High Volume Research Articles

Growth and yield response of Tanjung II and Unpad CB2 red chili varieties grown in the medium land

Red chili is an important commodity that is daily needed by the community. Non-central chili areas often experience deficits due to the high consumption volume and low productivity of chili peppers. To increase the productivity of chili in non-central areas, expand it in the medium land. This study aims to determine the productivity of two introduced chili varieties in the medium land whose adaptation areas came from lowland and highland areas. This study was analyzed using an independent sample T-test at a significant level of 5%. The results of the data analysis showed that the Tanjung II variety significantly influenced the parameters of stem diameter and weight of the fruit. Meanwhile, the Unpad CB2 variety significantly influences the parameters of plant height, number of leaves, number of flowers, number of fruits, and fruit set. However, both varieties have no noticeable effect on the weight parameters of the cropping fruit and potential yield in hectares. The Tanjung II variety experienced a decrease in yield by 54.58%, while the Unpad CB2 variety was 53.56%.

3PL Fire and Safety Hazard Assessment and Mitigation

3PL facilities, handling high volumes of goods, face unique fire and safety risks. This abstract explores assessing and mitigating these hazards. Common fire hazards include flammable materials, electrical issues, and improper storage. Safety hazards encompass slips, falls, and misuse of machinery. Assessment techniques involve inspections, reviewing safety data sheets, and analyzing incidents. Mitigation strategies focus on fire safety plans, proper storage, electrical safety, and employee training. The abstract emphasizes preventative maintenance and a culture of safety for a safer 3PL environment.

Feasibility of using bean crop residues for feeding sheep during dry season shortage: implications for economic and environmental resilience

ABSTRACT In Cuba, beans are part of the traditional gastronomy and livelihood of the people. During bean harvest, farmers generate high volumes of stubble, which they burn, thus adversely affecting soil health and organic matter, air quality, and greenhouse gas emissions. Bean harvest occurs during the dry season, a period of feed shortage for livestock, such that integrating farming and livestock production could be a way to feed and fatten sheep at little cost. We assessed the feasibility of feeding bean stubble to sheep by determining 1) volumes produced and nutritional value of stubble, 2) acceptability, performance, and carcass yields of lambs fed stubble, and 3) feasibility for this integrated farming-livestock system at local and regional levels. During harvest, 650 tons of stubble are produced in the municipality of Morón by 190 farmers, which represents a potential to feed more than 3,500 lambs, with acceptable average daily gains of 90 g per day with minimal supplementation. We thus affirm this is a viable technological practice with economic, ecological, and social implications as an acceptable alternative to burning stubble to enhance food security and livelihoods of small and medium-sized farms, while generating new employment opportunities, especially for rural women. Future studies are needed to evaluate the economic, ecological, and social impacts of this agriculture-livestock integration technology.

Clinical characteristics of patients with high extracellular volume fraction evaluated by cardiac computed tomography for coronary artery evaluation.

This study aims to evaluate the distribution of extracellular volume fraction detected via computed tomography, clinical characteristics of high extracellular volume fraction detected via computed tomography, and the rate of incidental detection of cardiac amyloidosis in patients undergoing cardiac computed tomography for coronary artery evaluation. This study included 874 consecutive patients (mean age, 74.4 ± 7.1 years; men, 65%), comprising men aged ≥60 years and women aged ≥70 years, who had undergone cardiac computed tomography between January 2020 and September 2022. The mean extracellular volume fraction detected via computed tomography was 29.7 ± 5.2%, and 108 patients (12.4%) had an extracellular volume fraction detected via computed tomography of ≥35%. Older age (75.9 ± 8.2 years vs. 74.2 ± 6.9 years; P = 0.042), male sex (75.9% vs. 63.0%; P = 0.007), impaired left ventricular ejection fraction, increased high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T and B-type natriuretic peptide levels, and increased left ventricular thickness showed significant associations with an extracellular volume fraction detected via computed tomography of ≥35%. Cardiac amyloidosis was diagnosed incidentally in 15 patients based on an increase in extracellular volume fraction detected via computed tomography. The prevalence of cardiac amyloidosis was 1.7% (15/874) and 14.3% (15/105) in the entire study population and in patients with an extracellular volume fraction detected via computed tomography of ≥35%, respectively. An increase in the extracellular volume fraction detected via computed tomography was suggestive of cardiac amyloidosis. Elevated extracellular volume fraction detected via computed tomography, associated with elevated cardiac biomarker levels and myocardial structural changes, may lead to the incidental diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis.

Assessment of Leachate Generated by Sargassum spp. in the Mexican Caribe: Part 1 Spatial Variations

In this study, we evaluate the degradation by Sargassum spp. as a consortium in 2020 and 2021, and by species during 2021, collected at different distances from a coastline and in land deposits. The year 2021 had the largest leachate volume and the offshore site with the highest volume (60 mL/day) among five sites of collection. In relation to species’ leachate generation, S. fluitans reached 47.67 mL/day as its peak, which is earlier than S. natans (41.67 mL/day 14 days after S. fluitans). pH shows alkaline behavior and EC reflects the saline condition in the leachate, the consortium and species reaching values of pH 7.5 to 8.3 and 80 to 150 mS/cm of EC; the results do not show significant differences among sites, or between species. Despite a BOD/COD ratio of less than 0.1, the degradation process occurs as evidenced by the presence of leachate. The results confirm the existence of a variability in leachate production and the composition of Sargassum under the influence of factors such as the periodicity, site of collection, and proportions of species. Thus, even though these results emphasize leachate generation, knowing the limitations of leachate generation is crucial information for decision making on Sargassum storage and environmental management.

Development of Novel Framework for Identifying Anomalies in High Volume of Data Using Robust Machine Learning Algorithm

Development of Novel Framework for Identifying Anomalies in High Volume of Data Using Robust Machine Learning Algorithm

Distributed realtime rendering in decentralized network for mobile web augmented reality

Low-latency, real-time rendering of 3D objects is critical for mobile web-based augmented reality (MWAR) applications. While cloud-based or edge-based server rendering offloading can reduce the latency for mobile devices, a high volume of user requests in user aggregation scenarios can overload servers and transmission channels. It can result in a poor user experience due to resource consumption and high latency. This paper presents a decentralized and collaborative real-time rendering offloading network architecture (CRCDnet) to address this issue. CRCDnet makes contributions in the following three areas: (1) In the user aggregation scenarios, mobile devices that perform the same services are used as service nodes to perform the offloading of rendering computing and a collaborative rendering computing network is established. (2) For data exchange in decentralized networks, a data sharing middle layer based on blockchain key indexes separates sensitive service data and ensures a secure, reliable exchange mechanism and efficient data exchange. (3) A data request and computing offloading scheduling approach is proposed for the collaborative rendering computing network to optimize the rendering computation delay.

Fly ash-GGBS blended geopolymer mortar for early engineering characteristic at ambient temperature

Geopolymer concept is by using industrial waste materials which is rich in silica and alumina, then activating them with alkaline solution. An appropriate binder combination that achieves high early age strength at ambient temperature using FA is still subject required. Thus, this study has been designed in two stages which involving the paste and mortar studies. The alkaline activator as a blend of sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate solution with SS/SH ratio of 2.5, NaOH molarity of 12 M and L/B ratio of 0.43 are used for geopolymer composite. Compressive strength, water absorption and shrinkage are tested on geopolymer mortar with various level of blended combination. High volume content (60–80 %) gave a promising early age compressive strength at ambient temperature. Metakaolin gave a further strength improvement on geopolymer mortar. Overall, the finding suggested that the geopolymer with high FA content is suitable for cement-based material repair product.

Criteria for Solder Alloy Adoption

Solder is a critical component in modern electronic systems – past, present, and future. While solder is used within packaged electrical devices, the highest volume of solder is used for fabrication of printed circuit board assemblies. Historically, tin-lead solder was the dominant solder used in printed circuit board assemblies. However, tin-silver-copper solder replaced tin-lead solder starting in 2006 after European Union regulations banned the use of lead for a wide range of electronic products. Despite the successful transition to tin-silver-copper lead-free solder and over fifteen years of high volume lead-free electronic production, a number of aerospace and defense products have not converted to tin-silver-copper or other lead-free solders over reliability concerns. Reliability should be a concern for all product manufacturers and end-users. This begs the question, what has convinced industries that are currently producing lead-free products that the reliability was sufficient and what is keeping defense and aerospace electronic equipment manufacturers from adopting lead-free solder. This paper reviews decision processes for adopting solder for printed circuit board assembly.

Ganglionic Local Opioid Analgesia at the Superior Cervical Ganglion: MRI-Verified Solution Spread.

Ganglionic local opioid analgesia (GLOA) at the superior cervical ganglion (SCG) is performed for pain control and is known to be an effective procedure. In this study, we evaluated the spread of the injectate in the area of the SCG. Our expectation was that there would be a correlation between the area and volume of the injectate spread and post-procedural outcome measures. This was a retrospective blinded review of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Assessors evaluated the anatomical area of fluid spread, the furthermost spread from midline, any hampered spread and contact of contrast fluid with other structures. The efficacy of GLOA and complications were estimated. The main solution spread reached from the C1 to C3 vertebrae. The furthest spread in the lateral and sagittal planes was 21.2 and 15.2mm, respectively. The furthest craniocaudal spread was 63.5mm. In 53.3% and 33% of interventions, the solution was found in the parapharyngeal space and in its "medial compartment," respectively. A correlation was found between pain relief and both solution spread and volume of solution spread. No hampered spread was recorded. A negative correlation between pain reduction and number of GLOA was observed. Higher pre-procedural pain intensity was correlated with higher pain reduction. We estimated pain relief in 93% of procedures correctly. No correlation between post-procedural Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) scores and different needle approaches was found. For the transoral blocking technique, a strict laterodorsal needle direction is recommended to prevent possible block failures. A total volume of 2ml injected into the parapharyngeal space and its "medial compartment" is recommended. Higher volumes may lead to uncontrolled distribution patterns. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT05257655; date of registration 2022-02-25; patient enrollment date from 2023-01-09 to 2023-08-31.

Diagnostic Ability of Ultrasonography Compared with Computed Tomography for Assessing Rectal Feces.

Chronic constipation is a common gastrointestinal disorder, and management is crucial. Computed tomography (CT) is useful for evaluating rectal fecal mass but limited owing to radiation exposure, cost, and inaccessibility at certain facilities. Ultrasonography (US) avoids these pitfalls, but it is unknown whether it accurately assesses rectal feces. In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic performance of US compared with CT as the gold standard for assessing rectal feces. We prospectively evaluated rectal fecal mass retention using US performed within 1 h of CT to assess the degree of agreement between methodologies. Rectal stool findings were evaluated on three levels: no stool (R1), presence of stool (R2), and hard stool filling (R3). The sample included 100 patients (55 men, 45 women), of whom 47 were constipated. The kappa coefficients for rectal content detection were excellent between US and CT (p <0.001). Eighty-two cases (R1: 46 cases; R2: 28 cases; R3: 8 cases) were matched with CT and US findings, and 18 were not. Cases that did not match had low urine or high gas volumes. CT and US findings showed high agreement in constipation (kappa coefficient 0.674, p <0.001) and non-constipation groups (kappa coefficient 0.677, p <0.001). All cases with R3 on CT were found in the constipation group, while more than half of the cases with R1 on CT were in the non-constipation group. CT and US showed high agreement in evaluating rectal fecal mass retention, indicating that US can substitute CT.

A Chronic Aquatic Hazard Assessment for the Perfume Raw Material Octahydro-tetramethyl-naphthalenyl-ethanone.

Octahydro-tetramethyl-naphthalenyl-ethanone (OTNE) is a high-production volume fragrance material used in various down-the-drain consumer products. To assess aquatic risk, the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM) uses a tiered data-driven framework to determine a risk characterization ratio, where the ratio of the predicted-environmental concentration to the predicted-no-effect concentration (PNEC) of <1 indicates an acceptable level of risk. Owing to its high production volume and the conservative nature of the RIFM framework, RIFM identified the need to utilize a species sensitivity distribution (SSD) approach to reduce the PNEC uncertainty for OTNE. Adding to the existing Daphnia magna, Danio rerio, and Desmodesmus subspicatus chronic studies, eight new chronic toxicity studies were conducted on the following species: Navicula pelliculosa, Chironomus riparius, Lemna gibba, Ceriodaphnia dubia, Hyalella azteca, Pimephales promelas, Anabaena flos-aquae, and Daphnia pulex. All toxicity data were summarized as chronic 10% effect concentration estimates using the most sensitive biological response. Daphnia magna was the most sensitive (0.032 mg/L), and D. subspicatus was the least sensitive (>2.6 mg/L, the OTNE solubility limit). The 5th percentile hazardous concentration (HC5) derived from the cumulative probability distribution of the chronic toxicity values for the 11 species was determined to be 0.0498 mg/L (95% confidence interval 0.0097-0.1159 mg/L). A series of "leave-one-out" and "add-one-in" simulations indicated the SSD was stable and robust. Add-one-in simulations determined that the probability of finding a species sensitive enough to lower the HC5 two- or threefold was 1/504 and 1/15,300, respectively. Given the high statistical confidence in this robust SSD, an additional application factor protection is likely not necessary. Nevertheless, to further ensure the protection of the environment, an application factor of 2 to the HC5, resulting in a PNEC of 0.0249 mg/L, is recommended. When combined with environmental exposure information, the overall hazard assessment is suitable for a probabilistic environmental risk assessment. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;00:1-12. © 2024 SETAC.

Will automated vehicles encourage more jaywalking? Results from a stated preference survey

When interacting with driverless cars, pedestrians might be emboldened to jaywalk knowing the vehicles will slow down for them automatically. Increased jaywalking might disrupt traffic flow and pose challenges for traffic law enforcement. Few studies examined pedestrians’ attitudes toward driverless cars’ safety implication, management strategies for the interactions between pedestrians and driverless cars, and how pedestrians would expect their street crossing behavior to change in the presence of driverless cars. We conducted an online stated preference survey of 1,000 residents in the Philadelphia and the Seattle metropolitan areas to investigate respondents’ attitudes toward driverless cars and their preferences of jaywalking under different driverless car saturation levels. Through descriptive data analysis and multilevel binomial logit analysis, we found that overall pedestrians felt less safe with driverless cars on the road. Pedestrians preferred limiting the speeds of driverless cars or disabling driverless functions in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic to increasing enforcement for jaywalking laws. Multilevel binomial logit analysis showed pedestrians were more likely to jaywalk in the presence of driverless cars in high visibility and low traffic volume, and were deterred by bigger, faster streets. Respondents’ current crossing behavior might serve as an indicator of their crossing behavior in the presence of driverless cars. Our findings remind cities that sound street design strategies could help to ensure safer interactions between pedestrians and driverless cars and greater acceptance of driverless cars on urban streets.

SPATIOTEMPORAL ANALYSIS OF VIOLENT CONFLICT AND LAND COVER CHANGE IN LANAO DEL SUR FROM 2011 TO 2020

Abstract. With Lanao del Sur historically being a setting for numerous violent conflict events, its land use and land cover (LULC) manifest the direct and indirect effects of conflict such as destruction and forced displacement that influences land cover change (LCC). Tracking LULC changes can determine the extent of damage induced by conflicts and support the crafting of policies toward sustainable development. To see how conflict has affected the land systems, Landsat-7, and -8 imagery from 2011 to 2020 were used to examine Lanao del Sur's periodic land covers and their trajectories. Barangay-level conflict incidence was also used to identify areas with both high conflict incidence and high rates of LCC. Trajectory analysis revealed patterns in land processes: afforestation coinciding with abandonment, and cultivation being bordered by deforestation as the connecting grassland cover decreases. Decreases in grassland cover were simultaneous with an increase in agricultural lands. Generally coinciding with conflict hotspots, areas with high conflict incidence and land cover change were typically found in urban centers, near water bodies, and provincial boundaries where there was a high volume of human activities. Meanwhile, areas with low conflict incidence and LCC were found in forested areas. Overall, there is a significant positive correlation between conflict occurrences and LCC (r = 0.388), with abandonment (r = 0.533) and cultivation (r = 0.546) having moderate strengths of association.

Impact Toughness Dependent on Annealing Temperatures in 0.16C-6.5Mn Forged Steel for Flywheel Rotors

For the application of forged medium-Mn steels on flywheel rotors, the effect of annealing temperatures from 300 °C to 650 °C on the impact toughness of 0.16C-6.5Mn forged steel was investigated to demonstrate the microstructural characteristics and austenite reverse transformation determining the impact toughness. The results obtained through standard Charpy V-notch impact tests at ambient temperature show that the impact absorbed energy holds at lower than 10 J almost constantly at annealing temperatures of 300 °C to 500 °C, and a representative intergranular fracture is presented. At an annealing temperature of 600 °C, the impact absorbed energy increases to 147 J, with the ductile fracture characteristics showing plenty of fine dimples, and the high impact toughness is attributed to the high volume fraction above 30% and the moderate stability of reverted austenite. Subsequently, the annealing temperature rises higher than 600 °C, the impact absorbed energy decreases, and the fracture morphology shows brittleness characterized by more flat facets of intergranular fractures and small quasi-cleavage facets, presumably corresponding to the insufficient transformation and twinning-induced plasticity effect due to weakening the Mn partitioning from quenched martensite to reverted austenite, which results in lower austenitic stability. Furthermore, the ductile-to-brittle transition temperature (DBTT) of the 0.16C-6.5Mn forged steel annealed at 600 °C, which holds the highest impact absorbed energy, and is explored for the possibility of flywheel rotor application in a service environment. The DBTT reaches −21 °C, obtained through the Boltzmann function, and the impact absorbed energy is approximately 72 J.

Variation of chemical ordering induced by grain boundaries in multi-principal element alloys

Cr segregation at grain boundary (GB) of Multi-principal element alloys (MPEAs) is extensively observed and holds significance in physical processes, e.g., oxidation, but its atomic-level mechanism is still debated. Here, correlations among atomic-level volume, electronegativity, charge transfer, and atomic stress, are systematically investigated in equiatomic CrFeCoNi alloys, both with and without GBs. The correlations slightly disturbed in GBs inadequately elucidate the discrepancy of Cr short range ordering (SRO) in the interior grain and at GBs. High excess free volume inherent in GBs, distinguishing from the interior, is a crucial factor, driving Cr enrichment by means of the mitigation of electron loss and the alleviation of very high tensile stress. The stress mechanism in conjunction with the electronegativity of element and the characteristics of GB structure, not only adapts to Cr segregation in CrFeCoNi, but also to other element of low electronegativity within considered alloys.

Dipole-induced hydrogen bonds enhanced P/O co-doped Lyocell-based porous carbon fiber cloth for hydrogen storage under ambient pressure

Currently, the hydrogen storage application of carbon-based adsorbent materials is mostly implemented under the pressure conditions of 30–300 bar, while there is few targeted studies conducted on the unsaturated adsorption under ambient pressure conditions. Therefore, based on industrialized Lyocell biopolymer fiber precursors and the enhancement effects of dipole-induced hydrogen bonds (DIHB), this work presents a facile construction strategy for P/O co-doped Lyocell-based porous carbon fiber cloth (Ly-ACF-F40). By the technical route of thermal stabilization---sonication assisted phosphoric acid activation---hydrogen bonds introduced by interfacial fluorination, the constructed Ly-ACF-F40 acquires a high specific surface area (1870 m2/g) and total pore volume (1.277 cm3/g), and an excellent hydrogen storage capacity of 3.22 wt% under ambient pressure conditions (77 K, 1 bar). The study directly demonstrated in the experiment that dipole induced hydrogen bonding H(I)-H(II)···F can effectively enhance the atmospheric hydrogen storage density on the basis of other eliminating influencing factors of specific surface area. The simple construction strategy of porous carbon-based materials can provide reference for the research of unsaturated adsorption hydrogen storage materials under ambient pressure conditions, also assist in the application and promotion of low-cost solid hydrogen storage materials.

Factors influencing integration of mental health screening and treatment at HIV clinic settings in Cameroon: a qualitative study of health providers’ perspectives

BackgroundMental disorders are common among people with HIV (PWH) and are associated with poor HIV outcomes. Despite high unmet mental health needs among PWH, use of evidence-based mental health screening and treatment protocols remains limited at HIV treatment facilities across low-resource settings. Integrating mental health services into HIV care can reduce this gap. This study’s objective was to explore factors that influence integration of mental health screening and treatment into HIV clinics in Cameroon.MethodsWe analyzed 14 in-depth interviews with clinic staff supporting PWH at three urban HIV treatment clinics in Cameroon. Interviews focused on current processes, barriers and facilitators, and types of support needed to integrate mental health care into HIV care. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. French transcripts were translated into English. We used thematic analysis to identify factors that influence integration of mental health screening and treatment into HIV care in these settings. Ethical review boards in the United States and Cameroon approved this study.ResultsRespondents discussed a lack of standardized mental health screening processes in HIV treatment facilities and generally felt ill-equipped to conduct mental health screening. Low community awareness about mental disorders, mental health-related stigma, limited physical space, and high clinic volume affected providers’ ability to screen clients for mental disorders. Providers indicated that better coordination and communication were needed to support client referral to mental health care. Despite these barriers, providers were motivated to screen clients for mental disorders and believed that mental health service provision could improve quality of HIV care and treatment outcomes. All providers interviewed said they would feel more confident screening for mental disorders with additional training and resources. Providers recommended community sensitization, training or hiring additional staff, improved coordination to manage referrals, and leadership buy-in at multiple levels of the health system to support sustainable integration of mental health screening and treatment into HIV clinics in Cameroon.ConclusionsProviders reported enthusiasm to integrate mental health services into HIV care but need more support and training to do so in an effective and sustainable manner.

3D Point Cloud Dataset of Heavy Construction Equipment

Object recognition algorithms and datasets based on point cloud data have been mainly designed for autonomous vehicles. When applied to the construction industry, they face challenges due to the origin of point cloud data from large earthwork sites, resulting in high volumes of data and density. This research prioritized the development of 3D point cloud datasets specifically for heavy construction equipment, including dump trucks, rollers, graders, excavators, and dozers; all of which are extensively used in earthwork sites. The aim was to enhance the efficiency and productivity of machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) research that relies on 3D point cloud data in the construction industry. Notably, unlike conventional approaches to acquiring point cloud data using UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) and UGVs (Unmanned Ground Vehicles), the datasets for the five types of heavy construction equipment established in this research were generated using 3D-scanned diecast models of heavy construction equipment to create point cloud data.

Preparation of Filter Paper from Bamboo and Investigating the Effect of Additives.

As air pollution escalates, the need for air filters increases. It is better that the filters used be based on natural fibers, such as non-wood fibers, which cause low damage to the environment. However, the short fiber lengths, low apparent densities, and high volumes of non-wood materials can make it challenging to prepare filter paper with the required mechanical and physical properties. In that context, this study focused on utilizing bamboo fibers to fabricate filter paper by employing the anthraquinone soda pulping method. The pulp underwent bleaching and oxidation processes, with the incorporation of cationic starch (CS) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to enhance resistance properties, resulting in the creation of handmade filter papers. The findings revealed that the tear, burst, and tensile strength of filter paper increased with the oxidation and addition of CS and PVA. Air permeability increased with addition of PVA and combination of CS and PVA. FTIR demonstrated the conversion of hydroxyl groups in cellulose chains to carboxyl groups due to oxidation. SEM images illustrated alterations in the fiber structure post-oxidation treatment, with CS reducing pores while PVA and the CS-PVA combination enlarged pore size and enhanced porosity. The BET surface area surface area expanded with oxidation and the addition of the CS-PVA blend, indicating heightened filter paper porosity. Notably, the combined inclusion of CS and PVA not only augmented mechanical strength but also increased porosity while maintaining pore size.