bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single centre observational study evaluating the impact of introducing High Flow Nasal Cannula outside of Paediatric Critical Care Unit
Authors: Patel Shil , Hunter John , Davies Patrick , Silvestre Catarina
Published: June 2024

Aim

To evaluate the impact of High Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC) introduction outside of Paediatric Critical Care Units (PCCU), on PCCU admissions and intubation rates. Secondarily, to identify escalation predictors.

Methods

Retrospective observational study with matched PCCU admissions and intubation rates, 2‐years before (Group 1) and 2‐years after (Group 2) HFNC introduction outside of PCCU.

Within Group 2, we compared those admitted to PCCU (escalation) and those who did not (non‐escalation). Observations, change in observations and time to starting HFNC were analysed.

Results

Pre‐ and post‐introduction comparison: Of 980 admissions in Group 1, 55 were admitted to PCCU, whereas of 1209 admission in Group 2, there were 85 admissions, P = 0.188. Group 1 had 25 intubations compared to 23 in Group 2, P = 0.309. Over twice as many children had some form of respiratory support in Group 2.

Post‐introduction: 104 children commenced HFNC, 72% for bronchiolitis. Median age was 4 months in the non‐escalation group and 6.5 months in the escalation group, P = 0.663. Thirty‐eight children escalated to PCCU: 33 required CPAP/BiPAP, 4 were intubated with 1 remaining on HFNC. Comparisons of age, gender, comorbidities, observations, change in observations and time to starting HFNC showed no significant escalation predictors.

Conclusions

This study identified no statistically significant predictors of escalation. There was an observed increase in PCCU admissions with decreased intubations. The resource implications of this therapy are significant and further studies should examine cost effectiveness of HFNC use outside of PCCU.
Testing for the extent of instability in nearly unstable processes
Authors: Badreau Marie , Proïa Frédéric
Published: June 2024

This article deals with unit root issues in time series analysis. It has been known for a long time that unit root tests may be flawed when a series although stationary has a root close to unity. That motivated recent papers dedicated to autoregressive processes where the bridge between stability and instability is expressed by means of time‐varying coefficients. The process we consider has a companion matrix with spectral radius satisfying , a situation described as ‘nearly‐unstable’. The question we investigate is: given an observed path supposed to come from a nearly unstable process, is it possible to test for the ‘extent of instability’, i.e. to test how close we are to the unit root? In this regard, we develop a strategy to evaluate and to test for : ‘’ against : ‘’ when lies in an inner ‐neighborhood of the unity, for some . Empirical evidence is given about the advantages of the flexibility induced by such a procedure compared to the common unit root tests. We also build a symmetric procedure for the usually left out situation where the dominant root lies around .
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of prevalence of complications after tracheal stenting in dogs
Authors: Robin Thibaud , Robin Elisabeth , Le Boedec Kevin
Published: June 2024

Background

Stenting has become popular to treat tracheal collapse in dogs, but complications might arise and negatively affect treatment outcome.

Objectives

Determine the overall prevalence of complications of tracheal stenting in dogs.

Methods

A bibliographic search was performed of publications from 2000 to 2020. Studies were assessed for quality of evidence and measured prevalence of the 8 most commonly reported complications after tracheal stenting in dogs (stent fracture, stent migration, relapsing collapse, granuloma formation, tracheobronchial infections, and early, late, and clinically relevant late cough). Random effects meta‐analyses were used to estimate pooled complications prevalence.

Results

Fifteen studies met inclusion criteria. Cough (early: 99%; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 95%–100%, late: 75%; 95% CI: 63%–85%, and clinically relevant: 52%; 95% CI: 42%–61%), tracheobronchial infections (24%; 95% CI: 14%–35%), and granulomas (20%; 95% CI: 11%–30%) were common after tracheal stenting. Stent fractures (12%; 95% CI: 5%–20%), relapsing collapse (10%; 95% CI: 5%–15%), and stent migration (5%; 95% CI: 1%–9%) were less frequent. Significant heterogeneity among studies was identified for the estimated prevalence of stent fracture, granulomas, infections, and late cough.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Tracheal stenting in dogs is associated with a high risk of coughing and a moderate risk of tracheobronchial infections and granuloma formation. Because most complications will impact a dog's quality of life, owners must be informed that tracheal stenting is a second‐line procedure that does not necessarily alleviate the need for medical treatment and frequent follow‐up visits. Additional studies are warranted to identify the risk factors of these complications.
Fire stimulates seedling recruitment from the seed bank in the Cerrado
Authors: Dairel Mariana , Fidelis Alessandra
Published: June 2024

Questions

Fire is an important ecological factor influencing plant communities in many fire‐prone ecosystems. Savannas in the Cerrado are resilient to fire, with plants exhibiting fire‐related traits, allowing them to persist in post‐fire environments. Therefore, excluding fire may result in changes in plant community dynamics, thus affecting their resilience. We investigated the effect of the reintroduction of fire in savannas where fire has been excluded for longer periods (>12 years) on seedling recruitment. We asked the following questions: (i) how does fire affect seed bank germination in sites with different fire histories; and (ii) how did fire exclusion affect species composition of the seed bank?

Location

Estação Ecológica de Itirapina (EEI), Southeastern Brazil.

Methods

Two sites with different fire histories were selected: FE1985 – fire exclusion for more than 30 years, with one fire event in 1985; and FE2009 – fire exclusion for 12 years, with three fire events since 1985, the last one being in 2009. Both areas have low fire frequency, but different times since the last fire. Soil samples were collected before and after prescribed fires to evaluate the effects of fire after longer periods of fire exclusion in the soil seed bank. Using the seedling emergence method, we evaluate the effects of the reintroduction of fire after longer periods of fire exclusion in the soil seed bank.

Results

We found that fire significantly increased the seed bank recruitment at both sites, FE1985 and FE2009 (increase of 16% and 50% in seedling recruitment, respectively), showing that species of the Cerrado responded positively to the fire passage. The reintroduction of fire promoted different effects on seed bank recruitment: shrubs experienced a significant decrease in seedling emergence from the seed bank at FE1985, while their recruitment was not affected at FE2009. Time since last fire appears to influence the seed bank composition, showing a shift in dominance from a grassy community to a woody one.

Conclusions

After fire, more species germinated from the seed bank, showing that direct and indirect effects of fire are affecting seed germination from the seed bank, and its importance on seedling recruitment from the seed bank in the Cerrado.
Painted flowers: Eluta generates pigment patterning in Antirrhinum
Authors: Moss Sarah M. A. , Zhou Yanfei , Butelli Eugenio , Waite Chethi N. , Yeh Shin‐Mei , Cordiner Sarah B. , Harris Nilangani N. , Copsey Lucy , Schwinn Kathy E. , Davies Kevin M. , Hudson Andrew , Martin Cathie , Albert Nick W.
Published: June 2024

In the early 1900s, Erwin Baur established Antirrhinum majus as a model system, identifying and characterising numerous flower colour variants. This included Picturatum/Eluta, which restricts the accumulation of magenta anthocyanin pigments, forming bullseye markings on the flower face.

We identified the gene underlying the Eluta locus by transposon‐tagging, using an Antirrhinum line that spontaneously lost the nonsuppressive el phenotype. A candidate MYB repressor gene at this locus contained a CACTA transposable element. We subsequently identified plants where this element excised, reverting to a suppressive Eluta phenotype. El alleles inhibit expression of anthocyanin biosynthetic genes, confirming it to be a regulatory locus. The modes of action of Eluta were investigated by generating stable transgenic tobacco lines, biolistic transformation of Antirrhinum petals and promoter activation/repression assays.

Eluta competes with MYB activators for promoter cis‐elements, and also by titrating essential cofactors (bHLH proteins) to reduce transcription of target genes. Eluta restricts the pigmentation established by the R2R3‐MYB factors, Rosea and Venosa, with the greatest repression on those parts of the petals where Eluta is most highly expressed.

Baur questioned the origin of heredity units determining flower colour variation in cultivated A. majus. Our findings support introgression from wild species into cultivated varieties.
The potential for using entrustable professional activities in assessing optometric clinical competence
Authors: Holmes Will , Porter Catherine , van Tilborg Mirjam M. A.
Published: June 2024

Qualifications required to practise optometry seek to provide assurance that those completing them have the necessary competencies to be safe and effective clinicians. Often, this assurance is gained via high stakes assessments such as objective structured clinical examinations. This paper introduces entrustable professional activities (EPAs) as a potential alternative approach to assessing optometric clinical competence. Entrustable professional activities are defined in the context of optometric practice and the potential advantages and challenges of using them are outlined.
Psychometric properties of disease‐specific health‐related quality of life instruments for food allergy: A COnsensus‐based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments‐based systematic review
Authors: Liu Ke , Wang Shuyi , Li Zeen , Xia Yuting , Chen Qirong
Published: June 2024

Food allergies severely impact the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients and their caregivers (family or informal caregivers). Currently there is no comprehensive review to provide an overview and critical assessment of the instruments in the field. Six databases were searched from inception until 10 August 2023, and a combination of subject terms and free words was used to search the literature. We used the COnsensus‐based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments methodology (COSMIN) to evaluate the measurement properties of the instruments. Forty‐one studies reported on ten eligible instruments. Based on COSMIN guidelines, one instrument was recommended for Grade A, and the remaining nine instruments were recommended for Grade B. The Grade A instrument identified, the Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire‐Parent Form (FAQLQ‐PF), can help researchers assess the effectiveness of treatment for patients with food allergy and to understand the psychosocial impact of the disease on patients.
Understanding the other from an inferentialist perspective
Authors: Iikawa Haruka
Published: June 2024

‘The other’ is one of the mysteries of modern philosophy. Since the other is thought to be essentially different from the self, how we can understand each other is a difficult problem. In the first place, what does it mean to understand the other? I address this question from the perspective of normative inferentialism, by explicating what it means to understand the other's beliefs and actions. I propose that we should distinguish between attributional and fundamental understanding. While attributional understanding serves to specify the other's ways of thinking, fundamental understanding is an endorsement of them. Contrasting these two types of understanding gives us a rational picture of how people understand each other.
How will global trade patterns evolve in the long run?
Authors: Bekkers Eddy , Corong Erwin , Métivier Jeanne , Orlov Daniil
Published: June 2024

In this paper, the evolution of global trade patterns until 2050 is projected with a recursive dynamic computable general equilibrium (CGE) model. Feeding the model with exogenous projections on macroeconomic, demographic, sectoral and trade cost variables, the evolution of trade patterns emerges endogenously from the model. The approach is innovative in both modelling approach and exogenous inputs. GDP growth emerges endogenously in the model because of diffusion of ideas as a result of international trade and trade cost changes are based on estimates of technology and trade policy changes. The projections indicate that (i) because of projected reductions in trade costs, trade will grow more than GDP, generating a global trade‐to‐GDP growth rate of 1.1; (ii) because of structural change, the global share of manufacturing trade falls from 64% in 2020 to 52% by 2050, whereas the share of services trade rises substantially from 24% to 38%; and (iii) because of technological catch‐up, the share in global trade of both developing and least‐developed countries (LDCs) will rise (with developing countries overtaking developed economies around 2035), the share of intra‐developed country trade will fall, whereas the share of intra‐developing country trade and those between developing and developed countries will rise.
SCHEDULING OF ARRIVAL AIRCRAFT BASED ON MINIMUM FUEL BURN DESCENTS
Authors: Andreeva-Mor Adriana , Suzuki Shinji , Itoh Eri
Published: June 2024

The main goal of this research is to investigate minimum fuel descent trajectories for various types of aircraft and consider appropriate arrival sequencing based on the acquired results. First, the validity of a point mass model to find optimized descent trajectories in order to obtain minimal fuel consumption is confirmed. Through single aircraft numerical simulations, the principle “higher for longer” is verified and the limitation induced by the 3 degree maximum value of the flight path angle is observed. An extension to multiple aircraft simulation generates results, which can be used effectively to determine the most advantageous order of arrival considering air traffic constraints and predefined flight time and time separation.
THE EFFECT OF BIODIESEL FUEL FROM RUBBER (HEVEA BRASILIENSIS) SEED OIL ON A DIRECT INJECTION (DI) DIESEL ENGINE
Authors: Reksowardojo Iman , Bui Hung Ngoc , Sok Ratnak , Kilgour Athol , Brodjonegoro Tirto , Soerawidjaja Tatang , Pham Mai Xuan , Shudo Toshio , Arismunandar Wiranto
Published: June 2024

The extensive biodiversity of ASEAN countries includes many plants producing fatty-oils with yield potentials sufficient for biodiesel production. Seed of the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) is perhaps one with significant potential because of the extensive areas of rubber plantations within ASEAN. Rubber seed oil is virtually unexploited commercially, probably because it is non-edible. Consequently, it has the potential to replace/substitute for edible oils such as palm oil, coconut oil, etc. as a raw material for biodiesel during periods of high food sector demand. Currently, the main product of the rubber tree is rubber milk, the raw material for latex and rubber industries. Rubber seed is a byproduct. The kernels constitute 50 to 60% of the seed and contain 40 to 50% brown oil. In this study, the engine test bed procedure for testing coking of DI diesel engine injector nozzles was utilized to examine the effect of using neat Rubber seed oil biodiesel (RSB), and blends with diesel oil as fuel. The effect of the fuels on engine components and exhaust gas emissions such as Hydrocarbon (HC), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Smoke and Brake Specific Fuel Consumption (BSFC) was investigated. The performance and emissions of B5 fuel was comparable with diesel fuel; the use of B100 resulted in significantly higher BSFC (23%); higher emissions (20.83% CO, 27.78% THC, 20.80% opacity before commencement of the endurance test, 13.73% CO, 5.79% THC, 33.33% opacity after endurance test). Pure RSB and B5 reduced deposits on the cylinder head (38.74% and 35.82% respectively) but RSB increased deposits on the piston (37.42%).
HYBRID BACKUP MODEL WITH GENETIC BRANCH POINT OPTIMIZATION FOR SINGLE ELEMENT FAILURE IN MPLS NETWORKS
Authors: Varakulsiripunth Ruttikorn
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we present an approach for enhancing current MPLS resilience, called Hybrid Backup model (HB), in order to restore a QoS protection path from both node or link failures. At present, there are three main MPLS fault management methods, i.e., global, reverse and local backup models. Firstly, the global backup model is the cheapest model but it suffers from high packet losses and long restoration time. Secondly, the reverse backup model improves the packet loss problem; however, the delay problem still remains. Thirdly, the local backup method is seemed to be the best choice in case of the minimum restoration time and packet losses, nevertheless, it has high cost in term of number of path switch label switching router (PSL), path merge label switching router (PML), label usage, and bandwidth reserved. Therefore, we proposed a new approach based on hybrid of four switching types which are global, global reverse, local and local reverse switching types. To evaluate number and location of branch point, branch point optimization based on Genetic Algorithm is then proposed. The proposed model can be reduce the cost of the local backup model, while it still maintains fast restoration and low packet losses. Furthermore, it can improve some significant network performances such as bandwidth reserved, rejection probability, and total throughput. According to performance comparison between all backup models, numerical and simulation results are presented to support the proposed backup model.
PERFORMANCE OF CONTIGUOUS PILE WALL FOR DEEP EXCAVATION ON CHAO PHRAYA RIVER BANK
Authors: Teparaksa Wanchai
Published: June 2024

The excellent medical center in Asia, Siriraj Hospital is the largest medical center in Asia is constructed with three basement floors on Chao Phraya River bank and close to the preserved building seated on shallow foundation. The excavation is about -10.85 m. depth below ground surface. The contiguous pile wall was used as the temporary soil protection system and permanent wall with two layers of temporary steel bracing system. The behavior of contiguous pile wall was predicted by Finite Element Method (FEM) with simulation of all construction sequences. The instrument including inclinometer, tiltmeter, piezometer and ground surface settlement were installed in the contiguous pile, preserved building and in the ground, respectively. The performance of the contiguous pile wall was evaluated by instrumentation monitoring compared with FEM analysis and trigger level.
ESTIMATION OF SUBSURFACE STRUCTURE BASED ON MICROTREMOR OBSERVATIONS AT PADANG, INDONESIA
Authors: Kiyono Junji , Ono Yusuke , Sato Atsushi , Noguchi Tatsuya , Putra Rusnardi Rahmat
Published: June 2024

In this study, we estimated a ground profile in Padang City, Indonesia, using microtremor observations. Indonesian is located on the boundaries of three major tectonic plates, namely the Indian-Australian, Pacific, and Eurasian plates. Consequently, subduction-related major earthquakes occur repeatedly, including, even in the 21st century, such large interplate earthquakes as the 2004 Sumatra earthquake, the 2006 Nias Island earthquake, the 2007 Bengkulu earthquake, and the 2010 Mentawai earthquake. The 2009 Padang earthquake was also one of the most destructive earthquakes in recent times, although it was an intra-plate based earthquake. This earthquake was of magnitude Mw7.6, producing severe tremors and causing extensive damage to buildings and casualties. To prevent loss of human lives and dwellings from a devastating earthquake, we investigated the shaking characteristics of the ground in Padang. Spectral ratios for horizontal and vertical motion, H/V, from single-station microtremor records were used to identify the predominant periods of the ground vibrations. Microtremor array observations were conducted to find the phase velocities of the Rayleigh wave. The ground profile was estimated by means of the dispersion curves obtained using the Spatial Autocorrelatio (SPAC) and Centerless Circular Array (CCA) methods. The Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) technique was introduced to determine the dispersion curves. By compiling the soil profile model obtained at each site, a three-layered generalized model was proposed. The velocity of the first layer was less than Vs = 300 m/s, the second layer Vs = 300-3000 m/s and the third layer more than Vs = 3,000 m/s. The subsurface structure models constructed provide useful information for 2-D and 3-D simulations of ground motion in Padang.
ESTIMATING THE CLARK INSTANTANEOUS UNIT HYDROGRAPH PARAMETERS FOR SELECTED GAUGED CATCHMENTS IN THE WEST COAST OF PENINSULAR MALAYSIA
Authors: Osman Sazali , Abustan Ismail
Published: June 2024

Design hydrographs are important for the design of hydraulic structures such as spillways and retention ponds. Due to the lack of the local data, engineers have to estimate design floods based on techniques which are able to predict runoff based on rainfall on a regional basis. In this study, Clark instantaneous unit hydrographs are used to predict design flood hydrographs for the selected catchments in Pulau Pinang, Perak and Selangor. Recorded rainfall and flood events are used to calibrate the parameters of Clark unit hydrograph model, the time of concentration, Tc and storage coefficient, R. The efficiency of the model for the calibrated events was measured by Nash and Sutcliffe method. The efficiency for the ten catchments is higher than 0.91 which show good performance of the model for the calibrated events. The parameters are then related to catchment characteristics such as area, main river length and slope of the catchments. The derivation of the empirical equation of Clark unit hydrograph parameters is desirable to identify the model for ungauged catchments in the region. The validity of the equations was tested by using additional storm events and the results show that equations are performing well using the validation datasets. Results show that the Clark instantaneous unit hydrograph model developed in this study can be an effective tool, predicting a reliable hydrograph within study area even though only limited catchments are used.
SYNTHESIS OF NOVEL BENZOXAZINE HAVING VINYL GROUPAND COPOLYMERIZATION WITH VINYL MONOMERS
Authors: Takeichi Tsutomu , Thongpradith Soulideth , Kawauchi Takehiro
Published: June 2024

A novel benzoxazine having vinyl group, namely P-4va, was prepared from phenol, formaldehyde and 4-vinylaniline. The chemical structure of P-4va was confirmed by FT-IR and 1H NMR analyses. The polymerization behavior was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Exothermic peak of P-4va appeared at 209 ºC in the DSC measurement due to the chain polymerization of the vinyl group and the ring-opening of benzoxazine, which occurred at the same temperature range. Thermal cure of P-4va afforded PP-4va that has glass transition temperature (Tg) at 244 ºC and char yield above 48%, exhibiting that the thermal properties of PP-4va is higher than those of a typical polybenzoxazine without vinyl group. Radical polymerization of P-4va and copolymerization with styrene (St) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) were carried out using 2,2’-azobisisobutyronitrile as the initiator, affording homopolymer and copolymers bearing benzoxazine units as the pendant. Further heat treatment of the copolymers at 240 ºC afforded cured copolymers with Tg above 300 ºC and high char yield, indicating that the copolymers serve as high-molecular-weight precursors of polybenzoxazine.
ISOLATION AND SCREENING OF ENDOSULFANDEGRADING FUNGI FROM SOIL
Authors: Mercado Jericho Victor Lagasca , Borja Josephine , Gallardo Susan
Published: June 2024

Fungal colonies capable of tolerating and degrading endosulfan were enriched and isolated from soil with history of endosulfan application. The microorganisms were enriched using technical-grade endosulfan with gradual increase in concentration from 10 to 100 mgl-1, each enrichment run lasting for 210 h. Four (4) fungal isolates, labeled as P701, P702, P601 and P801, were obtained by successive plating of enriched colonies. The isolates were screened based on α- and β-endosulfan degradation in nutrient media with endosulfan as sole-carbon source (NM-SCS) and as sole-sulfur source (NM-SSS). Results indicated that P601 grown in the NM-SSS exhibited the highest endosulfan degradation after 14 d (93.85% for α-endosulfan and 90.29% for β-endosulfan). Isolate P601 was identified as Candida tropicalis using the API C AUX yeast identification system.
ANALYSIS OF PLUNGE POOL SCOUR HOLE FORMATION BELOW A CHUTE SPILLWAY WITH FLIP BUCKET USING A PHYSICAL MODEL
Authors: Heng Sokchhay , Tingsanchali Tawatchai , Suetsugi Tadashi
Published: June 2024

Plunge pool scouring due to water jet impingement from flip bucket spillways is a major concern for stabilization of hydraulic structures and their downstream channel. The objectives of this study are to select an appropriate movable riverbed material for reproducing scour hole in the physical model and to analyze the characteristics of its formation using the selected material. The whole tasks were carried out using Nam Ngum 3 Spillway Physical Model constructed with an undistorted scale of 1:75. Different types of movable riverbed material were tested and the most appropriate one was then selected in order to conduct the scour study. Based on a set of criteria, cohesive movable riverbed material of Sand (40): Cement (1): Water (5) was found to reproduce more reliable scour hole than non-cohesive material of 25 mm graded gravel. Utilizing the selected material, the overall model test demonstrated that spillway operation, river morphology and natural topography of the plunge pool are the main factors governing irregular trend of scour development. Scour hole tends to develop toward the left bank and the maximum scour depth, about 74 m deep below the original riverbed, is located approximately 252 m downstream of the spillway’s bucket lip.
MEASUREMENTS OF EMISSION FACTORS AND FUEL CONSUMPTION FOR MOTORCYCLES ON A CHASSIS DYNAMOMETER BASED ON A LOCALIZED DRIVING CYCLE
Authors: Le Tuan Anh , Pham Tuan Minh , Nguyen Truc The , Nguyen Vinh Duy
Published: June 2024

A localized driving cycle for motorcycles has been developed for Hanoi, Vietnam after extensive road tests. The driving cycle known as the HMDC driving cycle (Hanoi Motorcycle Driving Cycle), takes into account the road infrastructure, traffic patterns and driver’s behavior in the Hanoi metropolitan area. The driving cycle developed from time - speed data of 343 driving trips has 1 250 seconds in length and 7 067 meters in distance with a maximum speed and an average speed of 39.4 and 20.4 km/h, respectively. The developed HMDC driving cycle together with the European driving cycle (ECE R40) was then implemented on new/in-use selected motorcycles using a chassis dynamometer, from which the CO, THC, CO2, NOx emission factors and fuel consumption were obtained. The emission factors of THC, CO, CO2 and fuel consumption obtained during HMDC are comparable with those during ECE R40 but it is 66.7% different with NOx emission factor.
EMISSIONS FROM A EURO V TRUCK FUELED BY DIESEL, BIODIESEL BLENDS, NEAT BIODIESEL AND VEGETABLE OIL
Authors: Huu Tuyen Pham , Hausberger Stefan
Published: June 2024

The substitution of conventional fuels (gasoline, diesel) by renewable biofuels including biodiesel and vegetable oil is considered as a potential solution not only for satisfying the fuel demand but also for reducing emissions. In this study, a Euro V truck fueled with a low sulphur diesel fuel, a neat biodiesel (B100), biodiesel blends (B7 and B10), a mixture of 7% biodiesel, 3% vegetable oil and 90% diesel (B7+3) and a straight vegetable oil was tested on chassis dynamometer under the European stationary cycle. During the test, emissions in the exhaust gas were collected and measured following the standard methods. Besides the regulated emissions, particle number and size distribution, which were sampled by volatile particle remover system compliant with the PMP requirement, as well as soot concentration, were also considered. Results show the effects of the tested fuels on the engine characteristics as well as the emissions.
THE EFFECT OF UTILIZATION OF AMBON BANANA PEEL POWDER ON PLASTIC VISCOSITY, YIELD POINT AND GELL STRENGHT OF FRESHWATER DRILLING MUD AT VARIOUS TEMPERATURES HWATER DRILLING MUD AT VARIOUS TEMPERATURES DRILLING MUD AT VARIOUS TEMPERATURES
Authors: Wastu Apriandi Rizkina Rangga , Husla Ridha , Yasmaniar Ghanima , Yanti Widia , Samsol Samsol , Ridaliani Onnie
Published: June 2024

Drilling is part of exploration activities, where this activity aims to prove whether the zone exists or not. In the drilling process, drilling mud is needed to expedite the process, and the content contained in the drilling fluid consists of various additives. In this study, the ambon banana peel powder additive was tested to utilize household waste and minimize environmental impacts due to additives from raw materials. The use of banana peel powder in this study started with concentrations of 2 grams, 4 grams, 6 grams, and 8 grams, and seeing the concentration with the most optimal ability. Banana peel powder was used as a substitute for polymer in the mud system, which aims to maintain the rheology of the mud. Drilling, in this study, the parameter that is seen is the Plastic Viscosity, Yield Point and Gell Strength, where there is a change in the Plastic Viscosity, Yield Point and Gell Strength value from each addition of the concentration of Ambon banana peel powder. Temperature is also used to compare and see the effect of mud viscosity on temperature changes, the temperature used in this study is room temperature, which is 80°F, and the temperature at the roller oven is 200°F, where each temperature has a different value.
A COMPARISON OF POWER FLOW BASED ON BUS ADMITTANCE MATRIX FOR NETWORKED MICROGRID ENERGY MANAGEMENT GY MANAGEMENT
Authors: Mohd Yassim Halyani , Abdullah Mohd Noor , Gan Chin Kim
Published: June 2024

A networked microgrid with an energy management system connects several microgrids to exchange power for cost-effective and reliable operation. The feasibility study is required as a basis for developing an efficient networked microgrid energy management plan. This paper presented a detailed power flow analysis of a networked microgrid. Multiple IEEE microgrids are interconnected in the networked microgrid system, and various types of distributed generators are modeled based on PQ and PV control schemes. Different power flow algorithms based on the bus admittance matrix are used in the MATLAB simulation. Several case studies demonstrated the feasibility of the networked microgrid in grid connected and islanded modes as well as the effectiveness of the Fast-Decoupled (BX version) method in facilitating power exchange between microgrids to maintain supply-demand balance under normal and abnormal conditions. The results proved that the Fast- Decoupled (BX version) method is significantly faster than the Fast- Decoupled (XB version) and Newton-Raphson methods and has better convergence than the Gauss-Seidel method.
ENERGY EFFECTIVE HETEROGENEOUS GROUPING IDEAL TRANSMISSION SYSTEM WITH FUZZY IDENTIFICATION IN UWSNTION IN UWSN
Authors: Rama P. , Cyril C.Pretty Diana , Theresa W.Gracy
Published: June 2024

Network connectivity is the fundamental issue for ensuring the longevity of the networks in underground wireless sensor networks. Other important factors are consider in the WSN is  minimum path count, energy usage, and packet delivery ratio. There are numerous approaches that might be used to extend the life of UWSN, however sustaining the energy level of network in underground locations in soil is still a challenge. It is projected that the Energy Effective Heterogeneous Grouping Ideal Transmission System with Fuzzy Identification (EEHG-ITSFI) technique will significantly lower the amount of energy used to transport data from node to bottom station and will increase the network of subterranean devices' useful life.  Using EEHC-OTSFI, which randomly chooses a cluster head from the collection of clusters, the sensors are grouped into clusters. A fuzzy identification technique is used to focus this connectivity, which is seen as a QoS indication. The network's packet delivery is sped up and delayed less thanks to fuzzy identification technology.  The ability to combine different variables into a single indicator, which demonstrates creative presentation for the growth of routing performance in WSNs, is the key benefit.The suggested methodology maximises lifetime in heterogeneous Underground Wireless Sensor Networks (UWSN) while lowering energy consumption by 25–30%, average hop count by 38–42%, and packet latency by up to 40–44%.
DRY SLIDING WEAR INVESTIGATION OF HARD CHROME AND NICKEL COATING ON EN19 FOR ROLLING APPLICATION
Authors: Lal Sajjan Kumar , Gaval Vivek , Rukhande Sanjay
Published: June 2024

In the heavy sheet metal industry, in cold rolling process rolls are typically made of EN19 steel. Due to the severe loading and pressure conditions experienced during cold rolling of steel sheet causes wear and failure of the rolls. Enhancing the life of these rolls under such demanding operating conditions necessitates the application of coatings on EN19. This paper focuses on investigating the effectiveness of Hard Chrome and Nickel alloy coatings on Engineering Steel (EN19) through a comparative sliding wear experimental study. The research examines the impact of Hard Chrome and Nickel coatings on the properties of EN19. Various characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), surface roughness analysis, hardness testing, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), are employed to evaluate the coatings. The wear tests are conducted under standard operating conditions to determine the improvement in roll life achieved through the coatings. The results reveal that the Hardchrome coating exhibits greater hardness and wear resistance compared to the Nickel coating and the EN19 base material. Nickel gives 9.49 times more life than substrate EN19 whereas Hardchrome gives 15.19 times more life than substrate EN19 and 1.6 times more life than Nickel coating. The findings suggest that applying Hard Chrome to EN19 rolls can effectively enhance their durability and prevent failure. The experimental investigation presented in this study provides valuable insights into the selection and performance of coatings for improving the longevity of rolls in heavy sheet metal rolling processes.
DEVELOPMENT AND ANALYSIS OF A GIS-BASED CURVE NUMBER MAP OF THE PHILIPPINES
Authors: Alcober Chris Alfred , Macuha Richmark
Published: June 2024

Stormwater management requires quantitative methods to determine objective flood risk by estimating how much rainfall becomes runoff. With the absence of a locally generated runoff coefficient database in the Philippines, the standard model for surface runoff estimation is yet to be implemented using homegrown datasets. Traditionally, the empirical method is adapted from the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The method quantifies rainfall-runoff relationships underscoring the combined effects of ground cover, soil hydraulic conductivity, and antecedent runoff condition (ARC) on runoff potential via a hydrologic parameter called the Curve Number (CN). Using geographic information system (GIS) tools, the Philippine CN map is developed by preprocessing and intersecting land use and land cover (LULC) and hydrologic soil group (HSG) with the CN look-up table. It was revealed that Group C soils dominate the Philippines. New data products—three raster CN maps at 25m spatial resolution—indicated the prevalence of medium to high runoff potential. National curve numbers were 61, 78, and 89 for dry, average, and wet ARCs, respectively. The outputs of this study provide access to spatially varied local runoff potential data in GIS format thus allowing direct GIS use for the swift simulation of flood damage mitigation models, among others.
OPTIMIZATION OF SOURSOP LEAVES EXTRACT APPLICATION (ANNONA MURICATA L.) USING ENCAPCULATION WITH POWDERED MILK AS A HEALTH SUPPLEMENTS
Authors: Kusumaningrum Maharani , Cahaya Imani Nadya Alfa , Fardhyanti Dewi Selvia , Megawati Megawati , Jamil M Ammar , Shafwan Shafwan
Published: June 2024

Soursop leaves have untapped potential and are often considered waste. They contain beneficial compounds such as flavonoids, acetogenins, and polyphenols, which known to have an antioxidant and anti-cancer effects. However, these compounds are prone to degradation. In that case this study is aimed to optimize the encapsulation process of soursop leaf extract using variety of material formulations, temperatures, and drying time. The best condition was obtained with a ratio of 1:1.2 and a drying time of 120 minutes at a temperature of 55°C. Encapsulation enhances the stability of the extract, making it suitable for use as a health supplement. The encapsulation results were also analyzed using SEM-EDX to observe the structure of the encapsulated material and GC-MS to determine the composition of the extract. The major component detected in the extract was ketorolac, which accounted for 73.64% and 2.74% of the composition.
WATER-RESPONSIVE SELF-HEALING MEMBRANE MODIFIED WITH POLYETHYLENEIMINE (PEI)/POLY (ACRYLIC ACID) (PAA)
Authors: Cheong Wong Eng , Chan Chong Woon , Hui Ong Ying , Ling Pang Yean , Hoong Shuit Siew , Jye Lau Woei
Published: June 2024

The self-healing membrane has received substantial research attention in recent years due to its ability to overcome the difficulty in detecting the exact damage location of the membrane at a microscopic level. The healing effect of a self-healable membrane often requires the help of an external stimulus. This study reported the fabrication of a water-responsive self-healing membrane using polyethyleneimine (PEI)/poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) coated on polyethersulfone (PES) membrane via layer-by-layer (LbL) method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) were performed to observe the successful attachment of PEI and PAA onto the PES surface. The topographical analysis was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to visualize the healing performance. Apart from the instrumental analysis, pure water flux (PWF) was conducted to quantify the healing efficiency of the membrane. The best self-healing performance of the fabricated PEI/PAA self-healing membrane at 5.0 mg/mL concentration of PEI and PAA solutions displayed a healing efficiency of 70 % after being immersed into distilled water for 24 hours, compared to the concentrations of 1.0 mg/mL (19.8 %) and 3.0 mg/mL (34.3 %). This could be attributed to the higher amounts of PAA to form hydrogen bonds with surrounding water molecules, and subsequently promotes healing performance as hydrogen bonds are the basis for the self-healing process. This study proposes a newly develop water-stimulus PEI/PAA self-repairing membrane which contributes to the energy-efficient membrane filtration process.
DIE AND MOLD-LESS FORMING OF SHEET MATERIALS-CURVED SURFACE FORMING BY LASER IRRADIATION
Authors: Aoyama Hideki , Kishida Satoshi
Published: June 2024

Laser forming is expected to be able to form a desired shape out of sheet metal or sheet plastic without the use of a die or mold. Laser forming plastically deforms the material by generating local heat stresses, and enables low cost rapid prototype or small lot production, since it eliminates the need for dies and molds. Although there are many studies on laser forming, there are relatively few studies on forming curved surfaces. The objective of this paper is to develop a method for forming curved surfaces out of sheet material utilizing laser irradiation. To achieve this objective, a method to determine the scanning paths and the scanning condition for making curved surfaces by laser irradiation is proposed. The scanning paths are determined as the maximum and minimum curvature lines, and the scanning condition, which is a function of the scanning speed, is derived from basic experiment data. Since the maximum and minimum curvature lines are orthogonal, they do not influence each other during forming.
DEVELOPMENT OF AFFORDABLE OPTICAL BASED GAIT ANALYSIS SYSTEMS
Authors: Dirgantara Tatacipta , Mahyuddin Andi Isra , Mihradi Sandro
Published: June 2024

This paper presents a review on the development of affordable optical based gait analysis systems at Institut Teknologi Bandung. The development started with a 2D inverse dynamic analysis of human gait using five linkages based on an experimental motion data. Using a simple system consist of a camera, LED markers and a PC, the position of the markers were obtained by capturing and processing digital images of markers attached to human body during motion. The marker positions data was then used for further kinematics and dynamic analyses. An in-house kinematic and kinetic software has been developed for this purpose. From the analyses, the spatiotemporal gait parameters such as stride-length, cadence, cycle-time, speed and joint angles can be obtained as well as forces and moments. In the second stage, the 2-D analysis was improved by using seven linkages to include the foot. Using this, the system has been able to analyze ankle angle, position of the centre of pressure and ground reaction force distribution. Currently, the development is continued further for a 3D dynamic analysis of human gait using two cameras and a PC. As an outcome of this development, a database of Indonesian normal gait was established. This result is the first data available for gait of Indonesian. It is hoped that the quantitative data provided by this system can help physicians to diagnose and plan the treatment for patients.
MESOSCOPY: A NEW APPROACH FOR INDUSTRIAL IN-LINE INSPECTION
Authors: Ide-Ektessabi Ari , Toque Jay Arre , Murayama Yusuke
Published: June 2024

In this paper we propose a system for in-line inspection of high precision production systems. Mesoscopes, in analogy with microscopes are systems that can visualize surface areas with dimensions of a few meters with the ability to bring into focus meso-structures of a few microns using visible light spectroscopy. We present systems developed at Kyoto University and discuss the potential applications in display production industry and cultural heritage investigations.
HEAT TRANSFER PERFORMANCE OF A SELFOSCILLATING HEAT PIPE USING PURE WATER AND EFFECT OF INCLINATION TO THIS PERFORMANCE
Authors: Tung Dao Danh , Torii Shuichi
Published: June 2024

This experimental study is performed to investigate heat transfer performance and effect ofinclinations to a self-oscillating heat pipe developed. In this experiment, pure water isemployed as the working fluid. The heat pipe is composed of a heating section, a coolingsection and an adiabatic section. The heating and cooling sections have the same size andare connected by four circular parallel pipes. The corresponding external dimensions are45mm in length, 45mm in width and 8mm in thickness, and the internal dimensions are42mm, 42mm and 5mm, respectively. The adiabatic section is consisted of four parallelcircular pipes whose dimension is 6 (external diameter) x 5 (internal diameter) x 45(length) mm. According to the experimental results, the effective thermal conductivity ofthe heat pipe in the case of fill charge ratio at 100% is higher than that of 30%and this effective thermal conductivity is decreased when the angle between the axisof the heat pipes and vertical direction is increased.
A BRIEF REVIEW: LASER JOINING OF POLYMERMETAL STRUCTURES
Authors: Farazila Yusof , Jamaludin Fadzil , Shukor Mohd Hamdi Abd
Published: June 2024

Joining of dissimilar materials especially in the case of polymer and metal structure is significantly challenging due to the difference in chemical, mechanical and thermal properties of materials. Traditionally, metal and plastics are joined together either mechanically or by using adhesives. However, these techniques have limited use in joining small sized and intricately shaped parts. To address this limitation, constant effort on the development of reliable joining processes for polymer-metal structures are currently being explored. This article provides a brief review of joining polymer and metal using laser joining technique. A summary of relevant works carried out in recent years, the choices of lasers available, the most suitable laser technique, the mechanism of joining and significant findings by selected researchers are presented in this article.
MICROWAVE-ASSISTED SYNTHESIS, DRYING AND SINTERING OF PHOSPHATE-BASED BIOCERAMIC MATERIALS
Authors: Othman Radzali , Long Bui Duc , Yeoh Fei Yee , Farah Jaafar , Zakaria Azlila , Noor Ahmad Fauzi Mohd
Published: June 2024

Recent developments in nanotechnology have demonstrated that nano-bioceramics play an important role in the biomedical field due to their superior biological and mechanical properties compared to that of conventional bioceramics. However, a long sintering duration and high temperature used in conventional sintering have remained as a challenge to preserve the nano-structure of the sintered materials. Microwave synthesis, drying and sintering of phosphate-based bioceramics have emerged in recent years as new methods which offer significant benefits against conventional methods. As a prelude, a brief discussion on the fundamental aspects of microwave and microwave heating is also introduced. Subsequently, the applications of microwave in phosphate-based bioceramics are evaluated in detail.
DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIO-TECHNICAL APPROACH FOR LANDSLIDE MITIGATION AND RISK REDUCTION PROGRAM IN INDONESIA
Authors: Karnawati Dwikorita , Maarif Syamsul , Fathani Teuku Faisal , Wilopo Wahyu
Published: June 2024

Intensive efforts for mitigating and reducing the risk of landslides in Indonesia have been conducted since more than 30 years ago. But still, substantial socio-economical losses continuously occur as the results of landslide disasters. Admittedly, the natural conditions plays important role in controlling the susceptibility and triggering the occurrence of landslides. Yet, the human interfere and landuse changing crucially contribute in the triggering process of landslides. Indeed, the increase in societal impacts due to the landslide disasters also strongly related to the landuse changing, driven by the social constrains. Unfortunately, the technical solution for landslide mitigation and risk reduction does not always appropriately address the socio cultural and socio economical aspects of the disaster prone area. That is why, the hybrid socio-technical system is promoted in this study, in which not only the engineering but also social system has to be strongly considered in the mitigation and risk reduction efforts. The proposed technical system was mainly supported by the participatory landslide hazard and risk map as well as the community-based landslide early warning system. Such system was developed by enhancing the local knowledge, through the local participation, and utilizing the local materials. Meanwhile, the social system was established through a series of community empowerment programs and supported by the establishment of local task force for disaster risk reduction at the village. Accordingly, the developed system can be effectively operated, maintained and sustained by the local community. Indeed, the roles of the local task force and the local university are very important to drive and ensure the effectiveness of the landslide mitigation and disaster risk reduction.