Pf Values Research Articles

Drought Index Assessment Using Thermal Vegetation Index (TVI) Method and Soil Physic Approaches (A Case study: Manyaran District, Central Java, Indonesia)

The early detection of areas that have the potential to experience drought is necessary to minimize the hazards of land drought. The study aimed to identify the current conditions of drought by TVI with actual soil physic characteristic approaches, and to find the determinant factors related to the dynamics of agricultural land drought conditions so as to determine land management strategies that are considered appropriate and efficient to prevent agricultural land drought. The method for analyzing the drought index was the Thermal Vegetation Index (TVI) method, which involved the calculation of the ratio between the Land Surface Temperature (LST) and the vegetation index using Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). The method in this research was modified by adding soil physical indicators, including soil moisture content, bulk density, and pF value. The results showed that the land drought classes were normal drought (46.89% study area), mild drought (20.62% study area), moderate drought (14.10% study area), severe drought (8.58% study area), and extreme drought (9.81% study area). Land drought was highly correlated to the soil's physical condition, negatively correlated with the moisture content (r -0.403) and bulk density (r -0.317), and positively correlated with the pF (r 0.429). Enhancing the soil’s capacity to absorb water and retain moisture through the addition of organic matter is one of the required techniques as a suitable recommendation to the issue after determining the determinant factors and present conditions.

Sc2CX2(X=O, S, Se) 2D-MXene materials for thermoelectric applications: A DFT study

MXene Sc2CX2(X = O, S, Se) have band gap tunability and are environmentally neutral, making them useful for future studies. In this current manuscript, we have theoretically investigated the physical traits of Sc2CX2(X = O, S, Se) using the FP-LAPW technique embedded in Wien2K simulations. These compounds exhibit thermodynamically, and structural stability confirmed through volume optimization curves. The electronic characteristics reveal indirect band gaps of these materials. The ultraviolet area is where materials absorb most light, indicating their potential for use in UV based optoelectronic devices. The transport traits examined depict the high PF values which demonstrate the importance of these compounds for renewable energies.

Improved thermoelectric performance in wide temperature range of flexible moderately Ag-doped Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 films

Motivated by previous investigations on Ag-doped Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 films deposited on various kinds of substrates, we introduced the Ag doping of moderate content into flexible Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 films through magnetron co-sputtering. The Ag doping level was found to have significant influence on the film microstructure and orientation. The remarkedly increased carrier concentration suppresses the bipolar conduction, contributing to superior thermoelectric performance in a wide temperature range from 300 K to 580 K. As a result, the 3.5 % Ag-doped Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 film reveals the highest PF value of 1373 μWm-1 K-2 at 480 K, as well as the best average PF of 1290 μWm-1 K-2 within 300-580 K, which are competitive among the flexible BiSbTe-based thin films.

Chemical and Physical Aspects of Soil Health Resulting from Long-Term No-Till Management

The aim of this study was to compare the long-term effects of conventional tillage (CT) and no-till (NT) systems on the main soil properties that determine soil health. The research was conducted in a field experiment established in 1975 in Chylice, central Poland, at the WULS-SGGW Experimental Station Skierniewice. Soil samples collected from 0–10 and 10–20 cm of the mollic horizon of the Phaeozem were analysed for total organic carbon (TOC) content, fractional composition of SOM and spectroscopic properties of humin, soil structural stability, soil water retention characteristics and soil water repellency (SWR). The results showed that NT practice almost doubled the TOC in the 0–10 cm layer. However, optical parameters of humin indicated that NT management promoted the formation of humin with a lower molecular weight and lower degree of condensation of aromatic structures. In the NT 0–10 cm layer, a significant increase in the number of water-resistant macroaggregates was found. In the 0–10 cm layer, the water capacity increased by 9%, 18%, 22% and 26% compared to CT at (certain soil suction) pF values of 0.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.2, respectively. SWR occurs regardless of the cultivation method at a soil moisture equivalent to pF 4.2, and the greatest range of SWR was found in the NT 0–10 cm layer.

Improved thermoelectric properties of metal ion doped aniline tetramer/carbon nanotube composite films

Carbon nanotubes and their composites have attracted much attention in the field of thermoelectric conversion for potential application in wearable electronics owing to their good electrical conductivity and excellent mechanical properties. However, low Seebeck coefficient of carbon nanotubes limit the improvement of their thermoelectric properties. In this work, metal ions (Mn+ = Fe3+, Ni2+, Cu2+) are used to further improve the thermoelectric properties of aniline tetramer (ANIT)/single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) composites, and Mn+@ANIT/SWCNT films are prepared by physical mixing and vacuum filtration method. The metal ions and concentrations for improving Mn+@ANIT/SWCNT thermoelectric films are optimized, and the metal ions doping optimizes carrier concentration and promotes carrier transport of the composites appropriately, which increased the Seebeck coefficient. Amone the prepared Mn+@ANIT/SWCNT films, the Cu2+@ANIT/SWCNT demonstrates the highest PF value of 145.3 ± 3.9 μW m−1 K−2 at the molar ratio of Cu2+/ANIT to being 5:100 with the σ of 560.1 ± 22.1 S cm−1, and the S of 51.0 ± 1.3 μV K−1 at room temperature. Finally, five pairs of p-type Cu2+@ANIT/SWCNT films and n-type copper sheets are connected in series to assemble a self-powered thermoelectric device, which demonstrates an actual output power of about 426 nW under a temperature difference of 50 K. Therefore, this work offers a metal ions doping strategy to improve the SWCNT composites with enhanced thermoelectric properties.

Pseudomonas consortium improves soil health and alleviates cadmium (Cd) toxicity in Brassica juncea L. via biochemical and in silico approaches

The exponential rise in Cd in the environment has raised concerns for its adequate remediation worldwide. Its non-biodegradable nature and highly migratory feature make it more toxic. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) have shown great potential in the remediation of Cd-polluted agricultural lands. PGPR is comparatively efficient, convenient and economical. PGPR application enhances plant growth and development by conferring direct and indirect benefits. This study aimed to evaluate bacterial strains, Pseudomonas putida (Pp) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (Pf), for their PGPR traits, soil physiochemical analyses, and physiological and anatomical traits of B. juncea under Cd stress. Results showed that both microbial strains shared positive interaction and had minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging from 0.8mM and 0.6mM values for Pp and Pf respectively. P. fluorescens displayed better anti-phytopathogenic activity against pathogenic fungal strains (Alterneria brassicae, Alterneria brassicola, Verticillium longisporum, Fusarium oxysporum) than P. putida. They also synthesised plant growth regulators (PGRs) such as IAA (0.146,0.156μg/ml) and GA (2.062, 2.074 μg/ml). The co-inoculation of strains improved soil organic C, P, N, and K by 283.01 %, 100.42 %, 8.89 % and 40.38 %. Also, the interactive effect of Pp and Pf recovered dry matter content (DMC) by 18.13 % in comparison to Cd-stressed plants. Moreover, the strains reduced Cd-induced H2O2 production by DAB (340.38’-3’ diaminobenzidine) staining and hence restored membrane integrity. Also, in Cd-treated B. juncea plants, the anatomical characteristics were negatively affected. However, inoculated strains induce maximum recovery as indicated by well-developed vascular elements. Genes associated with PGPR traits were mined from the NCBI database. The information compiled thereafter indicated that the genes, galU, CadR, and pgl were responsible for biofilm formation, Cd resistance and lactone synthesis. In conclusion, we reported a promising consortium having PGPR traits, that improve soil and B. juncea health under Cd toxicities. Hence, the use of such bioinoculants can be a safer substitute for chemical fertilizers.

Enhancing the thermoelectric performance of Sr0.6La0.4Nb2O6-δ-based ceramics through composite effects

Donor-doped SrNb2O6-based materials are regarded as highly promising candidates for high-temperature thermoelectric applications. The Sr0.6La0.4Nb2O6-δ/x wt% Ti (x = 1, 5, 10, 15) composite ceramics thermoelectric materials were prepared and the mechanism for enhancing their thermoelectric properties was investigated. The experimental results demonstrate that during sintering, nano-additive titanium powder undergoes oxidation to form TiO2. The inclusion of a secondary phase ultimately leads to successful reduction in electrical resistivity within the composite oxides. Due to crystal defects, complex structure and phonon scattering at grain boundaries, the samples consistently exhibit low thermal conductivity values below 3.0 W m−1K−1. Among them, the sample doped with 10 wt% Ti shows the highest PF value (470.0 μW/mK2 at 1073 K), demonstrating a significant increase in power factor of 280 % compared to Sr0.6La0.4Nb2O6 without the Ti composite. Consequently, the Sr0.6La0.4Nb2O6-δ/10 wt% Ti composite material achieved a maximum ZT value of 0.20, representing a fifty-three percent enhancement compared to the undoped sample.

Age and gender differences of normative values of spleen diffusion MRI parameters.

This study investigates age and gender differences of normative values of spleen diffusion MRI parameters.We recruited 124 volunteers with MRI conducted at 1.5T. Diffusion imaging had b-values of 0, 2, 4, 7, 10, 15, 20, 30, 46, 60, 72, 100, 150, 200, 400, 600 s/mm2. ADC, IVIM-Dslow, IVIM-PF, IVIM-Dfast, and DDVD (diffusion-derived vessel density) were computed. DDVD is the signal difference between the b=0 s/mm2 image and b=2, 4 s/mm2 image. Only images without apparent artifacts and with good curving fitting were included in the analysis. Finally, 34 females (age: 20-71 years) and 69 males (22-70 years) were measured with ADC; 20 females (20-71 years) and 48 males (22-67 years) were measured with IVIM; 32 females (20-71 years) and 65 males (22-70 years) were measured with DDVD parameter.An age-related decrease in ADC was noted for females, while such a trend was not noted for males. A very high level of heterogeneity was noted for the data for the males, with the highest ADC value being 1.710 × 10-3mm 2/s and the lowest ADC value being 0.705 × 10-3 mm2/s when b=0 and 600 s/mm 2 were used for ADC calculation. A male-female data comparison did not show a statistically significant difference between the ADC median value. However, ADCs > 1.3 × 10-3 mm2/s were only seen among males. A very high level of heterogeneity was also noted for males' Dslow, with the highest value being 1.468 × 10-3 mm2/s and the lowest value being 0.600 × 10-3 mm2/s. Both PF and Dfast demonstrated a trend of age-related increase for older subjects. PF values were higher among males than females. However, no difference was noted for Dfast between males and females. DDVD did not show an age-related trend both for females and males. No difference was noted in DDVD values between males and females.Interpreting normal spleen diffusion MRI parameters should consider age and gender factors. · An age-related decrease in spleen ADC and IVIM-Dslow was seen for healthy females.. · There is a high level of heterogeneity for spleen ADC and IVIM-Dslow data for healthy males.. · IVIM modelled perfusion fraction and Dfast demonstrate an artificial trend of age-related increase for older subjects.. · Vessel density measured on diffusion imaging does not show an age-related trend.. · Yu W, Ma FZ, Huang H et al. Age and gender differences of normative values of spleen diffusion MRI parameters. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2024; DOI 10.1055/a-2357-9741.

Buckling Instability of Monopiles in Liquefied Soil via Structural Reliability Assessment Framework

During devastating earthquakes, soil liquefaction has disastrous outcomes on bridge foundations, as mentioned in books and published research. To avoid foundation failure when the surrounding soil is fully liquefied, a bridge’s pile foundation design could be such that the bridge pier is directly resting on the top of a large-diameter monopile instead of the traditional multiple small-diameter piles. This paper discusses the gap of insufficient studies on large-diameter monopiles to support railway bridges subjected to buckling instability and the lack of simplified tools to quickly assess structural reliability. A framework could quickly assess the structural reliability by formulating a simplified reliability analysis. This study focused on pure buckling with shear deformation and reliability assessment to calculate a monopile’s failure probability in fully liquefied soils. In reliability assessment, with the critical pile length (Lcrit) and the unsupported pile length (Luns), the limit state function g(x) = [Lcrit − Luns] thus forms the basis for assessing the safety and reliability of a structure, indicating the state of success or failure. The Lcrit formulation is accomplished with a differential equation. Here, Luns assumes various depths of liquefied soil. The reliability index’s (β) formulation is achieved through the Hasofer–Lind concept and then double-checked through a normal or Gaussian distribution. A case study was conducted using a high-speed railway bridge model from a published research to demonstrate the application of the proposed methodology. To validate the minimum pile diameter for buckling instability when a fully liquefied soil’s thickness reaches the condition that Lcrit = Luns, this study applies the published research of Bhattacharya and Tokimatsu. The validation results show good agreement for 0.85–0.90 m monopile diameters. With a monopile diameter smaller than 0.85 m, the Lcrit = Luns limit was at lesser depths, while with a monopile diameter larger than 0.90 m, the Lcrit = Luns limit was at deeper depths. A load increase notably affected the large-diameter monopiles because the Lcrit movement required a longer range. In fully liquefied soil, buckling will likely happen in piles with a diameter between 0.50 m and 1.60 m because the calculated probability of failure (Pf) value is nearly one. Conversely, buckling instability will likely not happen in monopiles with a diameter of 1.80–2.20 m because the Pf value is zero. Hence, the outcome of this case study suggests that the reliable monopile minimum diameter is 1.80 m for supporting a high-speed railway bridge. Lastly, this paper analyzed the shear deformation effect on large-diameter monopiles, the result of which was 0.30% of Lcrit. Shear deformation makes minimal contributions to large-diameter monopile buckling.

Global Sensitivity Analysis of Structural Reliability Using Cliff Delta

This paper introduces innovative sensitivity indices based on Cliff’s Delta for the global sensitivity analysis of structural reliability. These indices build on the Sobol’ method, using binary outcomes (success or failure), but avoid the need to calculate failure probability Pf and the associated distributional assumptions of resistance R and load F. Cliff’s Delta, originally used for ordinal data, evaluates the dominance of resistance over load without specific assumptions. The mathematical formulations for computing Cliff’s Delta between R and F quantify structural reliability by assessing the random realizations of R > F using a double-nested-loop approach. The derived sensitivity indices, based on the squared value of Cliff’s Delta δC2, exhibit properties analogous to those in the Sobol’ sensitivity analysis, including first-order, second-order, and higher-order indices. This provides a framework for evaluating the contributions of input variables on structural reliability. The results demonstrate that the Cliff’s Delta method provides a more accurate estimate of Pf. In one case study, the Cliff’s Delta approach reduces the standard deviation of Pf estimates across various Monte Carlo run counts. This method is particularly significant for FEM applications, where repeated simulations of R or F are computationally intensive. The double-nested-loop algorithm of Cliff’s Delta maximizes the extraction of information about structural reliability from these simulations. However, the high computational demand of Cliff’s Delta is a disadvantage. Future research should optimize computational demands, especially for small values of Pf.

MnO2 with/without Ni doped films on carbon fibers by for enhancing compression and thermoelectric performances of cement

A microwave anodic deposition process was developed to prepare MnO2/Ni-doped MnO2 films on carbon fibersfor the fillers of cement composites (CFRC) to enhance both thermoelectric and compression performances simultaneously. The resulting CFRCs were designated as M-MnO2/CFRC and M-Ni-MnO2/CFRC, respectively. The results showed that the M-Ni-MnO2/CFRC exhibited the best thermoelectric performance at 313K, achieving a Seebeck coefficient of −873.9 μV/K, electrical and thermal conductivities of 3.42 S/m and 0.613 W/mK, respectively, and thus ZT and PF values of 1.69 × 10−3 and 3.42μW/(m·K2), respectively. The superior thermoelectric performance of the M-Ni-MnO2/CFRCs compared to that of the M-MnO2/CFRCs or the MnO2/CFRCs without microwave involvement in electrodeposition was attributed to the increased density of states at the Fermi level in MnO2 due to Ni doping, and the better interfacial scattering electron carrier effect. Surprisingly, the compression strength of the M-Ni-MnO2/CFRC reached 82.5 MPa, marking a 171.2 % increase, while the elongation reached 1.71 %, a 3.50 times increase compared to pure cement.

First-principles calculations to investigate effects of strains on structural, electronic, thermodynamic, optical and thermoelectric properties of NaAs3P5 alloy

Herein, the structural, optical, electronic and thermoelectric properties of the NaAs3P5 were investigated by Ab-initio calculations. The electronic results of NaAs3P5 showed that this compound has a metallic characteristic. The optical response of this compound has been studied using optical parameters such as complex dielectric function, refractive index, optical conductivity, electron energy loss, and absorption coefficient. This compound is an n-type material, as determined by thermoelectric experiments because it has a negative Seebeck coefficient when the strain is at 20 %. The highest value of the figure of merit (ZT) is about 0.021. Besides, the obtained value of PF is 7595.5 W−1.K−2.s−1 for 20 % of the strain. As the ZT trend grows, the alloy is being promoted as a potential contender for thermoelectric power production. Applying dilatation strain can improve the mechanical and thermodynamic stability of NaAs3P5 because many solid-state physical characteristics, such as heat capacity, thermal expansion coefficient, and entropy, are related to the Debye temperature.

Enhanced thermoelectric performance of Cu2Se thin film derived from potential barrier scattering by incorporating SnSe nano-dispersions

Incorporating nano-dispersions into thermoelectric (TE) materials is an effective approach to enhance the TE properties. Herein, the TE performance of Cu2Se thin film is significantly enhanced by incorporating highly dispersed SnSe nano-inclusions. The high power factor (PF, ∼11.0 μW cm−1 K−2, 310 K) at near room temperature is achieved mainly due to the enhanced energy filtering effect that originated from the potential barrier difference. The total thermal conductivity is decreased owing to the simultaneously reduced electrical conductivity and enhanced phonon scattering. As a result, a high zT value (∼0.59 at 375 K) is achieved, which is about 12 times of pristine Cu2Se film. Remarkably, the calculated average zT values of Cu2Se/SnSe films from 310 to 375 K greatly exceed those of the pristine Cu2Se film, as well as the most state-of-the-art studies. High room-temperature PF and average zT value are crucial for expanding the practical application of Cu2Se at near room temperature. This work provides a feasible strategy to optimize the zT values of some other TE films by introducing nano-dispersions.

Maclaurin Symmetric Mean Aggregation Operators Based on Novel Frank T-Norm and T-Conorm for Picture Fuzzy Multiple-Attribute Group Decision-Making

The proposed study introduces innovative Maclaurin symmetrical mean aggregation operators (MSMAO) in picture fuzzy multiple-attribute group decision-making. These operators are built upon a newly developed Frank t-norm (FTN) and t-conorm (TCN). Utilizing these novel operators aims to enhance the effectiveness of decision-making processes in scenarios characterized by picture-fuzzy information. The study explores these aggregation operators' potential applications and advantages within the context of multiple-attribute group decision-making under uncertainty. As a novel method to handle MAGDM difficulties, we build these aggregation operators (AOs) on PFs in this paper by utilizing the FTN and TCN under PFs information. In addition, PF values (PFVs) and their fundamental operations are created and shown. Picture fuzzy Frank weighted Maclaurin symmetrical mean (MFFWMSM) and Picture fuzzy Frank Maclaurin symmetrical mean (MFFMSM) operators are two AOs introduced and studied based on these operations. The induction approach theoretically and quantitatively verifies the newly created AOs' accuracy and dependability. The problem of project evaluation utilizing these proposed operators is thoroughly examined to provide further applications and investigate the sensitivity of these PS Frank (PFF) operators. The outcomes of employing these PFF operators are contrasted with a few AOs of PFVs that were previously in existence. The suggested strategy is dependable and effective based on comparison outcomes.

A Prospective Observational Study Comparing Oxygen Saturation/Fraction of Inspired Oxygen Ratio with Partial Pressure of Oxygen in Arterial Blood/Fraction of Inspired Oxygen Ratio among Critically Ill Patients Requiring Different Modes of Oxygen Supplementation in Intensive Care Unit.

Intensive care unit (ICU) patients face a significant rise in mortality rates due to acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF). The diagnosis of AHRF is based on the PF ratio, but it has limitations in resource-constrained settings. Instead, the Kigali modification suggests using the oxygen saturation/fraction of inspired oxygen (SF) ratio. This study aims to correlate SF ratio and arterial oxygen pressure (PF) ratio in critically ill adults with hypoxemic respiratory failure, who required O2 therapy through different modes of oxygen supplementation. In an ICU, a prospective observational study included 125 adult AHRF patients receiving oxygen therapy, with data collected on FiO2, PaO2, and SpO2. The SF ratio and PF ratio were calculated, and their correlation was assessed using statistical analysis. The receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was conducted to assess the diagnostic precision of the SF ratio in identifying AHRF. Data from a total of 250 samples were collected. The study showed a positive correlation (r = 0.622) between the SF ratio and the PF ratio. The SF threshold values of 252 and 321 were established for PF values of 200 and 300, respectively, featuring a sensitivity of 69% and specificity of 95%. Furthermore, it is worth noting that the PF ratio and SF ratio are interchangeable, regardless of the type of oxygen therapy, as the median values of both the PF ratio and SF ratio displayed statistical significance (p < 0.01) in both acidosis and alkalosis conditions. For patients with AHRF, the noninvasive SF ratio can effectively serve as a substitute for the invasive PF ratio across all oxygen supplementation modes. Alur TR, Iyer SS, Shah JN, Kulkarni S, Jedge P, Patil V. A Prospective Observational Study Comparing Oxygen Saturation/Fraction of Inspired Oxygen Ratio with Partial Pressure of Oxygen in Arterial Blood/Fraction of Inspired Oxygen Ratio among Critically Ill Patients Requiring Different Modes of Oxygen Supplementation in Intensive Care Unit. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024; 28(3):251-255.

Enhancement of thermoelectric properties in Sr0.7Ba0.3Nb2O6−δ-based ceramics via nano-sized Ti as additive

A series of Sr0.7Ba0.3Nb2O6−δ/x wt. % Ti (x = 1, 3, 5, and 10) composite ceramic thermoelectric materials were prepared, and the mechanism for improving their thermoelectric properties was explored. The experimental results demonstrate that nano-additive titanium powder undergoes oxidation to form TiO2 during sintering. However, under annealing in a reducing atmosphere, oxidation reactions further deplete the lattice oxygen, leading to an increased generation of oxygen vacancies and enhanced carrier concentration, ultimately leading to successful resistivity reduction. The samples consistently exhibit low thermal conductivity values below 2.0 W m−1 K−1 due to crystal defects, complex structure, and phonon scattering at the grain boundaries. The sample doped with 5 wt. %. Ti exhibits the lowest resistivity and highest PF value (409.3 μW/m K2 at 1073 K). Consequently, the figure of merit of Sr0.7Ba0.3Nb2O6−δ with 5 wt. % Ti attains its maximum value of 0.30 at 1073 K, representing a 50% increase compared to that of the undoped sample Sr0.7Ba0.3Nb2O6−δ (0.20 at 1073 K).

Host Status of Ornamental Shade Trees and Shrubs to Plant Parasitic Nematodes.

Oregon leads the United States in nursery production of shade trees and is third in deciduous and broadleaf evergreen shrub production. Plant-parasitic nematodes have been implicated in problems with the growth of plants in nurseries and are also of phytosanitary risk. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the host status of four trees (Quercus alba, Quercus garryana, Acer campestre, Thuja occidentalis) and two shrubs (Buxus sempervirens, Rhododendron catawbiense) to Meloidogyne incognita, Meloidogyne hapla, and Pratylenchus neglectus. Each plant/nematode treatment was replicated five times, and the experiment was conducted twice. Plants were inoculated with 3,000 eggs of M. incognita or M. hapla and 2,500 individuals of P. neglectus two weeks after planting. After three months, the plants were harvested, and the total density of nematodes in soil and roots for P. neglectus and the total density of second-stage juveniles (J2) in soil and eggs on roots for M. hapla and M. incognita were determined. The final nematode population (Pf) and reproductive factor (RF = Pf/initial population density) were calculated. For M. incognita and M. hapla, all of the ornamental trees and shrubs would be considered as fair to good hosts with RF values > 1. Meloidogyne incognita had the highest Pf (5,234 total J2 and eggs/pot) and RF value (28.4) on A. campestre. For P. neglectus, all of the ornamental trees and shrubs were fair to good hosts, except for B. sempervirens. Buxus sermpervirens was not a host for P. neglectus, with an RF value of almost 0. This is the first report of Q. alba, Q. garryana, and A. campestre as hosts for M. incognita, M. hapla, and P. penetrans. This is also the first report of T. occidentalis and R. catawbiense as hosts for P. penetrans and the non-host status of B. sermpervirens for P. penetrans.

MEASUREMENT OF WATER RETENTION OF PEAT SOIL IN CANAL BLOCKING USING PRESSURE PLATE CHAMBER

Measuring air retention in constructed canal blockage is critical for determining changes in air content after canal blocking. The purpose of this study is to assess the influence of changes in levels on air retention values measured at three depths, namely 0-20 cm, 20-40 cm, and 40-60 cm, at four transect sampling stations created at a distance of 10 m to 260 m from the canal block. Changes in bulk density, porosity, and peat volume affect groundwater. Peat soil samples were collected from burned peatlands, and canal blocks were constructed. A pressure plate chamber was used to assess air retention. The findings of the investigation revealed that the air retention pattern of peat soil at 16 test sample locations was at maximum at PF 0.2 at each depth. At higher pressures (pF 2-4.2), peat groundwater is strongly bonded by peat soil particles. The average bulk density of peat is 0.2 2 and the porosity value is 86.79%. The higher the air content at each pF value has no influence on the porosity and bulk density values. Changes in air content between pF 2.0 and 4.2 lower average peat volume by 7.4%. The size of this value is assumed to be determined by the peat's type, maturity, and decomposition value

Analysis of Blast Fragmentation Results of the Top Air Decking Method in Coal Mines

This research aims to find out what influences the results of blasting fragmentation in the top air decking method. The method used in this research is a quantitative method. The data collection techniques used in this research came from literature studies and field data collection. Processing data analysis is carried out by considering several factors, such as rock characteristics, fragmentation results, and digging time results. After analysis, it can be seen that the design for determining the ADF, ADL, and stemming values is adjusted to the hole depth and PF used so that the fragmentation and digging time obtained are better in order to increase production activities. Based on the research results, it was found that the factors that influence the fragmentation results from top air deck blasting are the powder factor, blasting geometry (burden and spacing), air deck length (ADL), stemming depth, and wet hole conditions. The greater the PF value used, the smaller the fragmentation resulting from blasting and vice versa. The greater the ADL value used, the stemming depth will decrease and there will be potential for stemming injection and producing boulders. More holes in wet conditions will potentially result in greater fragmentation as well. The optimal ADF value to use is 0.3. With an ADF value of 0.3, the ADL used is 0.4–1.47 meters, resulting in better fragmentation. The previous boulder percentage of 18% changed to 7% and the previous digging time of 11.87 seconds changed to 10.57 seconds.

Phase composition and thermoelectric properties of Cu–Ag–Se films with different Ag content

In this study, a series of Cu–Ag–Se films were prepared on Si (100) substrate by magnetron sputtering. The phase composition, micro-structure and thermoelectric properties were studied. The results showed that the phase composition of deposited Cu–Ag–Se films varied from β-Cu2-xSe and a small amount of CuAgSe phase to majority β-Cu2-xSe and minority CuAgSe phase, minority β-Cu2-xSe and majority CuAgSe phase, CuAgSe and a small amount of β-Cu2-xSe phase, Ag2Se and a small amount of CuAgSe +β-Cu2-xSe phase as Ag content increased from 0.4 to 17.0, 20.8, 29.5, 41.4 at.%, respectively. In the deposited Cu–Ag–Se films, the carrier concentration first decreased and then increased and the mobility displayed an opposite trend with increasing CuAgSe content (decreasing β-Cu2-xSe content). The room temperature electrical conductivity and absolute value of room temperature Seebeck coefficient gradually increased with increasing CuAgSe content for the deposited Cu–Ag–Se films. The power factor of 29.5 at.% Ag samples (CuAgSe phase films) at whole measured temperature was the highest in all samples due to high Seebeck coefficient and high electrical conductivity, resulting in the highest PF value of 2.05 mW m−1 K−2 at 62 °C. However, due to its high thermal conductivity of 10.93 W m−1K−1, the room temperature ZT value of this sample was only 0.05 even if it possessed a higher PF value. Ag2Se phase films possessed the lowest PF value due to their lower Seebeck coefficient even if they possessed higher electrical conductivity.