Effect Measurements Research Articles

Developing International Collaboration Indicators in Fisheries Remote Sensing Research to Achieve SDG 14 and 17

Remote sensing technology significantly contributes to fisheries management and marine ecosystem preservation. The development disparities among countries create gaps that hinder sustainable fisheries and ecosystem protection. Assessing progress and efforts across regions and countries is crucial for sustainable development. Effective measurement methods are used to identify shortcomings, guide academic development, and strengthen partnerships. Tracking and highlighting partnership achievements is challenging due to the difficulties in quantification. The objective of this study is to create indicators for evaluating the community of international academic cooperation. We analyzed and examined the trend in national efforts and international partnerships before and after the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were released in 2015 using bibliometric methods and bibliographic information from the Web of Science (WoS). The results show that tracking the progress and evolution of international collaborations in fisheries remote sensing research can be facilitated by employing quantitative indicators that measure international cooperation among coauthors, institutions, and countries. Additionally, the number of partnerships in each country displays a significant relationship with the country’s level of national development. A comparison of indicators developed by actors with different orientations can be used as a strategic reference for developing partnerships among countries. Academic research in developing countries that rely heavily on fisheries plays a critical role in preserving life below water (SDG 14). The achievement of this SDG can be enhanced through global partnerships (SDG 17).

Thermal Conductivity and Microstructure of Novel Flaxseed-Gum-Filled Epoxy Resin Biocomposite: Analytical Models and X-ray Computed Tomography.

The growing awareness of the environment and sustainable development has prompted the search for solutions involving the development of bio-based composite materials for insulating applications, offering an alternative to traditional synthetic materials such as glass- and carbon-reinforced composites. In this study, we investigate the thermal and microstructural properties of new biocomposite insulating materials derived from flaxseed-gum-filled epoxy, with and without the inclusion of reinforced flax fibers. A theoretical approach is proposed to estimate the thermal conductivity, while the composite's microstructure is characterized using X-ray Computed Tomography and image analysis. The local thermal conductivity of the flax fibers and the flaxseed gum matrix is identified by using effective thermal conductivity measurements and analytical models. This study provides valuable insight into the thermal behavior of these biocomposites with varying compositions of flaxseed gum and epoxy resin. The results obtained could not only contribute to a better understanding the thermal properties of these materials but are also of significant interest for advanced numerical modeling applications.

Retracted: Innovation and Entrepreneurship Coupling Based on Simultaneous Equation Model and Its Energy Economic Effect Measurement

Retracted: Innovation and Entrepreneurship Coupling Based on Simultaneous Equation Model and Its Energy Economic Effect Measurement

Low-temperature green synthesis of few-layered graphene sheets from pomegranate peels for supercapacitor applications

Graphene presents practical applications in energy storage devices, especially supercapacitors. However, mainstream synthesis of graphene includes toxic chemical usage, which threatens the environment. With the recent attention shift to synthesizing nanomaterials from agro-waste due to their easy availability, cost-effectiveness, and, most importantly, their environmental friendliness, we present, in this work for the first time, a novel and green synthesis of few-layered graphene sheets using pomegranate peels as a precursor at a low temperature of 80 °C. The surface morphology and microstructural properties are determined by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), and the electrical properties determined by Hall Effect Measurement. The application as a supercapacitor is also examined using Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), Charge–Discharge Cycling (GCD), and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). The resulting supercapacitor delivers an areal capacitance of 3.39 mF{cm}^{-2} at a current density of 15.6 μA {cm}^{-2}, making our synthesized graphene a good choice for electrochemical storage devices.

Temperature dependence of two-dimensional hole gas on hydrogen-terminated diamond surface

The two-dimensional hole gas (2DHG) at hydrogen-terminated diamond (H-diamond) surface has been widely used in the development of diamond-based electronics. However, the carrier transport behaviors of 2DHG are still poorly understood due to the difficulty in controlling surface adsorbates on H-diamond. In this work, the temperature dependence of the electrical properties of 2DHG on H-diamond was investigated through Hall effect measurements before and after thermal annealing. The results revealed that the establishment of 2DHG equilibrium state was closely related to surface adsorbates, and temperature-induced thermal desorption of adsorbates would lead to a decrease in carrier concentration and an enhancement of mobility on H-diamond. Based on this observation, the carrier mobility of 2DHG (at 300 K) was improved from 170 to 340 cm2 V−1 s−1 after thermal annealing to 400 K. Moreover, with thermal desorption of adsorbates, the activation energy of conductance exhibited an increasing tendency, and the carrier concentration became more dependent on temperature, which can be well explained by percolation theory. A dynamic equilibrium process was also proposed to illustrate the influence of surface adsorbate on carrier concentration and mobility of 2DHG, which provides a feasible method to regulate carrier mobility and concentration on H-diamond surface.

An Investigation of the Suitability of Viscosity Detection in Estimating IgG Content in Mare Colostrum

An adequate supply of colostrum is important for the prevention of hypogammaglobulinaemia in foals. In addition to the quantity of colostrum consumed and the time of consumption, the quality of the colostrum, the immunoglobulin (Ig) G concentration, is crucial. The aim of this study was to determine whether the viscosity of equine colostrum was a suitable estimate of IgG concentration. IgG content of colostrum was measured by ELISA and viscosity directly measured with a cone plate viscometer and indirectly assessed with a funnel. Analysis of 56 colostrum samples obtained from 40 mares at different postpartum time points was conducted to assess colostrum samples with varying levels of quality. The range of IgG concentrations determined by ELISA was 0.83 to 245.5 mg/mL (30.69 ± 41.92 mg/mL). The range of viscosity values determined by the cone plate method was 1.84 to 110.00 cP (7.86 ± 17.48 cP) at a shear rate of 3 rpm. Colostrum drainage from the funnel (drainage time), varied between 7.9 and 30.0 s, with an average of 9.96 ± 4.48 s. As the data were not normally distributed, Spearman's rank correlation analyses were calculated and significant correlation found between viscosity and IgG content (ρ = 0.71, P < .001), as well as between drainage time and IgG content (ρ = 0.75, P < .001). These correlations indicate that determining the viscosity of equine colostrum by cone plate or drainage time, may be an effective proxy measurement of IgG content.

Influence of Deposition Parameters of ITO Films on the Performance of HJT Solar Cells

TCO (transparent conductive oxide) films are widely used in solar cells due to the characteristics of transparency and conductivity. In this paper, ITO (indium tin oxide) transparent conductive films are prepared on common slides by DC magnetron sputtering, and the preparation process and characteristics of ITO films are studied. The target for sputtering is ITO, with the mass ratio of In203 and Sn02 was 90% : 10%. The sheet resistance, carrier concentration, and carrier mobility of ITO films are measured and analyzed by a UV-Vis spectrophotometer, four-point probe, and Hall effect measurement system. By changing the oxygen content, deposition temperature, and sputtering power to studied the effects on the light transmittance and electrical conductivity of the ITO films, further studied the effects on the HJT (heterojunction with intrinsic thin film) solar cells, and finally determined the appropriate preparation parameters. Results show that the resistance is 6 . 4 ∗ 10 − 4 Ω • cm , the light transmittance is beyond 90.6%, efficiency is 23.78%, and bifacial ratio is 84% when oxygen content is 2.2%, sputtering power is 3 kw, and deposition temperature is 190°C.

Towards a graphene transparent conducting electrode for perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells

AbstractIndium‐based transparent conducting electrodes (TCEs) are a major limiting factor in perovskite/silicon tandem cell scalability, while also limiting maximum cell efficiencies. In this work, we propose a novel TCE based on electrostatically doped graphene monolayers to circumvent these challenges. The electrode is enabled by a thin film dielectric that is charged and interfaced to a graphene film, optimally exploiting electrostatic doping. The field effect mechanism allows the modulation of charge carriers in monolayer graphene as a function of charge concentration in the dielectric thin film. Electrostatic charge was deposited on SiO2 membranes, and graphene transferred onto them exhibited a reduction in sheet resistance because of the induced charge carriers. We show a reduction in sheet resistance of graphene by 60% in just 3 min of dielectric charging, without impacting the transmission of light through the film stack. Hall effect measurements indicated that the mobility of the films was not significantly degraded. The deposition of negative electrostatic charge reversed this effect, allowing for precise tunability of charge concentration from n‐ to p‐type. We develop a model to determine the required sheet resistance of a graphene TCE with 97% transmittance in a perovskite/silicon tandem cell. As the technique here reported does not impact transmittance, a graphene TCE with a sheet resistance below 50 Ω/□ could enable efficiencies up to 44%, presenting a promising alternative to indium‐based TCEs.

Estimation of root zone soil moisture at point scale based on soil water measurements from cosmic-ray neutron sensing in a karst catchment

The cosmic-ray neutron sensing (CRNS) is an emerging method for continuously monitoring soil water content (SWC) at an intermediate scale. However, when multiple hydrologic units are present within its footprint, the potential application of CRNS in water resources management is restricted. Here we propose a new strategy to predict point-scale SWC in root zone established on CRNS-based soil moisture and improved relative difference method. A total of 768 days of soil moisture data were collected by CRNS at the intermediate scale and EC-TM sensors at the point scale in a karst catchment. The original and improved mean relative difference methods predicted point-scale SWCs within and without the effective measuring depth, respectively. The mean effective measuring depth was 13.16 cm, ranging from 10.13 to 19.23 cm. Both land use type and soil structure played essential roles in regulating point scale SWC in the soil profile. Point-scale SWC in root zone can be predicted accurately (P < 0.001) based on SWC data derived from the CRNS system. The prediction accuracy of point scale SWC can be improved by increasing the averaging time of the soil moisture values. Our results demonstrated that the proposed strategy was reliable for CRNS to predict SWC beyond the effective measurement depth. This study provides a good perspective for effectively managing of water resources in areas with complex hydrological processes.

Mössbauer spectral analysis and magnetic properties of the superparamagnetic Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 ferrite nanocomposites

Manganese-zinc (Mn-Zn) ferrites of the composition Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 are synthesized by solid-state reactions. Portions of the synthesized material are then ball milled for 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 h. Their physical properties are subsequently analyzed by XRD, Mössbauer spectroscopy, and magnetization measurements. The XRD analysis reveals the cubic spinel structure for all milled samples. Upon ball milling, however, the crystalline size decreased while the microstrain increased significantly. Moreover, the magnetic order is enhanced by ball milling, as shown by the Mössbauer effect and magnetization measurements. The observed magnetic characteristics are consistent with ball milling changing the chemical order at the two sites of the spinel structure. The distribution of cations for the composition of these samples is suggested by considering the Fe3+ ions amounts that exist at the octahedral and tetrahedral sites. Interestingly, the milling process played a crucial role in enhancing the magnetization of these Mn-Zn ferrites. The remarkable magnetization of these Mn-Zn ferrites is useful for energy-related applications.

Exchange bias studies of CoFe2O4 coated BiFeO3 nanoparticles

The study of exchange bias effects in inverted core-shell nanoparticles has unearthed rich and varied physical phenomena. In this paper, we have studied the exchange bias effects in inverted BFO/CFO core-shell nanoparticles by varying the crystallinity of the CFO shell. The M-T measurements have shown distinct features of the BFO core and CFO shell. AC susceptibility and memory effect measurements indicated that the core-shell nanoparticles with the less crystalline CFO shell displayed spin-glass characteristics. The training effect displayed by the nanoparticles with the spin-glass shell can be explained using the spin-glass and Binek’s models. Exponential decay of coercivity and exchange bias with temperature is in conformance with the spin-glass behavior of the shell, and the cooling-field dependence of the exchange bias field is explained based on the Niebieskikwiat model. In the case of core-shell nanoparticles with the more crystalline CFO shell, the anisotropy field is greater than the maximum applied field. The exchange bias value has the contributions from the minor loop effects, as evident from the forced minor loop measurements. The extrapolated value of the exchange bias increases moderately compared with similar inverted core-shell structures, even though the coercivity increased considerably. The out-diffusion of Bi ions from the BFO core changed the pinning strength of the BFO core, affecting the exchange bias and coercivity.

Analysis and elimination of translation disturbance for patch effect measurement with a torsion pendulum

Patch effect on conductive surfaces is one of the critical noise sources in many scientific experiments like space gravity programs and gravitational wave detection missions. A high-precision probe-torsion instrument has been developed on ground for measuring patch effect. However, the translation mode of the probe resulting from the environmental disturbance will inevitably affect the measurement in the concerned torsion degree of freedom. In this paper, combining the theoretical analysis as well as the confirmatory experiment, the method based on data analysis is adopted to eliminate the translation effect, finally realizing the best surface potential resolution level of 20 µV Hz.

Grading surface urban heat island and investigating factor weight based on interpretable deep learning model across global cities

Significant urbanization resulted in increasing surface urban heat island (SUHI) that caused negative impacts on urban ecological environment, and residential comfort. Accurately monitoring the spatiotemporal variations and understanding controls of SUHI were essential to propose effective mitigation measurements. However, SUHI grades across global cities remained unknown, which cloud greatly support for global mitigations. Additionally, quantitative evaluating factor weights for different SUHI indicators and grades worldwide remained further investigations. Therefore, this paper proposed SUHI grading based on agglomerative hierarchical clustering, and further quantified factor weights for different indicators and grades based on an interoperable machine learning named TabNet. There were three major findings. (1) Global cities were grouped into five grades, including SUCI (surface urban cool island), insignificant, low-value, medium-value, and high-value SUHI grades, indicating significant differences among different grades. SUHI grades showed significant climate-based variations, wherein the arid climate was dominated by the SUCI grade at daytime but the high-value grade at nighttime. (2) Vegetation difference was an important factor for daytime SUHII accounting for 27%. Daytime frequency of SUHI was controlled by vegetation difference, temperature, evaporation and nighttime light, accounting for 78%. The major factors for nighttime frequency were albedo differences and nighttime light, accounting for 45%. (3) Related factors contributed differently to various SUHI grades. The weight of △EVI for daytime SUHII gradually increased with grades, while it for daytime frequency and maximum duration of SUHI decreased with grades. The nighttime SUHII of the low-value grade was greatly affected by the background climate, while that of the medium-value and high-value grades were strongly impacted by anthropogenic heat flux. The diurnal contrast of grades and coupling effects with heat wave were further discussed. This paper aimed to provide information on grades and controls of SUHI for further mitigation proposal.

Mixed phase ZnSnN2 thin films for solar energy applications: Insight into optical and electrical properties

Zinc tin nitride (ZnSnN2, ZTN) films synthesized by magnetron co-sputtering at a temperature close to the ZTN decomposition point and with the cation ratio close to stoichiometric have been studied to gain insight into their structural, optical and electrical properties. According to X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, the samples are polycrystalline with some disorder in the cation sublattice. Hall effect measurements reveal n-type conductivity and very high carrier density above 1019 cm−3. At the lowest carrier density, the mobility achieves the best value ∼19 cm2/(V*s), which is acceptable for device applications. The optical band gap shows a blue shift with increasing electron density, which is related to the increase in tin content and the Burstein-Moss effect. Analysis of the blue shift in terms of the Burstein-Moss effect theory gives a value of 1.43 eV for the intrinsic band gap of ZTN in the mixed-phase state.

Experimental Evaluation and Validation of Pressure Distributions in Ice–Structure Collisions Using a Pendulum Apparatus

This study introduced an experimental setup designed to predict collision pressure exerted on a structure due to ice impacts. The primary aim was to forecast the pressure distribution and structural behavior following an ice collision on a laboratory scale. The apparatus comprises a double-pendulum system situated within a cold chamber, facilitating the prediction of collision forces by varying both the collision energy and velocity. Experiments were conducted at collision velocities of 5, 7, and 10 knots, representative of conditions in Arctic regions. By altering these velocities, we measured both the strain experienced by a steel plate and the pressure due to the ice collision. The pressure distribution on the steel plate surface was also recorded by using pressure-sensitive film. This setup effectively captured the pressure distribution across the collision contact area. The measured pressure and force were compared with that of previous studies to determine the validity of the ice collision force measurement. This methodology successfully captures the relationship between the increasing collision speed and force, providing valuable insights into ice-induced forces and structural strain. It offers an effective measurement technique beneficial for designing ice-resistant structures. In conclusion, this paper enhances our understanding of ice–structure interactions, particularly in the domains of collision force and strain metrics.

Cost-effectiveness of the Perioperative Pain Management Bundle a registry-based study.

The Perioperative Pain Management Bundle was introduced in 10 Serbian PAIN OUT network hospitals to improve the quality of postoperative pain management. The Bundle consists of 4 elements: informing patients about postoperative pain treatment options; administering a full daily dose of 1-2 non-opioid analgesics; administering regional blocks and/or surgical wound infiltration; and assessing pain after surgery. In this study, we aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of the Bundle during the initial 24 h after surgery. The assessment of cost-effectiveness was carried out by comparing patients before and after Bundle implementation and by comparing patients who received all Bundle elements to those with no Bundle element. Costs of postoperative pain management included costs of the analgesic medications, costs of labor for administering these medications, and related disposable materials. A multidimensional Pain Composite Score (PCS), the effectiveness measurement, was obtained by averaging variables from the International Pain Outcomes questionnaire evaluating pain intensity, interference of pain with activities and emotions, and side effects of analgesic medications. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated as the incremental change in costs divided by the incremental change in PCS and plotted on the cost-effectiveness plane along with the economic preference analysis. The ICER value calculated when comparing patients before and after Bundle implementation was 181.89 RSD (1.55 EUR) with plotted ICERs located in the northeast and southeast quadrants of the cost-effectiveness plane. However, when comparing patients with no Bundle elements and those with all four Bundle elements, the calculated ICER was -800.63 RSD (-6.82 EUR) with plotted ICERs located in the southeast quadrant of the cost-effectiveness plane. ICER values differ across surgical disciplines. The proposed perioperative pain management Bundle is cost-effective. The cost-effectiveness varies depending on the number of implemented Bundle elements and fluctuates across surgical disciplines.

Measuring the Performance of Private Pension Companies in Türkiye by Gray Relational Analysis Method

The private pension is a system designed to maintain an income level during passive periods by utilizing the income earned during active working years. It complements the mandatory retirement systems of the public sector and is based on a voluntary participation structure. Additionally, it serves as an investment and savings tool with the ability to provide long-term funds. The legislation for the private pension system was enacted in Türkiye in 2001, and it was implemented in 2003. In addition, a government contribution program was initiated to promote the system in 2013. An automatic enrollment system was introduced in 2017. The effectiveness and performance of individual pension companies play significant roles in the system. This study aims to measure the performance of individual pension companies operating in Türkiye using the gray relational analysis method, which is an effective measurement method, for the years 2016–2022. Subsequently, based on the measurement results, recommendations will be provided.

ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ACCIDENT INSURANCE COMPENSATION SETTLEMENT FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION PASSENGERS AT PT. JASA RAHARJA REPRESENTATIVE OF TK II PADANG SIDEMPUAN

This study aims to determine how the effectiveness of compensation settlement has been running effectively or ineffectively in accordance with the operational standards of PT. Jasa Raharja tk II padang sidempuan. This study used qualitative descriptive method with data collection of interviews, observations, documentation. The sample of this research is the company PT. Jasa Raharja Representative of TK II Padangsidimpuan, using descriptive analysis techniques which include: data reduction, data presentation, and conclusions. Specifically, that the data above shows the number of victims who have been disbursed compensation funds and their effectiveness is good and the settlement is timely. The measurement of effectiveness in general and most prominent is program success, goal success, satisfaction with the program, input and output levels, achievement and overall goals. Program effectiveness can be carried out with operational capabilities in carrying out work programs in accordance with predetermined goals. It is known that the analysis of the effectiveness of the settlement of accident insurance compensation for public transportation passengers at PT Jasa Raharja TK II Padang Sidempuan has been very good and effective. and all programs on the road at PT jasa raharja tk ii padang sidempuan have reached the desired target.Keywords: Accident Insurance; Indemnification; Effectiveness

Effectiveness of the Lessons Learned Process in ESA OPS Directorate

The ESA Directorate of Operations (D/OPS) has the need to continuously challenge for improvement the working practices, the deployed resources, the delivered products and services. Since 2007 D/OPS has put in place the process of Lessons Learned to address proposed changes coming from the performed experience. The positive outcome of this process over the years is visible in the implemented organisational improvements and in the general learning-based culture accumulated. As part of EN9100-based QMS, it is essential to have evidence that the process is effective, i.e. whether it is carried out according to expectations of the process owner. The paper will present the introduction of Key Effectiveness Indicators (KEI) on the Lessons Learned process, their measurement and the analysis of the collected data for identification of possible improvement actions. Some pre-conditions for definition and implementation of KEIs (for any process) need to be satisfied. Then it is possible to identify few strategic points in the process where expectation on the discipline of the organisation can be translated in a quantitative target. A typical measurement of effectiveness is the duration in performing a specific step of the Lessons Learned process (i.e. in terms of timeliness). The paper will present:&#x0D; &#x0D; The identified KEIs for the Lessons Learned process&#x0D; The identified homogeneous environments where the instances of the process are running&#x0D; The (current) targets set by the process owner&#x0D; The time scope of effectiveness measurement.&#x0D; &#x0D; The analysis of collected data has demonstrated weaknesses in the process to be corrected but also highlighted the current strengths. This initiative confirmed that the continual improvement of the organisation relies also on the effectiveness of the Lessons Learned process itself, and not only on the contents to be learned (i.e. the performance indicators on the organisation itself).

Investigation of Structural, Optical and Electrical Properties of MnO Doped with Cu Thin Films Prepared by PLD Technique for Solar Cell Applications

In the current study, concentrated Nd:YAG laser pulses at 500 mJ with a second radiation at 1064 nm (pulse width 9 ns) and repetition frequency (6 Hz) for 300 laser pulses incident on the target surface were employed to coat glass substrates with MnO thin films. Using an X-ray diffractometer (XRD), an atomic force microscope (AFM), and a UV-Vis spectrophotometer, the structural, morphological, and optical characteristics of the films doped with different concentrations of Cu content (0.03, 0.05, 0.07, and 0.09) were examined. The results show that the films are polycrystalline, with the largest peak appearing at an angle of 35.31, or a reflection of (111). The crystalline size of the deposited thin films was calculated using Debye Scherer formula and found to increase from 11.8 nm for undoped MnO2 to 29.6 nm for doped (MnO) with the increase of Cu content from x=0 to x=0.09 at preferred orientation of (111). All the samples have a cubic structure. Also, the results showed that Cu content of the films affects the surface morphology. From the results of AFM analysis, it was found that the roughness and average diameter change when adding Cu to the structure, with the highest value occurring at Cu ratio 0.09 equal to 65.40 and 71.21 nm, respectively. UV–Vis spectrophotometer was used to investigate the optical transmission. It was found that when Cu content of films increased, the transmittance of films decreased. Hall Effect measurements show that all prepared films at RT have two type of conductivity P-type and n-type. The electrical characteristics of the (MnO)1-xCux/Si heterojunction Solar Cell have been studied and found that the efficiency (η) decreases with the increase of Cu content.