SEM-based Analysis Research Articles

Regional propolis extracts suppress Fusarium fujikuroi and boost rice seedling growth and response against Bakanae disease

Bakanae, caused by Fusarium fujikuroi, is a serious seed-borne disease affecting rice production worldwide. Herein, we investigated the potential of propolis, a natural honeybee product, collected from three geographic locations in Egypt: North (Menofia), Middle (Cairo), and South (Sohag), and extracted with four different solvents (ethanol, olive oil, hexane, and water) as a sustainable eco-friendly alternative to control the Bakanae disease in rice. In vitro experiments showed that propolis extracts exhibited antifungal activity against F. fujikuroi and significantly suppressed its mycelial growth and sporulation. The antifungal activity of propolis extracts was associated with its chemical composition which varied depending on geographical origin, and the extraction solvents. Moreover, SEM-based analysis revealed that ethanolic extract of northern propolis prominently altered the microconidia morphology of F fujikuroi, which shrunken and seemed to lose their viability. These findings were further confirmed in vivo under greenhouse conditions. Soaking F fujikuroi-inoculated rice seeds in 1000 ppm of propolis extract significantly reduced the bakanae disease incidence, and disease severity index compared to mock-treated controls. Although infection with F fujikuroi induced the accumulation of H2O2, the application of propolis extracts alleviated oxidative stress and significantly reduced the H2O2 levels within infected rice seedlings. Moreover, propolis extracts enhanced the profile of enzymatic antioxidants (guaiacol-dependent peroxidase [POX] and polyphenol oxidase [PPO]) in F. fujikuroi-infected rice seedlings. Finally, Propolis extracts-treated rice seedlings exhibited higher transcript levels of three PTI-marker genes including nonexpressor of pathogenesis-related genes 1 (OsNPR1), WRKY transcription factor 21(OsWRKY21), and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (OsPAL1), which are associated with systemic acquired resistance (SAR) and crucial for the plant's defense response against pathogens. Collectively, these findings suggest that propolis might be a promising sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to control bakanae disease and other fungal seed-borne phytopathogens due to its antifungal properties and ability to induce a complex multilayered defense system within infected plants.

Conceptualising and Measuring the Trading Behaviour of Indian Retail Investors in the Derivative Market - an SEM-based Analysis

Conceptualising and Measuring the Trading Behaviour of Indian Retail Investors in the Derivative Market - an SEM-based Analysis

Research on the Influencing Factors of Farmers’ Economic Gain in the Process of Rural Revitalization—SEM-Based Analysis

Research on the Influencing Factors of Farmers’ Economic Gain in the Process of Rural Revitalization—SEM-Based Analysis

Emotional intelligence and mental well-being of students in Indian higher education sector: an SEM based analysis

Purpose This study aims to provide empirical insights pertaining to the impact of trait emotional intelligence on the mental well-being of students in higher education institutions (HEIs) in India. Design/methodology/approach In the current study, responses from a total of 252 students were randomly taken from different universities of Uttarakhand (India). The analysis was done using structural equation modelling AMOS 23. Findings The current study empirically established the positive impact of trait emotional intelligence (TEI) on the mental well-being of students and highlighted the relevance of TEI in curbing the psychological distress in students of HEIs. Originality/value This study endeavours to bridge the empirical and population gap by examining the emotional intelligence and its impact on mental well-being of the students of Indian HEIs, where studies are still scant and demand massive exploration of the perceptions of students. Strong emotional intelligence is pivotal in strengthening the mental well-being of students so that they can make appropriate decisions pertaining to their career and personal life.

SEM-based Analysis of Factors Influencing the Purchase Intention of Electric Vehicle Consumers

Consumers' purchase intention plays an important role in the development of the electric vehicle industry. Based on the SOR model, this paper investigates the factors influencing the purchase intention of electric vehicle consumers in four dimensions: product attributes, environmental perceptions, charging policies, and subjective norms. The results show that: product attributes and environmental perceptions may influence consumers' perceived risk, and improving product performance and reducing environmental pollution in the production process will increase consumers' willingness to purchase; charging policy and subjective regulation have significant effects on consumers' willingness to purchase through consumers' perceived value and perceived risk, and improving charging policy will help improve consumers' willingness to purchase. Improving the charging policy helps to enhance consumers' purchase intention; consumers pay more attention to the perceived value of electric vehicles than to the perceived risk. Accordingly, this paper proposes that car companies should focus on the performance of electric vehicles, strictly control the production process, develop marketing strategies, and improve the charging policy jointly with relevant departments to enhance consumers' purchase intention.

DIGITAL MARKETING COMMUNICATION: A CASE STUDY OF COVID-19 PURCHASING DECISION RELATED TO SOCIAL MEDIA AND E-WOM

The COVID-19 pandemic that occurred all across the globe affected the economy. The firm is responsible for promotions, and clients use different types of technology to make purchases. Digital marketing employs social media to promote a product using electronic communication tools, which assist customers in making better-educated buying choices and persuade them to purchase a product or service. This study used purposeful sampling to acquire data, and the sample size was computed using answers from 441 participants who completed online surveys. Participants must be at least 20 years old and active purchasers in the retail internet industry. The suggestion indicates that customers may obtain a product or service via social media or e-WOM. Our SEM-based analysis revealed conformity with the value CFI is 0.954, the value RFI is 0.918, the value NFI is 0.931, and the value RMSEA is 0.066. Consequently, advertising using digital marketing on social media during the COVID-19 epidemic has substantially influenced consumers' purchasing decisions.

Visualization of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) latex and large-scale analysis of the microstructure of lithium-ion battery (LIB) anodes

This study presents a novel method for analyzing binder distribution in a lithium-ion battery (LIB) anode. The developed method is based on scanning electron microscope (SEM) image analysis and can be used to analyze an aqueous styrene-butadiene rubber/carboxymethylated cellulose (SBR/CMC) binder system. The main advantage of this method is that it can provide large-scale cross-sections of multiple samples in a single milling process while maintaining a high-quality cross-section enabling the clear distinction of electrode components. This minimizes the issue of SEM-based analysis in the selection of a representative analysis area. The sample preparation and image acquisition processes were optimized to obtain high-quality images, and image processing procedures were developed for quantitative analysis. Osmium tetroxide (OsO4) staining and resin embedding enabled us to achieve a smooth two-dimensional (2D) cross-section with a clear distinction of the electrode components. The milling process enabled us to produce high-quality large-scale cross-sections similar to those prepared by ion beam milling methods. It was verified that our developed method is reliable in determining the SBR content and porosity. The developed method was used to analyze the SBR distribution and pore structure of anode layers prepared at various drying temperatures.

Segmentation of SEM images of multiphase materials: When Gaussian mixture models are accurate?

Scanning electron microscopy has been a powerful technique to investigate the structural and chemical properties of multiphase materials on micro and nanoscale due to its high-resolution capabilities. One of the main outcomes of the SEM-based analysis is the calculation of the fractions of material components constituting the multiphase material by means of the segmentation of their back scattered electron SEM images. In order to segment multiphase images, Gaussian mixture models (GMMs) are commonly used based on the deconvolution of the image pixel histogram. Despite its extensive use, the accuracy of GMM predictions has not been validated yet. In this paper, we proceed to a systematic study of the evaluation of the accuracy and the limitations of the GMM method when applied to the segmentation of a four-phase material. To this end, first, we build a modelling framework and propose an index to quantify the accuracy of GMM predictions for all phases. Then we apply this framework to calculate the impact of collective parameters of image histogram on the accuracy of GMM predictions. Finally, some rules of thumb are concluded to guide SEM users about the suitability of using GMM for the segmentation of their SEM images based only on the inspection of the image histogram. A suitable histogram for GMM is a histogram with number of peaks equal to the number of Gaussian components, and if that is not the case, kurtosis and skewness should be smaller than 2.35 and 0.1, respectively.

Fabrication and Characterization of Carbon Nanofibers Coated Expandable Thermoplastic Microspheres-Based Polymer Composites

Background: Thermoplastic expandable microspheres (TEMs) are spherical particles that consist of a polymer shell encapsulating a low boiling point liquid hydrocarbon that acts as the blowing agent. When TEMs are heated at 80-190 °C, the polymer shell softens, and the hydrocarbon gasifies, causing the microspheres to expand, leading to an increase in volume and decrease in density. TEMs are used in food packaging, elastomeric cool roof coatings, shoe soles, fiber and paper board, and various applications in the automotive industry. It is noted that TEMs are known by their brand name ‘Expancel’, which is also used to refer TEMs in this paper. Objective: The objective of this work was to develop and characterize forms prepared from TEMs with/without carbon nanofibers (CNFs) coatings to study the effect of CNFs on structural, thermal, and mechanical properties. Method: Sonochemical method was used to coat TEMs with various weight percentages (1, 2, and 3%) of CNF. Neat foam (without CNF) and composite foams (TEMs coated with various wt.% of CNF) were prepared by compression molding the TEMs and TEMs-CNF composites powders. Thermal and mechanical properties of the neat and composite foams were investigated. Result: The mechanical properties of the composite foam were notably improved, which is exhibited by a 54 % increase in flexural modulus and a 6% decrease in failure strain with the TEMs-(2 wt.% CNF) composite foam as compared to the neat foam. Improvement in thermal properties of composite foam was demonstrated by a 38% increase in thermal stability at 800ºC with the TEMs-( 1 wt.% CNF) composite foam as compared to the neat foam. However, no change in the glass transition of TEMs was observed with the CNF coating. SEM-based analysis revealed that CNFs were well dispersed throughout the volume of the TEMs matrix, forming a strong interface. Conclusions: Straightforward sonochemical method successfully triggered efficient coating of TEMs with CNFs, resulting in a strong adhesion interface. The mechanical properties of composite foams increased up to 2% of CNFs coating and then decreased with the higher coating, presumably due to interwoven bundles and aggregation of CNFs, which might have acted as critical flaws to initiate and propagate cracking. Thermal properties of foams increased with the CNFs coating while no change in glass transition temperature was observed due to coating.

Positive and negative valences, personal innovativeness and intention to use facial recognition for payments

PurposeFacial recognition payment (FRP) has been attracting attention as an alternative payment mode. This research aims to investigate the future use of FRP for both mobile payment and point of sale payment.Design/methodology/approachThe body of information on this topic is promoted by proposing the valence framework, where the authors used relative advantage, initial trust, perceived playfulness and need for uniqueness as positive valence, and perceived risk, technophobia and perceived complexity as negative valence. This study also investigated the moderating effect of personal innovativeness on consumers' behavioral intention to use FRP-based payments. The authors collected data from 392 FRP users from China to test the model. The authors used structural equation modeling (SEM) to evaluate the significant determinants influencing FRP use.FindingsThe authors found that relative advantage and privacy risk are the two most influential predictors of FRP use. The findings indicate that personal innovativeness acts as a moderator between negative valence and behavioral intention. This study provides valuable policy guidelines for the mobile or point of sale (POS) payment companies for adding FRP service into their default payment method.Originality/valueFRP is a relatively new technology that has not received much research attention in information system (IS) literature. Most studies on payment investigated enablers, and less effort has been given to study both enablers and inhibitors together. Furthermore, the authors employed SEM-based analysis to identify the most important factors influencing consumers' future use decisions.

SEM-Based Analysis of Carbon Emission Reduction Pathway Study during the Materialization Stage of Prefabricated Buildings: Evidence from Shenyang and Guiyang, China.

In recent years, in the process of promoting prefabricated buildings, problems such as waste of resources and energy have been present, which have seriously hindered the realization of carbon emission reduction benefits of prefabricated buildings. Especially during the materialization stage of prefabricated buildings which involves the most engineering activities and the most extensive sources of carbon emissions, it is urgent to further meet the low-carbon development of the construction industry. This study takes the 4 substages of design and development, component production, transportation, and installation during the materialization stage as the point of penetration and identifies the carbon reduction impact pathways based on the 3E (Environment-Economy-Energy) system theory in 5 dimensions: government policy, management mode, technology level, economy input, and energy structure. The data are collected through the questionnaire survey, and structural equation modeling (SEM) is utilized to examine the hypothesis and impact dimensions of the study. The results confirm that the management mode has the strongest effects on carbon emission reduction, followed by government policy, economy input, and technology level, and the energy structure has the weakest effects. This study presents the key carbon reduction pathways during the materialization stage of prefabricated buildings and provides recommendations for different participants to optimize policy guidance, strengthen management supervision, accelerate technology research and development, increase economy input, and optimize energy structure, with a view to achieving low-carbon governance capacity, management mode, technology system, capital, and energy utilization, and also enriches the theory in the field of prefabricated buildings carbon emission reduction, which can better achieve low-carbon development of prefabricated buildings.

Study on cocoonase, sericin, and degumming of silk cocoon: computational and experimental

BackgroundCocoonase is a proteolytic enzyme that helps in dissolving the silk cocoon shell and exit of silk moth. Chemicals like anhydrous Na2CO3, Marseille soap, soda, ethylene diamine and tartaric acid-based degumming of silk cocoon shell have been in practice. During this process, solubility of sericin protein increased resulting in the release of sericin from the fibroin protein of the silk. However, this process diminishes natural color and softness of the silk. Cocoonase enzyme digests the sericin protein of silk at the anterior portion of the cocoon without disturbing the silk fibroin. However, no thorough characterization of cocoonase and sericin protein as well as imaging analysis of chemical- and enzyme-treated silk sheets has been carried out so far. Therefore, present study aimed for detailed characterization of cocoonase and sericin proteins, phylogenetic analysis, secondary and tertiary structure prediction, and computational validation as well as their interaction with other proteins. Further, identification of tasar silkworm (Antheraea mylitta) pupa stage for cocoonase collection, its purification and effect on silk sheet degumming, scanning electron microscope (SEM)-based comparison of chemical- and enzyme-treated cocoon sheets, and its optical coherence tomography (OCT)-based imaging analysis have been investigated. Various computational tools like Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis (MEGA) X and Figtree, Iterative Threading Assembly Refinement (I-TASSER), self-optimized predicted method with alignment (SOPMA), PROCHECK, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Chimera, and Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) were used for characterization of cocoonase and sericin proteins. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), protein purification using Sephadex G 25-column, degumming of cocoon sheet using cocoonase enzyme and chemical Na2CO3, and SEM and OCT analysis of degummed cocoon sheet were performed. ResultsPredicted normalized B-factors of cocoonase and sericin with respect to α and β regions showed that these regions are structurally more stable in cocoonase while less stable in sericin. Conserved domain analysis revealed that B. mori cocoonase contains a trypsin-like serine protease with active site range 45 to 180 query sequences while substrate binding site from 175 to 200 query sequences. SDS-PAGE analysis of cocoonase indicated its molecular weight of 25–26 kDa. Na2CO3 treatment showed more degumming effect (i.e., cocoon sheet weight loss) as compared to degumming with cocoonase. However, cocoonase-treated silk cocoon sheet holds the natural color of tasar silk, smoothness, and luster compared with the cocoon sheet treated with Na2CO3. SEM-based analysis showed the noticeable variation on the surface of silk fiber treated with cocoonase and Na2CO3. OCT analysis also exemplified the variations in the cross-sectional view of the cocoonase and Na2CO3-treated silk sheets. ConclusionsPresent study enlightens on the detailed characteristics of cocoonase and sericin proteins, comparative degumming activity, and image analysis of cocoonase enzyme and Na2CO3 chemical-treated silk sheets. Obtained findings illustrated about use of cocoonase enzyme in the degumming of silk cocoon at larger scale that will be a boon to the silk industry.

Identifying and mapping chemical bonding within phenolic resin using secondary electron hyperspectral imaging

“Secondary electron hyperspectral imaging (SEHI) is an innovative SEM-based analysis tool allowing spatially-resolved chemical analysis beyond elemental composition”.

The cono-dos and cono-dont’s of phosphatic microfossil preparation and microanalysis

Scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging of fossils allows unlocking ultrastructural information about their skeletal tissues, but sample preparation of biominerals forming their skeletons requires time, patience, and knowledge. SEM and associated analytical methods allow the observation of internal microstructure, shedding light on function, growth and chemistry. Sample preparation is the process by which material is fixed within a medium (e.g. epoxy resin), a transect created and surface defects removed. This step is arguably the most important in any SEM-based analysis, allowing for the acquisition of reliable, high quality data sets. When conducting any SEM-based technique, the presence of a flat surface is needed to collect consistent and reliable data. Surfaces with topography will both induce charging effects but will also compromise the reliability of data acquired. Techniques from material science are continuously adapted to palaeontological applications, in particular with respect to calcareous microfossils. However, similar studies have not been extensively conducted on bioapatite, owing in part to the difficulties faced in sample preparation alongside its susceptibility to electron beam damage. This case study focuses on conodonts, a marine vertebrate group ranging from the late Cambrian to the Late Triassic. They have been chosen as a model due to the abundance of material, complexity of internal tissues and previous work focused on histological features. With these phosphatic microfossils, we attempt to outline the process of sample preparation and provide information on how to avoid and overcome common pitfalls.

The Influence of Self-Concept, Self Efficacy, and Social Support on Adjustment of Self-Students in the Process of Teaching Learning Activities

This study aims to examine 1. The effect of self-concept on the adjustment of students in the process of teaching and learning activities, 2. The influence of Self-Efficacy on the adjustment of students in the process of teaching and learning activities, 3 The effect of Social Support on the adjustment of students in the process of teaching and learning activities, 5. Effect of Self-Concept, Self-Efficacy, and Social Support Student self-adjustment in the process of teaching and learning activities. The purpose of this study is to determine which variable is the most dominant influence on the modernity of one's learning. Samples taken as many as 200 respondents. Data were analyzed using SEM techniques, for the purpose of this study was to test the theory, SEM-based analysis techniques (Covariance based SEM), SEM approaches using Amos 22.0 and SPSS 22.0. The results showed that the variable had a big influence on Self Adjustment of students was Self-Consept. Meanwhile, the variable that has a low impact on Self Adjustment of students is Self-Efficacy.

WEDM of AA6061: an insight investigation of axial and lateral dimensional errors

ABSTRACT Geometrical machining errors in terms of overcut and/or undercut are the inherent problems associated with wire-cut electric discharge machining (EDM) process. Such errors are ultimately transformed into compromised dimensional accuracy of the machined part. The magnitude of the said errors is presumed the same in both the cutting orientation of work part. However, practically there exists variations along both the cutting orientations, i.e. axial and lateral. Moreover, not only the lateral and axial dimensions are different from the designed dimensions but also a noticeable difference in errors magnitude is observed along both the cutting directions. Variation in kerf along different edges of the machined profile also plays a pivotal role in error amplification. Such difference in geometrical dimensions seriously matters in high-precision applications. Therefore, the present research examines the impact of seven control parameters for minimizing the magnitude of kerf width, axial and lateral dimensional errors. Al-alloy 6061 is taken as a substrate because of its wide use in precision-oriented applications. Parametric effects are thoroughly analyzed through statistical tests and SEM-based analysis. Results revealed that the use of optimal settings yields a reduction of 13.5%, 49%, and 27% in the magnitudes of kerf width, axial, and lateral dimensional errors, respectively.

Corrosion Inhibition: Investigation of Lanolin Coating on the Corrosion Characteristics of Low Carbon Steel in Simulated Sea Water

There is a high demand for an environmentally friendly and cost-effective corrosion inhibitor. Commercially available lanolin has been used as a biodegradable corrosion inhibitor in addition to being a natural lubricant as a results of its relatively low viscosity. This is very useful particularly for marine steel structural applications. In this investigation, corrosion of lanolin-coated 1018 steel was examined after submerging in a stagnant simulated marine environment. Investigation of microstructure for surface corrosion variation including corrosion rate was carried out on both standard and lanolin-coated 1018 steel specimens. Based on the results obtained in this study, it was concluded that lanolin-treated 1018 steel samples retained lanolin coat during long-term submersion. This is attributed to the preferential lanolin amalgamation that occurred over time. The application of protective coat played an important role in corrosion protection/prevention. Pitting corrosion was dominant in uncoated samples, as expected. SEM-based analysis has demonstrated substantial corrosion attack occurring at the periphery of the standard sample compared to lanolin-coated samples.

Optimization of SEM-EDS to determine the C–A–S–H composition in matured cement paste samples

Microanalysis of characteristic X-rays in the SEM is a powerful method to assess the chemical composition of phases in cement pastes, in particular the calcium silicate hydrate containing aluminium (C–A–S–H). Nevertheless, many variables may influence the results obtained, due mainly to the intimate mixing of C–A–S–H with other hydrate phases and the susceptibility of this phase to damage by the electron beam. In this study the effect of various acquisition parameters was examined, along with methods to determine an “average” C–A–S–H composition. The results acquired in the SEM were compared with the analysis of the same samples in the TEM, where phases can be analyzed without intermixing. A simple method was used to obtain compositions from SEM based analysis that are very close to those which can be obtained in the TEM.

From cultural intelligence to supply chain performance

Purpose– Cultural intelligence (CQ) has transcended its role of adaptation to local values toward narrowing the cultural gap between foreign stakeholders and local stakeholders in the supply chain. The purpose of this paper is to decipher the catalyzing role of CQ in its chain effect, through corporate social responsibility and trust, to supply chain performance and competitive intelligence (CI).Design/methodology/approach– The proof for the research model was derived from the SEM-based analysis of cross-sectional data provided by 392 respondents from MNCs in Vietnamese business landscape.Findings– Findings, from this inquiry, produce the evidence for the positive effect of all four dimensions of CQ (metacognitive, cognitive, motivational, and behavioral CQ) on ethical and legal CSR, as well as knowledge-based and identity-based trust, which leverage supply chain performance. The connectivity between supply chain performance and CI was also established.Originality/value– Supply chain literature, from this research model, has increased its breadth with the novel role of CQ and stakeholder-oriented levers such as CSR in heightening supply chain performance.

Psychological contract and knowledge sharing

Purpose– The survival and sustainable growth of Cai Luong (Renovated Theatre) theatre companies as well as Cai Luong theatrical art in Vietnam necessitate the sharing of acting and singing skills between generations of actors. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of theatre members’ perception of psychological contract in predicting their sharing of knowledge. Another research purpose is to assess if corporate social responsibility (CSR) of theatre companies can activate the effect chain through psychological contract to knowledge sharing. The last research purpose sheds light on the moderating role of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) for the relationship between psychological contract and knowledge sharing among members of Cai Luong theatre companies in Vietnam setting.Design/methodology/approach– Cross-sectional data for SEM-based analysis was collated from 226 respondents of Cai Luong theatre companies in Vietnam.Findings– Research results unveil the predicting role that CSR played on the relationship between psychological contract and knowledge sharing among members in Cai Luong theatre companies. This relationship was also found to be moderated by EO.Originality/value– Research results extend knowledge management literature through the inclusion of CSR and psychological contract as antecedents of knowledge sharing.