Multiphase Samples Research Articles

Thermal Analysis Kinetics and Luminescence Properties of Y2O3-Coated MgO: Ce+3 Particles

Y2O3-coated MgO: Ce+3 particles with different precipitants were prepared by the co-precipitation method; the phase and morphology of the sample were characterized by XRD, TEM, and DTA-TG, and the apparent activation energy of the coated particles was studied by thermal analysis kinetics. The results showed that the precursors synthesized by single-phase and multi-phase precipitants were calcined at 1000 °C for 1.5 h to obtain Y2O3-coated MgO: Ce+3 particles with coating thicknesses of about 2.5 nm and 5 nm. The apparent activation energies of the precursor phase change in three stages were calculated using the Doyle–Ozawa method and the Kissinger method. The average values for single-phase samples were 95.61, 74.90, and 275.27 kJ/mol, while those for multi-phase samples were 74.90, 56.06, and 240.14 kJ/mol. The activation energies for the grain growth of the two samples were 30.56 kJ/mol and 26.27 kJ/mol. Due to the differences in activation energies at each reaction stage, the reason for the influence on the thickness of the coating layer of the two precipitants is that the smaller the activation energy, the lower the required synthesis energy. An increase in coating thickness indicates an improvement in the surface activity of the coated particles. Moreover, the luminescence intensity of the composite sample is significantly higher than that of the single-phase sample, and the luminescence performance is optimal when the Ce+3 ion in the composite sample is 0.3 mol%.

Quantitative Convolutional Neural Network Based Multi-Phase XRD Pattern Analysis

Abstract X-ray diffraction (XRD) is commonly used to analyze phase compositions of crystalline samples. Medical applications include the analysis of biotechnological materials and gall- and kidney stones, where composition can inform pathology assessment. XRD analysis methods like Rietveld refinement requires expert knowledge, and multi-phase sample analysis is especially challenging and time consuming. Largescale medical and biotechnological experiments can therefore be hindered by the need to perform analysis tasks using XRD. Here, we present preliminary results on an automated convolutional neural network (CNN) based method for sample composition analysis using XRD patterns. It can aid experts’ analysis using initial estimations, and enable basic judgements for non-experts. Furthermore, we confirm the intuitive notion that analysis performance degrades with sample complexity through systematic investigation using a synthetic dataset.

Sero- Epidemiological Survey on Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP) in the Pastural Area of Borana Zone, South West Oromia, Ethiopia

Contagious caprine pleuro-pneumonia, or CCPP, is a highly contagious respiratory disease of goats that is considered one of the most severe diseases for this species. Infected animals become very sick, and most will die. The bacteria Mycoplasma capricolum subspecies capripneumoniae causes the disease. A cross-sectional study was conducted in four districts (Yabello, Elwaye, Dubuluk, and Moyale) between September 2022 and November 2023 G. C. The goal was likely to be to assess the prevalence and distribution of CCPP in this important livestock-rearing region. Sero-epidemiological surveys involve testing blood samples using competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (cELISA) to detect the presence of antibodies against Mycoplasma capricolum, subsp. Capripneumoniae, which indicates prior exposure and infection. Goats that are infected usually show signs including a high fever, coughing, dyspnea, and nasal discharge. The most popular techniques for diagnosis are bacterial isolation from clinical samples, such as lung tissues or nasal swabs, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, and the serological method. A multi-phase random sampling technique was employed, and 1007 samples from non-immunized goats were collected. The overall seroprevalence of CCPP was 39% (393/1007) at the individual animal levels. A multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that there was no significant correlation between sero-positivity by age category or sex, with odd ratios of OR (95% CI) 0.6 (0.6–9) and 1.3 (.7–2.3), respectively. This type of survey can provide insights into the overall disease burden and dynamics within a population. A study of this nature in the Borana pastoral area would be valuable for understanding the CCPP situation and informing disease control efforts in that region. Pastoralist communities heavily dependent on goat production would be greatly impacted by outbreaks of this economically-important livestock disease. The disease can be effectively reduced by a variety of control methods, including immunization, restricted movement, quarantine, and culling of sick animals.

Seasonal price variation analysis of palm oil: case study of Nigeria (2016–2022)

To enhance the benefits derived from palm oil processing by the farmers, there is a need for the producers (farmers) and buyers of palm oil to understand the seasonal price for making informed decisions on when to buy and sell the commodity. In order to determine price at the appropriate time of the season, the study looked at the seasonal price variation analysis of palm oil and the relationship between producers and buyers. This was done by understanding buyers’ requirements, producers’ effort, measurements taken, and contracting with buyers’ credit from customers. A multiphase sampling strategy was used. Organized interviews and questionnaires were utilized to collect primary data, while the National Bureau of Statistics provided secondary time series data on the average monthly retail price of palm oil from 2016 to 2022. The need for bio-fuel, production growth, governmental regulations, market dynamics, and the seasonality of palm oil products are then identified by the study as important factors influencing palm oil price fluctuation throughout the year. The study then suggests that there’s a need for economic diversification to reduce reliance on a single sector. This study will serve as a basis for future research on palm oil price variation analysis.

Consumers’ quest for justice: a multi-actor analysis of formal legal complaints

ABSTRACT Third-party consumer complaints are relatively under-studied despite being the most effortful variant of consumer complaining behavior (CCB). We address this gap by performing a qualitative thematic analysis on adjudicated legal claims selected through multiphase sampling. Through a mix of the inductive and deductive approaches, under-emphasized themes of the phenomenon are extracted from the perspectives of the disputants, adjudicator(s), and the system at the macro level and then summarized into an actionable grievance continuum. We contribute to theory, practice, and policy by linking the hitherto separate domains of market-shaping and consumer complaints and delineating systemic challenges in managing consumer claims.

PATIENT RECRUITMENT USING ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS UNDER SELECTION BIAS: A TWO-PHASE SAMPLING FRAMEWORK.

Electronic health records (EHRs) are increasingly recognized as a cost-effective resource for patient recruitment in clinical research. However, how to optimally select a cohort from millions of individuals to answer a scientific question of interest remains unclear. Consider a study to estimate the mean or mean difference of an expensive outcome. Inexpensive auxiliary covariates predictive of the outcome may often be available in patients' health records, presenting an opportunity to recruit patients selectively, which may improve efficiency in downstream analyses. In this paper we propose a two-phase sampling design that leverages available information on auxiliary covariates in EHR data. A key challenge in using EHR data for multiphase sampling is the potential selection bias, because EHR data are not necessarily representative of the target population. Extending existing literature on two-phase sampling design, we derive an optimal two-phase sampling method that improves efficiency over random sampling while accounting for the potential selection bias in EHR data. We demonstrate the efficiency gain from our sampling design via simulation studies and an application evaluating the prevalence of hypertension among U.S. adults leveraging data from the Michigan Genomics Initiative, a longitudinal biorepository in Michigan Medicine.

Thermoelectric performance of n-type Bi2S3-alloyed Bi2Te2.7Se0.3

The effect of isovalent sulfur substitution on the thermoelectric properties of n-type Bi2Te2.7Se0.3 alloy has been studied systematically. At low sulfur concentrations, where the samples are single phase, changes in defect chemistry and density of states impacted significantly electrical resistivity and thermopower. Isovalent sulfur substitution enhanced thermopower and reduced thermal conductivity for both single and multiphase samples. This reduction in thermal conductivity was particularly noticeable in samples containing Bi2S3-based secondary phase, reaching a low thermal conductivity of ∼0.3 W m−1 K−1 at 525 K. A maximum figure of merit, zT, of 0.55 was achieved for the sample with the highest sulfur content, demonstrating the potential of this approach to optimise the thermoelectric performance of Bi2Te3-based materials.

Nursing categories’ perceptions of the practice environment and quality of care in North West Province: a cross-sectional survey design

BackgroundThere is a substantial amount of literature on the perception of the practice environment and quality of care as perceived by registered nurses and community services nurses in South Africa and worldwide, but there is little to no research that could be found regarding other categories of nurses, and how these perceptions differ between the different categories. Therefore, the aim of this study is to describe the different nursing categories’ perceptions of the practice environment and quality of care and the association between the variables.MethodsThis study applied a cross-sectional survey design. Data were collected in April 2021 in the public sector of the North West Province. Multiphase sampling was applied to all categories of nurses who worked in an in-patient unit in the selected hospital for at least 3 months (n = 236).ResultsAll nursing categories perceived the practice environment as negative, regarding nurse participation in hospital affairs; nurse manager ability, leadership, and support of nurses and staffing and resource adequacy. Perceived quality of care and patient safety items were perceived as neutral and good. However, in all instances, the perceptions of community service nurses and registered nurses were most negative, and enrolled nurse assistants most positive. Adverse events towards patients and nurses were perceived to only occur a few times a year. Overall, nurse perceptions of quality of care and patient safety were most correlated with the subscale of nurse foundations of quality of care and nurse manager ability, leadership, and support of nurses. Adverse events towards patients were most correlated with the collegial nurse-physician relationship subscale, while adverse events towards nurses were correlated with the foundations of quality of care subscale.ConclusionImproving the practice environment, especially regarding the subscale nurse foundations of quality of care and nurse manager ability, leadership, and support of nurses, is associated with improved quality of care. Nurses with higher qualifications, registered nurses and community service nurses rated quality of care lower than other categories of nurses, contributing to literature that higher qualified staff are more competent to assess the practice environment and quality of care.

Service Quality and Students’ Satisfaction in Higher Education Institutions: Nepali Students’ Experiences and Perceptions

Service quality in higher education has become a topic of growing interest in recent years. As a competition among higher education institutions around the world has increased, there has been a growing focus on providing high-quality services to students in order to attract and retain them. Thus, it is required to evaluate their satisfaction on the basis of service quality provided by higher education institutions. This study examines students’ satisfaction on service quality of Prithvi Narayan Campus (PNC), Pokhara. Thus, the main objective of the study is to analyse the major influencing factors of non-academic aspects of service quality, to measure the relationship of non-academic aspects of service quality with students’ satisfaction, and to analyse the impact of non-academic aspects on students’ satisfaction on service quality. Using the multi-phase sampling technique, both descriptive and inferential statistic was used to meet the objectives of this study. The overall students’ satisfaction towards the service quality provided by PNC is more than average. The study concludes that there is a low degree of positive correlation between non-academic aspects of service quality and students’ satisfaction. For non-academic aspects of service quality, only extra-curricular activities show a statistically significant impact on students’ satisfaction.

Nurse perceptions of practice environment, quality of care and patient safety across four hospital levels within the public health sector of South Africa

Improving the practice environment, quality of care and patient safety are global health priorities. In South Africa, quality of care and patient safety are among the top goals of the National Department of Health; nevertheless, empirical data regarding the condition of the nursing practice environment, quality of care and patient safety in public hospitals is lacking.AimThis study examined nurses’ perceptions of the practice environment, quality of care and patient safety across four hospital levels (central, tertiary, provincial and district) within the public health sector of South Africa.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional survey design. We used multi-phase sampling to recruit all categories of nursing staff from central (n = 408), tertiary (n = 254), provincial (n = 401) and district (n = 244 [large n = 81; medium n = 83 and small n = 80]) public hospitals in all nine provinces of South Africa. After ethical approval, a self-reported questionnaire with subscales on the practice environment, quality of care and patient safety was administered. Data was collected from April 2021 to June 2022, with a response rate of 43.1%. ANOVA type Hierarchical Linear Modelling (HLM) was used to present the differences in nurses’ perceptions across four hospital levels.ResultsNurses rated the overall practice environment as poor (M = 2.46; SD = 0.65), especially with regard to the subscales of nurse participation in hospital affairs (M = 2.22; SD = 0.76), staffing and resource adequacy (M = 2.23; SD = 0.80), and nurse leadership, management, and support of nurses (M = 2.39; SD = 0.81). One-fifth (19.59%; n = 248) of nurses rated the overall grade of patient safety in their units as poor or failing, and more than one third (38.45%; n = 486) reported that the quality of care delivered to patient was fair or poor. Statistical and practical significant results indicated that central hospitals most often presented more positive perceptions of the practice environment, quality of care and patient safety, while small district hospitals often presented the most negative. The practice environment was most highly correlated with quality of care and patient safety outcomes.ConclusionThere is a need to strengthen compliance with existing policies that enhance quality of care and patient safety. This includes the need to create positive practice environments in all public hospitals, but with an increased focus on smaller hospital settings.

Determinants of urban households in the diversification of livelihood activities: The case of Wolaita zone in southern Ethiopia

Diversification of Livelihood Activities (DLA) is indeed crucial for populous countries like Ethiopia, where it serves as a strategy to mitigate food insecurity. Despite its significance, empirical studies focusing on DLA among urban households in Ethiopia are relatively scarce. Therefore, this study examines factors affecting urban households' participation in the DLA in selected towns of the Wolaita zone. The study used both primary and secondary data. A total of 310 sample respondents from three town administrations in the Wolaita zone: Areka, Boditi, and Sodo, were selected using a multi-phase sampling technique. The study used a survey questionnaire, Key Informant Interviews, Focus Group Discussions, and observations as methods for primary data collection. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results revealed that among the sampled respondents, 23.9 %, 28.4 %, and 33.2 % depend on on-farm, on-farm + non-farm, non-farm + off-farm activities, respectively, while the remaining 14.5 % diversify their livelihood activities through combinations of on-farm + non-farm + off-farm Livelihood Diversification Activities (LDA). The Multinomial Logot (MNL) model result shows that the participation of LDA in the study areas was positively and negatively determined by cooperative membership, development agent training, gender, education, home ownership, rural connections, household income, and technical skills that were found to be statistically significant at 1 %, 5 %, and 10 %. Therefore, the government should prioritize empowering the diversification of livelihood activities and develop policies and programs that support urban households’ livelihoods, with a specific focus on promoting off-farm and non-farm endeavors.

Assessment of Willingness to Pay for Wetlands Protection in Ondo State, Nigeria

Wetlands provide numerous kinds of advantages and functions, making them vital ecosystems. However, the exploitation of these resources has led to their significant depletion. Engaging communities who rely on wetlands in their sustainable management is crucial to stem the degradation of these critical habitats. This research investigated the willingness of individuals to donate financially to the conservation of wetlands in Ondo State, Nigeria. It aimed to identify the factors influencing the community's willingness to pay (WTP) and to measure the financial commitment made to wetland restoration. A systematic multi-phase sample method was used to survey 124 people who lived close to wetlands. The Binary Probit Regression Model (BPRM), the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM), and descriptive statistics were all included in the analysis. The results show that the majority of respondents (64.5%) were men, with an average age of 60 and a typical household size of six people. The importance of wetlands as water reserves was emphasized by more than half of the respondents (52%) to the survey. Moreover, 53% of respondents said that they would be willing to contribute financially to the conservation of wetlands, with an average monthly payment of ₦1038.68. Gender, household size, proximity to wetlands, and yearly income were found to be significant predictors of WTP for wetland preservation in the BPRM analysis. The study highlights the community's overall willingness to contribute to wetlands protection. It promotes laws and initiatives meant to raise regional revenues and encourage more community participation in wetland preservation.

Metabolic syndrome burden, determinants and treatment status in an urban slum resettlement colony in Delhi, India.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) in low-resource settings contributes to accentuated risk of cardiovascular disease, including stroke. The study objective was to estimate the prevalence, determinants and treatment status of MetS in an urban slum resettlement population in Delhi, India. This study was conducted from February to May 2023. Multiphase sampling was conducted with 1910 individuals screened for abdominal obesity (AO), with 996 detected as having AO, of which, 400 were selected by simple random sampling and further evaluated for triglycerides (TGs), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and fasting glucose levels. Among the 400 participants detected as having AO, 211 had evidence of MetS (52.75% [95% confidence interval 47.83 to 57.62]). The most prevalent combination of MetS clustering was for all five components (AO, diabetes mellitus [DM], hypertension [HTN], low HDL and high TGs; 14.69%), followed by AO, DM and HTN (12.32%). On adjusted analysis, the odds of having MetS was found to be independently associated with increasing age (≥40y) but not sex. A high burden of MetS and suboptimal treatment status is prevalent in urban slum populations. Screening of individuals with AO, especially in those >40y of age, can be an effective programmatic strategy for early diagnosis and management of MetS and its underlying components.

Experimental and numerical investigation of nanomaterial-based structural composite

Abstract In this work, we discussed multi-phase composites fabrication and analytical as well as experimental analysis. Shear mixing of multi-walled nanotube (MWCNT) and epoxy is used to create nanocomposites. Ultrasonication, magnetic stirring, and moulding using the hand layup technique were the procedures used for sample preparation. Curing and cutting were performed as well, all in accordance with ASTM standards. This research uses an experimental method for assessing material qualities and backs up its findings with an analytical one for verification. It can be shown that the outcomes of both experiments and analyses are consistent. The structural analysis of a composite sample is probed by using a further analytical validation strategy. In this research, we examined the effects of varying the MWCNT content of the matrix. The tensile strength was shown to rise up to 0.5% MWCNT content in the matrix. For 0.7% MWCNT reinforcement in the matrix, tensile strength drops as a result of agglomeration. This research also explored the use of ANSYS for critical buckling analysis on many different multi-phase nanocomposite samples. The critical buckling resistance capability of the various configurations of composite materials was examined, and the model’s efficacy was shown via validation against existing literature.

Integrated analysis of X-ray diffraction patterns and pair distribution functions for machine-learned phase identification

To bolster the accuracy of existing methods for automated phase identification from X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, we introduce a machine learning approach that uses a dual representation whereby XRD patterns are augmented with simulated pair distribution functions (PDFs). A convolutional neural network is trained directly on XRD patterns calculated using physics-informed data augmentation, which accounts for experimental artifacts such as lattice strain and crystallographic texture. A second network is trained on PDFs generated via Fourier transform of the augmented XRD patterns. At inference, these networks classify unknown samples by aggregating their predictions in a confidence-weighted sum. We show that such an integrated approach to phase identification provides enhanced accuracy by leveraging the benefits of each model’s input representation. Whereas networks trained on XRD patterns provide a reciprocal space representation and can effectively distinguish large diffraction peaks in multi-phase samples, networks trained on PDFs provide a real space representation and perform better when peaks with low intensity become important. These findings underscore the importance of using diverse input representations for machine learning models in materials science and point to new avenues for automating multi-modal characterization.

Effects of Applying Problem Based Learning (PBL) Strategy Use on Students’ Oral Vocabulary as One Aspect of Speaking Performance

This study’s main goal was to investigate how PBL, a learning strategy, might improve students’ oral vocabulary, which is one component of their speaking abilities in an EFL class with grade 11 students as the emphasis. The experimental (treatment) and comparative groups were the two research groups. Biftu Nekemte Secondary School was the site of the study (BNSS). The study’s population comprised all eleventh grade students enrolled in the academic year of 2014–2022. As a type of quasi-experimental research, the current study used a non-randomized pre-test, post-test comparison group design. The researcher used a multi-phase sampling strategy. 48 students from the experimental group and 49 from the comparison group took part in the study. The pre- and posttest instruments were adapted from the speaking performance rubric by Brown (2004). In fact, the researcher simply applied the rubric’s vocabulary part. The study’s quantitative portion was calculated using a number of statistical procedures. Calculations were made using descriptive statistics tools for the pretest and posttest groups to determine if the data was parametric or not. Additionally, separate t-tests were conducted. Cohen’s D (Effect Size) and Cohen’s Kappa (for inter-rater reliability) were also conducted, and they were equally significant. The usage of problem-based learning as a learning approach was found to considerably enhance EFL learners’ oral vocabulary skills, which is one facet of speaking abilities. Therefore, it is advised that various stakeholders take into account using PBL as a learning technique in EFL classes, especially for the teaching and acquisition of oral vocabulary.

Optimal fuzzy scheduling and sequencing of multi-phase sample tests at third-party laboratories

Optimal fuzzy scheduling and sequencing of multi-phase sample tests at third-party laboratories

Gum Arabic between Local Negligence and Global Attention, Case Study of Kordofan West Sector- Sudan

The purpose of this study is to investigate how gum Arabic commodities are handled, as well as their surroundings. A comparison between the perception of worldwide attention and product usage and the local forms of neglect. A multi-phase random sample was selected from the producer community. Utilizing a Chi-square test, one can examine the relationship between variables. Important conclusions include the fact that local and state taxes and fees accounted for over 50% of the total cost and that production inputs and basic utilities like water are not being provided with enough care. Due to the low pricing, Acacia Senegal was chopped down. The report has suggested that local taxes and fees be eliminated, that production inputs be made available, that basic services be provided, and that regulations be passed.

Investigating Determinants Affecting the Adoption of Contemporary Contraceptive Methods: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Adolescent Utilization in the Nabdan District, Upper East Region, Ghana

Introduction: Promoting the use of contraception among adolescents is essential to improving their sexual and reproductive health. Teenage pregnancies are becoming more common, and the Nabdam area continues to have low rates of use of contemporary contraceptive methods. These facts highlight the urgent need to address the needs of adolescents concerning their sexual and reproductive health. This study aims to investigate the factors impacting the Upper East Region of Ghana's Nabdam District's adoption of contemporary contraceptive methods.
 Methods: 261 older teenage girls from the Nabdam district, ages 15 to 19, were included in the study, which used a quantitative technique and a descriptive cross-sectional design. Respondents were chosen using a multiphase sample technique, and data were collected over the course of 10 working days using a standardized survey form. STATA Version 14 was utilized for data analysis. A significance criterion of p < 0.05 was applied to bivariate and logistic regression models to investigate any correlations between independent factors and outcome variables.
 Results: 52.1% of respondents said they have had their first sexual experience before turning 20. The oldest stated age at first sex was 19 years old, while the youngest was 10 years old. Additionally, 97.8% of respondents reported learning about contemporary contraception via a variety of sources, such as peers, instructors, health professionals, and radio media. Even with this knowledge, 48.7% of respondents thought using a contraceptive technique would provide 100% protection against getting pregnant, while 73.6% of respondents had never used any kind of birth control. Age (p< 0.001), educational attainment (p< 0.001), marital status (p< 0.001), peer influence (p< 0.001), place of residence (p< 0.001), religious affiliation (p< 0.018), consent from a sexual partner (p< 0.001), positive attitudes from healthcare providers (p < 0.001), and the availability of contraceptives (p < 0.001) were discovered to be linked to the usage of modern contraceptives.
 Conclusion: Although a sizable percentage of respondents showed awareness of contemporary contraceptive methods, low modern contraceptive usage was significantly correlated with several factors, including age, marital status, educational attainment, peer influence, partner consent, and the unfavorable attitudes of healthcare professionals. To tackle this problem, a community-based strategy emphasizing the advancement of enabling elements and the removal of obstacles is required. The Ghana Health Service could enhance its School Health Education Program (SHEP) by increasing informational sessions, organizing theatrical productions and debates, and recruiting peer educators as invaluable resources to share experiences and instruct their peers on sexuality, reproductive health issues, and the use of modern contraceptives

Active site engineering of intermetallic nanoparticles by the vapour-solid synthesis: carbon black supported nickel tellurides for hydrogen evolution.

The development and design of catalysts have become a major pillar of latest research efforts to make sustainable forms of energy generation accessible. The production of green hydrogen by electrocatalytic water splitting is dealt as one of the most promising ways to enable decarbonization. To make the hydrogen evolution reaction through electrocatalytic water splitting usable on a large scale, the development of highly-active catalysts with long-term stability and simple producibility is required. Recently, nickel tellurides were found to be an interesting alternative to noble-metal materials. Previous publications dealt with individual nickel telluride species of certain compositions due to the lack of broadly applicable synthesis strategies. For the first time, in this work the preparation of carbon black supported nickel telluride nanoparticles and their catalytic performance for the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline media is presented. The facile vapour-solid synthesis strategy enabled remarkable control over the crystal structure and composition, demonstrating interesting opportunities of active site engineering. Both single- and multi-phase samples containing the Ni-Te compounds Ni3Te2, NiTe, NiTe2-x & NiTe2 were prepared. Onset potentials and overpotentials of -0.145 V vs. RHE and 315 mV at 10 mA cm-2 respectively were achieved. Furthermore, it was found that the mass activity was dependent on the structure and composition of the nickel tellurides following the particular order: Ni3Te2 > NiTe > NiTe2-x > NiTe2.