor fabricated with hydrothermally grown zinc oxide nanorod (NR) arrays cross-linked with interdigitated electrode patterns on polyethylene terephthalate substrates. To examine the effects of microstructural change in NR arrays on the device characteristics, N 2 O plasma treatment (PT) was carried out for 3 and 6 min for the seed layers. Negative resistance change (ΔR) was obtained in the case of convex bending, while positive ΔR was measured under the concave bending from every device prepared under different PT conditions, which is due to the change in the number of cross-linkings between the NRs. The device with no PT condition showed the highest gauge factor of 196 at a bending strain of 1.75% in the convex direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Gurson–Tvergaard–Needleman damage model is combined with bifurcation-based criteria. • Diffuse and localized necking are predicted in terms of forming limit diagrams. • Theoretical and numerical classifications of the bifurcation criteria are established. • General bifurcation criterion is shown to represent a lower bound to all bifurcation criteria. • Loss of ellipticity criterion provides an upper bound to the bifurcation criteria investigated. In this paper, four plastic instability criteria, which are based on the bifurcation theory, are coupled with the GTN damage model for the prediction of diffuse and localized necking. General bifurcation (GB) criterion and limit-point bifurcation (LPB) criterion are used to predict diffuse necking, while loss of ellipticity (LOE) criterion and loss of strong ellipticity (LOSE) criterion are used to predict localized necking. The resulting constitutive equations and instability criteria are implemented into the finite element code ABAQUS/Standard. The constitutive equations are formulated within the framework of large deformations and fully three-dimensional approach. Since the developed numerical tools have intended applications mainly for thin sheet metals; therefore, the plane-stress conditions are considered within the instability criteria. The present contribution focuses on the effect of destabilizing mechanisms, due to non-associative plasticity and non-normal plastic flow rule, on the prediction of forming limit diagrams (FLDs). Theoretical classification of the bifurcation criteria, in terms of their order of prediction of critical necking strains, is first presented. Then, several variants of the GTN model are combined with the bifurcation criteria for the prediction of FLDs for fictitious materials. It is shown that the hierarchical prediction order of the different instability criteria is consistent with the theoretical classification, for all the considered variants of the GTN model. More specifically, it is shown that the GB criterion provides a lower bound to all bifurcation criteria, in terms of necking prediction, while the LOE criterion represents an upper bound. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

95 patients requiring fixed partial denture were selected from OPD of KKUCOD, Abha; age ranged from 20 to 50 years. Selection criteria: the subjects requiring fixed partial denture (Crown or Bridge) for either maxillary or mandibular arch were included in the study. Subjects with adjacent non restored, non discolored natural teeth were taken as a reference for the selection of the shade. Ishihara color blindness test was conducted on all the participants to check color blindness. A score of ten out of eleven plates was considered as normal. The informed consent was taken from all the subjects for using their data in the research. Within the limitations of this study, the following conclusions were obtained: - • 55% of cases the interns were able to select the shade similar to spectrophotometer • 70% of cases Lab technicians were able to duplicate the shade similar to selected shade of spectrophotometer. It is recommended that in the clinics optimum conditions should be made for operator to select the shade or a separate shade selection chamber should be provided with following conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Participants will be able to do as follows: 1) appreciate the process of developing a national ASD plan in a small country similar to Qatar; 2) identify the challenges faced in developing a national ASD plan; and 3) discuss the factors included in the development of a national ASD plan. It is possible to create a national ASD plan with the right components in place, including the country's top leadership support, involvement of all the stakeholders, and families and parents leading the way. [Extracted from the article]

The investigation focused on examining the structural, optical, elastic, and thermoelectric properties of the developing double perovskites Rb 2 NaTlZ 6 (Z = Cl, Br, and I). The cubic phase of the investigated halide double perovskites (HDPs) was confirmed, based on the tolerance factor (τ) metrics of 0.853, 0.845, and 0.835, respectively. The thermodynamic stability of HDPs was evidenced by the negative formation energies. The mechanical stability, ductility, and anisotropic characteristics of the material under investigation are determined by its elastic parameters. The existence of a direct band gap (E g) has been confirmed by density of states and electronic band gap calculations. The determined values for the band gap are 3.4, 2.6, and 2.1 eV, respectively. The current study centers on examining the absorption of light energy, refractive index, polarization, and optical loss across the complete energy spectra spanning between 0 and 10 eV. The spectral features revealed their appropriateness for photovoltaic energy systems due to the absorption unfolding within the UV spectrum. The thermoelectric properties, as assessed by using the BoltzTraP code, indicated that the highest ZT values obtained for both materials were 0.63, 0.63, and 0.71, respectively. Although these materials exhibit minimal optical absorption in the visible along with significant optical absorption in the ultraviolet region and possess a moderate ZT value, it is imperative to explore effective techniques for tuning the energy band gap to augment the thermoelectric and material's spectral properties. Therefore, this modification renders it more appropriate for experimental and practical utilization in the field of energy production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cheap Production of bioethanol from renewable lignocellulosic waste has the imperative potential to economically cut burgeoning world dependency on fossils while reducing net emission of carbon dioxide (CO 2), a principal greenhouse gas (GHGs). This paper highlights key benefits and status of bioethanol production technologies, aiming mainly on recent developments and its key potentials in Pakistan. Most sector of Pakistan economy heavily rely on the energy and power that is being produced using traditional approaches like from oil and hydel. However, the sedimentation in dams cut-down the energy generation and overwhelmed severe energy crisis that are witnessed since last decade. Thus, Pakistan must go to avail alternative sources of energy like hydro, biomass and solar so that energy security can be ensured to recover the tremendous loss of economy. Renewable biomass is abundantly available in Pakistan which can be used to produce bioethanol and electricity. Currently, 22 distilleries are producing the ethanol from sugar cane bagasse and out of these only 8 distillation units are producing motor fuel grade ethanol. The current bioethanol production of country is about 403,500 tons/year along with 2423 tons of biodegradable waste available in major cities. In addition, Pakistan produces 6.57, 0.5, 0.66, and 2.66 million tons of sugarcane, corn, rice, and wheat straw per annum, respectively. This biomass can produce 1.6 million liters of bioethanol which can produce approximately 38% of Pakistan's electricity annually. Despite having large potential, Pakistan is still producing a few volumes of ethanol from sugarcane bagasse. The production of bioethanol can be boosted using (I) pretreatment of agricultural biomass by alkali (II) enzymatic and bacteria-based hydrolysis of the biomass (III) post-hydrolysis using pressurized steam above 100 °C (IV) Fermentation of the biomass@ 7–10 h and (V) and (VI) distillation of bioethanol. This study recommends (1) increase R&D capacities mainly in the west and central regions of Pakistan, (2) initiate mega-projects to promote integrated bio-ethanol production at agriculture farms by providing 1/3 subsides, (3) purchase of bioethanol directly from the major agricultural farms, (4) produce bioethanol related manpower from the key research institutes as specified in this study. • Upgradation of inefficient biogas to bioethanol can solve energy crisis. • Study witnessed huge potential of bioethanol (403,500 tons/year) from cheap biomass. • Key technical barriers in the green development of ethanol is emphasized fact-sheet. • Study implementation will replace inefficient biomass burn into ethanol combustion. • Study will definitively help policy makers to sustain lives of Pakistan people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-stigma has a negative impact on the lives of children with mental health illnesses. These results identified significant self-stigmatization among the children diagnosed with mental health illnesses in Lahore, Pakistan. [Extracted from the article]

Agriculture plays a vital role in global food security, but conventional practices have led to environmental degradation and health risks due to excessive use of agricultural nutrients and chemicals. In this era of increased consumer awareness and preference for organic food, the challenge lies in making informed choices amidst various crop production options. To address this, the present research introduces a groundbreaking study that utilizes blockchain technology to record and trace information on crop production from seeds to end-user consumption, enabling easy consumer choices. This study introduces a model that integrates Internet of Things (IoT) sensors to monitor the impact of selected chemicals and nutrients used in agriculture to enhance production yields. To ensure sustainability, the study employs the low-energy adaptive clustering hierarchy (LEACH) protocol, which optimizes energy consumption and network stability, thereby avoiding disruptions. Results indicate that different fertilizers affect soil physical properties such as temperature and moisture. These parameters are monitored using the Agriculture Vercel App, equipped with temperature, moisture, and light sensors in agricultural fields. The app provided threshold readings via alert notifications, revealing significant fluctuations in temperature (12%–43%) and moisture (83%–41%) concentrations upon the application of specific fertilizers like "Agricultural lime" and "Calcium Ammonium Nitrate." Our IoT-based model is linked with private blockchain technology to prioritize consumer choice and facilitate transparency. This integration enhances food security while mitigating environmental degradation risks. By providing a comprehensive record of crop production practices, our model empowers consumers to make informed decisions aligned with their health and environmental concerns. This research demonstrates the potential of combining IoT and blockchain technologies to revolutionize agriculture, ensure sustainable practices, and promote food security. The findings offer significant implications for policymakers, farmers, and consumers, fostering a more sustainable and health-conscious approach to agriculture worldwide. [Display omitted] • The current study provides directions for creating a ledger to record all data related to crop quality. • The combination of Blockchain technology with the Internet of Things makes tracking the Supply Chain of Agricultural products easy. • IoT Sensors enhance the effectiveness of resource management. • Real-time information reduces the chances of food waste globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Role of hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) has been reviewed on storage of fruits and vegetables. • H 2 S delays ripening and retards senescence of fruits and vegetables during storage. • H 2 S maintains color, inhibits enzymatic browning, and conserve intracellular energy. • H 2 S suppresses postharvest decay and conserves nutraceutical/bioactive compounds. • H 2 S is suitable to delay senescence and maintain quality of fruits and vegetables. Abstract Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) is a flammable, colorless and hazardous gas. Initially it was considered as an environment toxic gas; but, after its endogenous production discovery in plants, a wide variety of functions have been found associated with H 2 S. H 2 S plays an imperative role in the modulation of ripening and quality changes in various fruits and vegetables by regulating certain physiological aspects such as respiration, ethylene biosynthesis, color metabolism, enzymatic browning, softening, chilling injury and postharvest decay during storage. H 2 S also acts as a signaling molecule to combat against oxidative stress by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to up-regulation of antioxidative enzymes activities. Reduced membrane permeability, inhibited lipid peroxidation, up-regulation of antioxidant activities and inhibition of ROS production eventually leads to reduced senescence having conserved quality with extended shelf or cold storage life of H 2 S treated fruits and vegetables. Potential of H 2 S in delaying ripening and reducing senescence of fruits and vegetables is generally accepted. However, it may be worth considering the commercial H 2 S application as a strategy of conserving external color, retarding senescence and reducing various physiological storage disorders of fruits and vegetables with acceptable consumer quality in the future. This review summarizes the possible role and mechanism of H 2 S in prolonging storage life and conserving the quality attributes of fruit and vegetable crops during shelf or low temperature storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead free perovskites are crucial for the environmental friendly solar cell materials. ASnX 3 (A = Rb, K; X = Cl, Br, I) perovskites have been relatively less explored compared to other compounds of the same family. In this work, inorganic halide based perovskites ASnX 3 (A = Rb, K; X = Cl, Br, I) have been studied at zero and higher pressure. Interesting physical variations were observed in these materials under the application of pressure. Exchange correlation effects are suitably selected for the structural and optoelectronic properties. The absorption edge appears to red shifted as the influence of pressure on the compounds rises (red shift). Materials demonstrates higher absorption under the strained geometry. These materials can find certain applications in the optoelectronic devices owning to their suitable energy bandgaps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their numerous superior properties, the advent of ultra-wide bandgap (UWBG) semiconductors with bandgaps noticeably greater than 3.4 eV ushers in a new era of advancement in a variety of fields. UWBG have enormous potential for electronic device advancement, as device performance improves nonlinearly as band gap values increase. To comprehend their unique properties, detailed knowledge of the nature of materials and their role in determining the properties is required. We used density functional theory (DFT) in conjunction with an accurate screened-hybrid functional to determine the electronic and optical properties of Lithium Samarium Oxide (LiSmO 2). The electronic structure calculations revealed an indirect bandgap of 5.14 eV, providing a material platform for expanding the semiconductor industry beyond the well-established wide bandgap semiconducting materials. Following that, we investigated the optical properties and discovered that LiSmO 2 was transparent in the infrared and visible regions, indicating that it could be used as an infrared window material. DFT calculations of the structural, electronic, and optical properties of LiSmO 2 were carried out using two different types of generalized gradient approximations, namely PBE-GGA and the Hyed-Scuseria-Enzerhof (HSE06) hybrid functionals. When compared to the results of PBE, HSE06 calculates structural and electronic properties that are closer to the experimental values. The band gap as determined by HSE06 is 5.14 eV. A 1.42 eV shift in the band gap of LiSmO 2 was observed when the hybrid functional was used instead of PBE-GGA. The static dielectric function ε 1 is estimated to be approximately 3.6 eV. Our findings place LiSmO 2 at the forefront of the quest for the next generation of semiconductor materials that enable more efficient energy optoelectronics and power electronics by reducing electric power losses, UV mirror, and solar blind applications. • To find the accurate band gap value, we employed HSE06 approximation for the first time. • We discovered that the functional choice has a significant effect on the electronic structure. • The static dielectric function ε 1 is calculated around 3.7 eV. • The maximum α (ω) value determined in this work agrees well with that of experiment. • The n (ω) of LiSmO 2 near band gap value is larger than that of GaN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A prospective study was done to determine the referrals patterns, demographic profile, and predominant medical and psychological concerns in children and adolescents referred to a new dedicated pediatric consultation liaison (CL) psychiatry service in the Middle East. Referrals to the inpatient CL team most commonly occurred through general pediatrics, endocrinology, and pulmonology specialties, each with a 20.8% referral rate. 2) There were 5 times more outpatient clinic referrals than inpatient in keeping with initial CL development period. [Extracted from the article]