Contact Size Research Articles

Correlates of non-institutional delivery to delayed initiation of breastfeeding in Nigeria: logit-decomposition and subnational analysis of population-based survey

BackgroundStudies have connected newborn delivery settings and modality to optimal breastfeeding, but how it influences untimely initiation, mostly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa is unknown. Hence, the role of home delivery on delay initiation of breastfeeding (DIBF) in Nigeria was investigated to inform evidence-based strategy for improved breastfeeding practice.MethodologyThis is a secondary analysis of births (11,469 home and 7632 facility delivery) by 19,101 reproductive age women in the 2018 NDHS. DIBF is the outcome, home birth is the exposure, and explanatory variables were classified as: socio-demographics, obstetrics and economic factors. Descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) were reported, and bivariate (chi-square) analysis was carried out at 20% (p < 0.20) cutoff point. Multivariable logistic regression assessed the probability and significance of the outcome per place of birth. Multivariate decomposition further evaluated the endowment and coefficient effect contribution by independent factors to the outcome. Analysis was carried out at p < 0.05 (95% confidence level) on Stata.Results56.6% of mothers DIBF, with 37.1% and 19.5% from home and facility delivery, respectively. Home delivery (AOR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.17–1.52) increase the chance of DIBF by 34%, while DIBF probability reduces by 26% in facility delivery (AOR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.65–0.85). DIBF is 5 times more likely in caesarian section delivery (AOR = 5.10, 95% CI 4.08–6.38) compared to virginal birth in facility delivery. Skilled antenatal provider, parity and wealth are negatively associated with DIBF in home birth, while undesired pregnancy, rural residency, partial/no skin-to-skin contact and large child size positively influence DIBF in both home and facility delivery. Skilled antenatal provider (C = − 66.3%, p < 0.01) and skin-to-skin contact (C = − 60.6%, p < 0.001) contributed most to reducing the negative DIBF effect with 69% and 31% overall characteristics and coefficient effect component, respectively. DIBF is more likely in Bauchi and Sokoto but less likely in Bayelsa.ConclusionsHigh DIBF prevalent in Nigeria was largely due to elevated rate of home birth, positively associated with DIBF. Caesarian section delivery though heightens the chance of DIBF in facility delivery. Strengthening utilization of skilled provider and skin-to-skin contact can eliminate two-third of the adverse DIBF effect and improve early initiation rate. Adopting this strategy will bridge home-facility delivery gap to achieve optimal breastfeeding practice.

Atomic Friction Processes of Two-Dimensional Materials.

In this Perspective, we present the recent advances in atomic friction measured of two-dimensional materials obtained by friction force microscopy. Starting with the atomic-scale stick-slip behavior, a beautiful highly nonequilibrium process, we discuss the main factors that contribute to determine sliding friction between single asperity and a two-dimensional sheet including chemical identity of material, thickness, external load, sliding direction, velocity/temperature, and contact size. In particular, we focus on the latest progress of the more complex friction behavior of moiré systems involving 2D layered materials. The underlying mechanisms of these frictional characteristics observed during the sliding process by theoretical and computational studies are also discussed. Finally, a discussion and outlook on the perspective of this field are provided.

Carbon Emission of Global Construction Sector Using Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) Method

Construction industry is wide products of scale creates, and more companies equally different. However, involved in on-site construction most companies smaller and local. Globalization and internationalism balance of construction department despite that, construction most of the activities are carried out by local companies. Required in the manufacturing process goods and services outsource in construction of the doing (among other companies like businesses) a there is a trend. Construction materials, plant and equipment usually from other companies purchased or purchased hired. Special services by subcontractors are provided, and labor by labor agents. Design and engineering services are separate professional provided by companies. Construction industry in india by 2025 it would reach $ 1.4 tn expected. Cities driving growth - total 75% of domestic production% urban people to contribute to the contributing amount (63% currently), and 68 cities more than 1 mn contains the population. Construction industry in india market 250 sub-sectors with links to departments works. Environment and substantial in society global for outcomes the construction industry is responsible. Of our built environment construction and use global greenhouse gas 39% of emissions. Built environment year global co2 makes 40% of emissions. In those total emissions, building activities annually 27% cause, same building and infrastructure at the time materials and construction (generally packed carbon) they are referred to as 13% of the year's addition responsible. Working in the country about 16 percent of the population for people to live for its livelihood depends on construction. Indian construction industry 30 more than millions use people and ₹ 200 billion makes more assets. This is the country's gdp for 5 percent of the product, for total capital formation contributes more than 78 percent. Gray related analysis related to ash calculation degree and measurement or between computer factors the main behavior of the organization the level of contribution influence decides to be once. Between factors or between action for two systems of relationship two gray contact size called. G.mr. The basic of a method the principle is that, selected alternative in a positive-body solution from “large-scale ash relationship” and “small gray” of the relationship must have negative- the physical solution. Gray related huashong analysis science and technology deng of the university created by julang. This gray system theory very widely used one of the models. G.mr.a a specific information concept uses. It's black no information as situations and proper those who contain information defines white. Alternative taken as Unrenewable, Renewable, Nonenergy. Evaluation preference taken as China, European, India, Russia, US. From the result it is seen that US is got the first rank where as is the Russia is having the lowest rank. US is ranked first and Russia is ranked lowest.

Current Confinement Effect on the Performance of Blue Light Micro-LEDs with 10 μm Dimension.

The current confinement effect on the micro-LED (μLED) with a 10 μm dimension was simulated using SpeCLED software. In this study, three p-contact sizes were considered: 2 μm × 2 μm, 5 μm × 5 μm, and 8 μm × 8 μm dimensions for μLEDs with a 10 μm dimension. According to the simulation data, the highest external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 13.24% was obtained with a 5 μm × 5 μm contact size. The simulation data also showed that the μLEDs with narrow contact sizes experienced higher operating temperatures due to the current crowding effect. The experimental data revealed a red-shift effect in narrow contact sizes, indicating higher heat generation in those devices. As the contact sizes increased from 2 to 8 μm, the turn-on voltage decreased due to lower equivalent resistance. Additionally, the leakage current increased from 44 pA to 1.6 nA at a reverse voltage of -5 V. The study found that the best performance was achieved with a contact ratio of 0.5, which resulted in the highest EQE at 9.95%. This superior performance can be attributed to the better current confinement of the μLED compared to the μLED with a contact ratio of 0.8, resulting in lower leakage current and improved current spreading when compared to the μLED with a contact ratio of 0.2.

Impact Analysis of Metallization Design and Recombination Losses on Performance of Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells

Using Griddler software, this study aims to select the optimal metallization design by analyzing the impact of the number and sizes of busbars and fingers on a solar cell’s performance. There is interest in the PV industry to reduce the finger size toward 25 μm in upcoming years. It is shown that an increase in the number and size of busbars and fingers causes an increase in the fill factor; however, with regards to the cell’s efficiency, the shading factor should be considered in addition to the size and number of metal contacts. The results of this study indicate that solar cells’ efficiency could be increased by 0.33–0.84% when using five busbars and a finger width of 35 μm. Moreover, this increase is achieved by reducing the emitter resistance to less than 60 ohm/sq and considering a recombination rate of about 165 fA/cm2.

Manipulation and Characterization of Submillimeter Shearing Contacts in Graphite by the Micro-Dome Technique.

Manipulation techniques are the key to measuring fundamental properties of layered materials and their monolayers (2D materials) on the micro- and nanoscale as well as a necessity to the solution of relevant existing challenges. An example is the challenge against upscaling structural superlubricity, a phenomenon of near-zero friction and wear in solid contacts. To date, the largest single structural superlubric contact only has a size of a few tens of micrometers, which is achieved on graphite mesa, a system that has shown microscale superlubricity. The first obstacle against extending the contact size is the lack of suitable manipulation techniques. Here, a micro-dome technique is demonstrated on graphite mesas by shearing contacts 2500 times larger in area than previously possible. With this technique, submillimeter graphite mesas are opened, characterized for the first time, and compared to their microscale counterparts. Interfacial structures, which are possibly related to the failure of superlubricity, are observed: commensurate grains, external steps, and carbon aggregates. Furthermore, a proof-of-concept mechanical model is developed to understand how the micro-dome technique works and to predict its limits. Finally, a dual-axis force measuring device is developed and integrated with the micro-dome technique to measure the normal and lateral forces when shearing submillimeter mesas. These results provide a platform technique for future research on structural superlubricity on different scales and manipulation of structures of layered materials in general.

Volatile Compound Release from Oak Chips in Model Wine Media: Combined Influence of Toasting Degree, Size, Time of Contact, and Ethanol Content.

The effects of size, toasting degree, and time of contact on the release of volatile compounds from Quercus alba (L.) chips during a simulated fermentation and post-fermentative process were studied. The results obtained indicated that the large-size chips favored the release of furfural and furfuryl alcohol, while the small ones increased the concentration of cyclotene and maltol. The interaction between chip size and time of contact showed that the small-size chips are more sensitive to the increase of ethanol concentration for the extraction rate of some compounds (furfural, vanillin, maltol, cyclotene, whiskey lactones, and eugenol) compared to the large-size ones, increasing their concentrations at the end of maceration. The toasting degree of oak chips had a different influence on the volatile compounds studied. Cyclotene and guaiacol concentrations increased with the toasting intensity, whereas the extracted concentration of all compounds increased from light to medium-toasted chips, except for eugenol, and then decreased by further increasing the toasting level for 5-methylfurfural, whiskey lactones, eugenol, and only using high-level toasted chips for furfuryl alcohol, maltol, and vanillin. A possible protection effect of the chip size toward the possible degradation or volatilization losses of furfural for high toasting degrees was observed.

Development of the test method for wind turbine blade subcomponent under combined bending and torsion loads

The conventional full-scale wind turbine blade testing method is unable to study the detailed structural response of blades' key subcomponents under complex loads. Therefore, developing an efficient and reliable blade subcomponent testing method is of great significance for investigating the structural characteristics of blades. This paper develops an innovative blade subcomponent test method framework, which is capable of studying the structural response under combined bending and torsion load conditions. A high-fidelity finite element model corresponding to the framework that considers nonlinear factors is established. This study further investigated the influence of boundary conditions on the results. The results showed that the test method proposed in this paper is reasonable, and the experiment based on this method is successfully conducted. The contact nonlinearity and size effects will affect the accuracy of the test results, which can be avoided by adjusting the size of the clamp.

Nanoscale Schottky contacts to GaN: Theoretical study and a brief review

Nanostructured GaN materials, including nanowires and nanorods, are advantageous for nanoscale devices, owing to their higher surface-to-volume ratio than thin films. Despite the technological progress, there exist many issues to be solved for commercial applications. To realize nanostructured GaN devices, it is essential to figure out thoroughly the current transport mechanisms with regard to the nanoscale contact size. Experimental and theoretical studies have shown that the transport properties in nanoscale Schottky contacts are quite different from those in thin-film based contacts. In this article, theoretical models reported by other researchers are considered to calculate the potential profiles near the metal/GaN interfaces and the current transport mechanisms in nanoscale contacts are investigated. In addition, the results on the nanoscale Schottky contacts to GaN are reviewed to throw light on important issues in GaN nanoscale devices.

Device‐Level Optimization ofn‐Type Mg3(Sb, Bi)2‐Based Thermoelectric Modules toward Applications: A Perspective

AbstractIn recent decades, improvements in thermoelectric material performance have made it more practical to generate electricity from waste heat and to use solid‐state devices for refrigeration. However, despite the development of successful strategies to enhance the figure‐of‐meritzT, optimizing devices for large‐scale applications remains challenging. HighzTvalues do not guarantee excellent device performance, and maintaining highzTover a wide temperature range is difficult. Thus, device‐level structural optimization is crucial for maximizing overall energy conversion efficiency. Proper interfacial and structure design strategies, including contact layer selection, multi‐stage optimization, and size matching for then‐ andp‐type thermoelectric legs, are necessary for advancing device performance. Additionally, thermal stability issues, device assembly techniques, mechanical properties, and manufacturing costs are crucial considerations for large‐scale applications. To achieve actual applications, the thermoelectric community must look beyond simply aiming for highzTvalues. This article focuses on modules based onn‐type Mg3(Sb, Bi)2, one of the most promising commercially available thermoelectric materials, and discusses the influence of various parameters on the modules and on the corresponding device‐level optimization strategies.

Assessment of the Factors Influencing the Recording Performance of Circumneural Electrodes.

The quality of recorded peripheral nerve signals is decisive for their application in therapies. The electroneurogram can be recorded via implantable circumeural electrodes that are wrapped around the peripheral nerve. The shape and amplitude of the signal recorded by the electrode are influenced by the design and contact configuration of the electrode. In this paper, the impact of the number of contacts, contact size and electrical insulation to the outside is investigated to predict the single fiber action potential based on the measured impedance data.

The combined effect of contact interface size and spin on lubricated traction in rolling-sliding point contacts

Traction in lubricated rolling and sliding contacts plays an important role in the performance of several machine elements. Many of such elements are subject to spin motion, which can affect their performance. Recent studies have also highlighted the effects of the contact scale on the traction behaviour. Nevertheless, their combined effect was not investigated to date. The present study, therefore, analyses the effect of both on the traction in heavily-loaded lubricated contacts. To this end, a novel semi-analytical traction prediction model was developed considering spin motion. The results show that increasing the contact size and/or spinning speed leads to a reduction in traction coefficient and contact efficiency due to thermal effects. These conclusions have important practical applications designing machine elements.

Nonlinear transport properties of atomic copper point contacts

We report studies on the nonlinear electronic transport properties of copper point contacts. Utilizing the mechanically controllable break junction technique, various contact sizes can be realized to study ensemble-averaged differential conductance spectra at low temperatures. We investigate signatures of phonon excitations for contact sizes down to the atomic scale, where conductance fluctuations arise superimposing the phonon signatures. Applying high bias voltages to atomic-size copper contacts reveal additional features caused by atomic rearrangements.

A force–displacement relation based on the JKR theory for DEM simulations of adhesive particles

Studying the collective behavior of adhesive particles with the discrete element method (DEM) requires well-founded force–displacement relations (force models). While the Johnson–Kendall–Roberts (JKR) theory reliably predicts the dependence of the contact radius a on the force F, it has remained a challenge in this framework to obtain a straightforward force–displacement relation F(δ) with physically meaningful parameters to calculate the force F from the displacement δ. We derive a novel force–displacement relation from the JKR theory as a composition of functions F(δ)=(F∘a∘λ)(δ), with the intermediate functions contact radius a(λ) and effective adhesive contact radius λ(δ). We also analyze contact geometry errors in the Hertz and JKR models, derive the exact contact centroid to accurately calculate contact torques and relative tangential velocities, and propose a smoothed JKR model to avoid discontinuities in force and energy. We find that incorrect torques and relative tangential velocities are obtained when the stiffness quotient is neglected because it affects the exact location of the contact centroid. We also find that contact geometry errors can become non-negligible for nanoparticles due to their large relative contact size. In addition, we show from bouncing ball simulations that the JKR models with a nominal coefficient of restitution derived for the Hertz model result in higher damping and thus reduced actual coefficients of restitution. Our analysis serves as a foundation for contact-mechanics-based force models for DEM simulations of adhesive particles to investigate their collective behavior in the future.

Analytical Parasitic Resistance and Capacitance Models for Nanosheet Field-Effect Transistors

We developed analytical compact models of parasitic resistance and capacitance ( <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">RC</i> ) for nanosheet field-effect transistors (NSFETs) with metal contact structures. The proposed model accurately captures the number of sheets, sheet geometry, gate, source, drain, and contact sizes. The parasitic resistance model generated in each region was modeled using the transmission line method (TLM) and the spread resistance model. The parasitic capacitance model was modeled using the conformal mapping method based on the distribution of the electric field. The developed models were validated by changing the structural parameters. The proposed models were implemented in Berkeley short-channel IGFET model (BSIM)-common multi-gate (CMG) to enable circuit performance prediction. With our proposed model, we can accurately predict the circuit performance of NSFETs, capturing the recent scaling trends and process variations in the proposed NSFET.

Family size and vaccination among older individuals: The case of COVID-19 vaccine

While vaccination is generally considered efficient in protecting against transmissible diseases, the compliance is not complete in many countries. In this study, we investigate how an individual-specific factor – family size – affects the probability of getting vaccinated against COVID-19. To answer this research question, we focus on individuals above 50 years of age, who are at a higher risk of developing severe symptoms. The analysis uses the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe Corona wave, conducted in the summer of 2021. To identify the effect of family size on vaccination, we exploit an exogenous variation in the probability of having more than two children, due to the sex composition of two firstborns. We document that a larger family size increases the probability of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine among older individuals. This impact is economically and statistically significant. We propose several potential mechanisms behind this result and document that family size can be related to the higher probability of being exposed to the disease. This effect can be by knowing someone who tested positive for COVID-19 or had symptoms similar to it, and by network size and frequency of contact with children, before the outbreak of COVID-19.

Sustainable Use of Soil and Water Conservation Technologies and Its Determinants: The Case of the Handosha Watershed, Omo-Gibe River Basin, Ethiopia

For the past forty years, Ethiopia has been promoting sustainable land management activities to enhance agricultural productivity. This study was intended to identify the factors determining farmers’ adoption and continued use of soil bund measures in the Handosha watershed, Omo-Gibe river basin. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 340 households using the Heckman sample selection model. A total of 235 (69.12%) households adopted soil bunds, but only 89 (37.87%) of them were sustainably practicing soil bunds on their farm plots. Most adopters widely practiced soil bunds (49.42%), followed by stone bund (15.9%), and Fanyajuu (10%). The empirical results of the Heckman sample selection model showed that the farming experience, land tenure security, and perception of profitability of conservation measures were significantly positively affected the adoption of soil bund. Whereas, farm plot size and participation in off farm activities significantly negatively influenced the adoption of soil bund. Sustainable use of soil bund measures were significantly positively influenced by land tenure security, family size, and frequency of extension contact, whereas the distance between farm plots and home, and farm plot size were negatively affected. As a result, a design of agro-ecological-based soil and water conservation (SWC) measures was essential in reducing farmland vulnerability to soil erosion and food insecurity. It has been concluded that conservation practices should not only focus on the implementation and biophysical factors but also consider the socioeconomic interests of the farmers to improve the sustainable use of conservation technologies.

Analysis of Sustainable Agricultural Practices and Profit Efficiency of Maize Farmers in Oyo and Ogun States, Nigeria

This study evaluates the adoption of Sustainable Agricultural Practices (SAP) and its effect on the profit efficiency of maize farmers in Oyo and Ogun State of Nigeria. The use of a multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 174 and 196 maize farmers from Oyo and Ogun State respectively. Primary data were obtained through questionnaire administration. Analysis of data was done with descriptive statistics, Multivariate Probit Model and stochastic profit frontier model. The result of the study indicated that farmers’ mean age was 40 years, and were operating on a small scale of 5.1 hectares on average. Sustainable practices were adopted by less than half of the farmers. However, improved seed utilization was adopted by more than two third of the farmers. Age, educational level, size of household, extension contact, association membership, and farm size were the determining variables influencing sustainable practices adoption. Multivariate probit results indicated that significant correlations exist between adoption options. Rent on land (β = 0.9919, p&lt;0.01), price of seed (β = -0.5583, p&lt;0.10), price of labour (β = 1.1910, p&lt;0.01), and price of herbicide (β = 0.1639, p&lt;0.01) were the significant variables in the profit efficiency model. SAP factors affecting profit efficiency were the use of organic manure, cover cropping, and zero tillage. This study proved that policy strategies geared towards farmers’ adoption of sustainable agricultural practices should consider farmers’ specific socioeconomic factors and emphasize the complementarities and substitutability between different SAPs to broaden farmers’ options.

7.5 kV, 6.2 GW cm−2 NiO/β-Ga2O3 vertical rectifiers with on–off ratio greater than 1013

Vertical geometry NiO/β n-Ga2O/n+ Ga2O3 heterojunction rectifiers with contact sizes from 50 to 200 μm diameter showed breakdown voltages (VB) up to 7.5 kV for drift region carrier concentration of 8 × 1015 cm−3. This exceeds the unipolar 1D limit for SiC and was achieved without substrate thinning or annealing of the epi layer structure. The power figure-of-merit, VB2/RON, was 6.2 GW cm−2, where RON is the on-state resistance (9.3–14.7 mΩ cm2). The average electric field strength was 7.56 MV/cm, approaching the maximum for β-Ga2O3. The on–off ratio switching from 5 to 0 V was 2 × 1013, while it was 3 × 1010–2 × 1011 switching to 100 V. The turn-on voltage was in the range 1.9–2.1 V for the different contact diameters, while the reverse current density was in the range 2 × 10−8–2 × 10−9 A cm−2 at −100 V. The reverse recovery time was 21 ns, while the forward current density was &amp;gt;100 A/cm2 at 5 V.

Effect of adhesion on the frictionless receding contact between an elastic layer and a substrate

ABSTRACT In the present work, adhesion has been incorporated in a model for receding contact between an elastic layer and a half plane under flat and parabolic punches. Based on the JKR model for adhesion and with the help of integral transformation, solution of the problem may be reduced to a system of singular integral equations. A numerical scheme has been proposed and verified. The effect of adhesion on contact size and the stresses has been demonstrated.