bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and Development of a Virtual Reality Training Platform for Fiber-Reinforced Composite Manufacturing
Authors: Rahman Taufiq , Rahman Minhazur , Raihan Rassel , Deb Shuchicnigdha
Published: March 2024

This study presents the design and development of a virtual reality (VR) training platform for manufacturing fiber-reinforced composites, a sophisticated and high-demand material in various industries. Due to the high costs and safety concerns associated with compression molding machines, essential equipment for this manufacturing process, the VR platform offers a promising alternative for training in educational institutions and manufacturing industries. The platform provides immersive and interactive training in a cost-efficient learning environment, allowing users to gain practical experience without the risks and expenses of physical training. The VR training module was developed using the Unity game engine and deployed on the HTC Vive Pro headset. While virtual reality-based training has become very popular in both educational and industrial settings, very few studies have confirmed the knowledge transfer from immersive training to real-world tasks. In this experimental study, researchers compared the performance of participants who received prior VR training with those who did not for their real-world performance in manufacturing. The findings of this research have the potential to significantly impact the effectiveness and transferability of virtual-reality-based training in composite manufacturing. Educational institutions and manufacturing industries can utilize the VR training platform to provide a safer and more cost-effective training environment for manufacturing fiber-reinforced composites.
Determination of bremsstrahlung radiation dose level of 90Y-SIRT in China: validation by practical measurement and theoretical estimation
Authors: zhao xipeng , Wang Xiaotao , Zhang Zhen , Lian Dexing , Lu Tianxiang , Lu Jianfei , Li Xueqin , Li Yuwen , Liang Jing , Xiong Qiang , Wang Lulu , Peng Jianliang
Published: March 2024

Objective The purpose of this study is to determine the dose level of bremsstrahlung radiation in 90Y-SIRT and to estimate the dose of radiology staff.
Methods A survey meter and a theoretical equation were used to measure and calculate the bremsstrahlung radiation emitted by 90Y in each stage of 90Y-SIRT, respectively. The differences between theoretical calculation and measured values were then compared. Finally, the annual exposure doses of radiology staff were estimated and analyzed.
Results The dose level of 90Y bremsstrahlung radiation outside the lead shield was relatively low. For example, the dose rate were 0.19~0.26μSv·h-1·GBq-1 at 1 m from the surface of the lead pot or the lead transfer box. While it became higher when there were no lead shielding, such as 1.00~1.60μSv·h-1·GBq-1 at 1 m from the surface of the shipping vial, the acrylic V-Vial kit, the injection box or the patient. Under the condition that 200 patients each year, 3GBq for each vial of 90Y microspheres, maximum dosage of 2GBq per patient, the estimated annual effective dose of nuclear medicine technologist, interventional injection physician and ward-round physician were 2.24mSv, 1.04mSv and 0.22mSv respectively, and the annual equivalent dose of hand were 49.9mSv, 25.5mSv and 2.06mSv respectively. The maximum deviation between the calculated and measured dose of bremsstrahlung radiation was -22%. The attenuation factors of 6.4mmPb equivalent lead pot and 0.5mmPb equivalent lead apron for 90Y bremsstrahlung radiation were between 0.13 ~ 0.15 and 0.45 ~ 0.50, respectively.
Conclusions In this study, the dose level of 90Y bremsstrahlung radiation was determined, and an accurate and convenient theoretical calculation method of 90Y bremsstrahlung radiation was recommended. Generally, the annual effective dose of radiology staff in 90Y-SIRT will not exceed the hospital management target value of 5 mSv in China. Wearing personal radiation protective equipment during the injection stage in90Y-SIRT and covering the patient's injection sites with lead apron can achieve approximately 50% dose reduction for radiology staff.
Green Synthesis of Co(0) and CoB Nanoparticles from Bean Shell Extract and Determination of the Effect of Their Activity on Sodium Borohydride Hydrolysis
Authors: Baytar Orhan , Şahin Ömer , Genli Nasrettin , Ekinci Arzu
Published: March 2024

The study investigated the effect of Co(0) and Co-B NPs catalysts synthesized using the method of green synthesis on the NaBH4 hydrolysis process. The investigation of the structure and surface morphology of the catalysts was evaluated using XRD, SEM-EDX, TEM, FTIR, and XPS analyses. The effect of catalysts on NaBH4 was examined at different catalyst amounts, different NaBH4/NaOH concentrations, and different temperature values. At 30°C solution temperature, the highest HGR and TOF values for Co(0) NPs catalyst were determined as 7326 mL.min− 1.g− 1cat and 8572 mL.min− 1.g− 1cat, respectively. Under the same conditions, HGR and TOF values for Co-B NPs catalyst were determined as 12524 mL.min− 1.g− 1cat and 15189 mL.min− 1.g− 1cat, respectively. The calculated activation energies for Co(0) and Co-B NPs catalysts are 37.68 kJmol− 1 and 21.28 kJmol− 1, respectively. Enthalpy and entropy values were calculated as 4.43 kJmol− 1 and 44 Jmol− 1K− 1 for Co(0) and 23.16 kJmol− 1 and 98 Jmol− 1K− 1 for Co-B NPs, using Eyring's equation, respectively. The catalysts showed a small decrease in activity over five cycles, indicating that they have potential for reusability.
Optimizing Nanofluid Transport Over Non-linearly Stretched Sheets in Bifacial Photovoltaic-Thermal Hybrid Systems for Solar Thermal Energy Applications
Authors: Inayat Usman , Manzoor Tareq , Iqbal Shaukat , Manzoor Muhamamd Nasir , Azam Farooq , Manzoor Habib Ullah
Published: March 2024

Nanoparticles have the potential to enhance the performance of solar PV thermal hybrid systems through various mechanisms. Here are several ways in which nano-particles can be utilized to improve the functioning of such systems. In this study, a three dimensional transport of incompressible nano-fluids for bifacial solar photovoltaic-thermal energy system has been investigated for a non-linearly stretched elastic sheet. A mathematical model of passive control of nano-particle volume fraction is considered. The similarity transformations are used for having selfsimilar forms of boundary layer equations. Optimal Homotopy Asymptotic method (OHAM)is selected for obtaining the numerical solutions. The results have been presented for parametric analysis of three dimensional nanofluid transport over stretched sheet against variations in different physical parameters. In this work, impacts of stretching ratio, Brownian motion parameter, Lewis number, thermophoresis parameter and Schmidt number are investigated for velocity, nano-particle volume, and temperature profiles.It is deduced that power-law index has a declining trend against nano-particle volume fraction and penetration depth of temperature. It is also observed that the heat transfer rate and temperature are insignificantly affected by Brownian motion of nano-particles.
Explainable AI Based framework for Banana Disease Detection
Authors: B Ashoka S , M Pramodha , muaad Abdullah Y , Nyange Roseline , A Anusha , N Shilpa G , Chola Channabasava
Published: March 2024

Due to widespread usage of banana as a staple food crop and susceptibility to numerous illnesses. Bananas require sophisticated detection techniques to support sustainable agricultural practices. Bananas are particularly susceptible to various stem and leaf spot diseases, resulting in significant economic losses within the banana cultivation sector. In this paper, a new XAI framework for banana disease detection and classification is introduced. Our framework uses state-of-the-art AI methods to analyze photos of banana plants. With great precision, it can detect a variety of illnesses like Cordana, Black Sigatoka, Pestalotiopsis, and fusarium wilt. The outcomes show that the framework performs better than current techniques in precisely identifying and categorizing banana diseases. The research employed a Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to detect diseases in banana plants using RGB images of banana leaves. We used pre-trained model called EfficientnetB0 model to evaluate using two datasets BLSD and BDT. For BLSD, the model achieved an accuracy of 99.22%. Next for BDT, on the other hand, demonstrated improved performance with an accuracy of 99.63%.
The effects of landscape on West Nile virus sentinel chicken seroconversion varies by ecoregion in Florida
Authors: Tavares Yasmin , Day Jonathan F , Giordano Bryan V , Eastmond Bradley , Burkett-Cadena Nathan D , Martin Estelle M , Campbell Lindsay P
Published: March 2024

West Nile virus (WNV) is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the United States. Landscapes provide habitats and resources for WNV mosquito vectors and avian amplification hosts, and landscape composition and configuration can affect transmission opportunities. We examined landscape correlations with WNV in Florida, USA across the state and within five regions to understand potential transmission hazard. We expected higher percentages of residential or medium-developed landscapes and more fragmented landscapes would be positively correlated with WNV, and the importance of these factors would vary by region. WNV transmission rates were calculated using Florida 2018 Department of Health WNV sentinel chicken seroconversion data from 187 flocks maintained by mosquito control programs. Percent land cover and edge density metrics were calculated for multiple land cover classes and within multiple buffer distances from chicken coops using 2019 National Land Cover Data. We used binomial generalized linear mixed effects models to calculate the importance of landscape metrics to WNV seroconversion. While we found no statewide predictors of seroconversion, the importance of landscape composition and configuration varied across regions. A non-linear effect of percentage low-intensity urban within 5 km of coops suggested higher transmission in less populated suburban areas in the north-central region of Florida and more fragmented forested areas within 0.5 km of coops and intact woody wetland areas within 2 km of coops were positively correlated with seroconversion in the south-central region. This work provides new insight into the importance and complexity of regional landscape predictors of WNV transmission hazard across Florida.
The potential of using fabricated drum to produce vetiver grass biochar and pineapple leaf biochar
Authors: Aleiadeh Hemam
Published: March 2024

Biochar is a very stable carbon-rich product produced by a process called slow thermochemical pyrolysis. Biochar is a widely known soil amendment and the potential of using it to improve soil properties is undeniable. However, the process of producing biochar is expensive and needs advanced technology which is usually unavailable for small-scale farmers. This study aimed to produce two types of biochar from different raw materials (vetiver grass raw material and pineapple leaf waste) using fabricated drum and check their characteristics in terms of quality as soil amendments. The process of producing biochar was based on a farm level and it was conducted using drum at the Farm Unit, UiTM Sarawak, Malaysia. The yield of produced biochar and ash was calculated. Physico-chemical properties and elemental composition were also analyzed. The yield of biochar produced is 20.88% and 51.43%, correspondingly 18.94% and 33.92% ash content from vetiver grass raw material and pineapple leaf residues respectively. The pH value of vetiver grass biochar and pineapple leaf biochar is 8.62 and 8.78 respectively, which indicates the potential of using both types of biochar for soil acidity amelioration. Both types of biochar contain amount of the major nutrients that are essential for plant growth and soil fertility improvement. Therefore, this study reveals that the production of biochar using fabricated drum is suitable for small-scale farmers and the vetiver grass and pineapple leaf biochar have the potential to be utilized as soil amendment to enhance the quality and the nutritional content in soil.
From Smartphone to Fabric: Mobile Embroidery Programming
Authors: Gursch Sarina , Robinig Stephan , Ratschiller Patrick , Kutschera Stefan , Slany Wolfgang
Published: March 2024

Equipping the next generation with skills in science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM), including computational thinking and graphic design, is crucial. Yet it can be difficult for young people to sustain interest in technology – particularly for girls due to persistent differences in their socialization. Project-based learning combining hands-on experience with fashion and design offers a promising means of sparking and sustaining interest in technology. Mobile embroidery programming is one such project, but there are still challenges to be overcome in transferring embroidery files to programmable embroidery machines as part of school courses or coding weeks. This report presents a device we developed that facilitates wireless file transfer. The embroidery file, encoded in a common format like DST, can be wirelessly transferred to the embroidery machine. We optimized the process of the embroidery workflow in a series of 14 workshops. Furthermore, we tested additional hardware for embroidery file transfer based on Raspberry Pi on a group of 18 participants. Our findings suggest that wireless file transfer may be useful with other maker devices such as 3D printers. The results will benefit schools, maker spaces, code clubs, and individual users seeking to engage in STEAM activities.
Coal Bottom Ash as a Component of Floriculture Root Media
Authors: Bearce Bradford C.
Published: March 2024

Our research emphasis has been on utilization of industrial by-products as components of plant root substrates. Coal bottom ash (CBA) collects at the base of furnaces of coal-fired power plants, in contrast to fly ash, which is removed from stack fumes by electrostatic precipitators. A majority of CBA is disposed in landfills. Its low cost and availability in large quantities (in 1994, >14 million tons were produced in the United States, of which only ≈5 million tons were marketed) recommend it for trial as a component of root media, which currently contain far more expensive ingredients. CBA tends to increase pH and EC and decrease water and air capacities of root media. When used as a root medium in a closed loop nutriculture system, it caused an increase in Ca, K, and Na in the nutrient solution. Crops grown in CBA root media include pot and cut chrysanthemums, roses, rhododendrons, poinsettias, Easter lilies, peperomia, zonal and ivy geraniums, impatiens, New Guinea impatiens, and hydrangeas. In general, growth parameters such as plant dry weight and flower number tended to decline at media CBA levels of 75% or more. At CBA levels of 50% or less, these parameters tended to equal or surpass those of plants in control (0% CBA) media.
A Revolution in New England: New Hampshire Develops an Annual Strawberry Production System
Authors: Bornt Charles D. , Loy J. Brent , Lord William G. , Wells Otho S.
Published: March 2024

Research was conducted in New Hampshire during Fall 1995 and Spring 1996 to determine a planting schedule, rowcover type, application time, and plastic mulch type to be used in adapting the annual hill strawberry production system to New England. Treatments in Fall 1995 included two planting dates, three mulch types, and four rowcover modifications. Yields did not differ statistically between a 18 Aug. and 1 Sept. planting date or among plastic mulches. Typar 518 floating rowcovers significantly increased branch crowns, and early and total fruit yield compared to hay mulch applied for winter protection. Research was initiated in Fall 1996 to determine the effect of runner production on yield. Plug plants (50 vs. 24 tray) were treated with different day lengths and temperatures and planted in the field on 26 Aug. or 9 Sept. All plants were covered with Typar 518 on 4 Oct. 1996. Larger, late-planted plugs treated with cool, short days produced no runners in Fall 1996 and increased branch crowns and total yield in Spring 1997. Plants set out in Fall 1995 were evaluated for 2nd year production with or without runner pruning and four rowcover treatments in Fall 1996. Runner pruning did not significantly increase total yields, but resulted in earlier fruit harvesting in Spring 1997. Typar 518 applied 4 Oct. resulted in the greatest yield of any rowcover treatment.
Commercial Apple Production Information on the Internet: The Virtual Orchard and Apple-Crop Listserv
Authors: Clements Jon M. , Cowgill Winfred P. , Berkett Lorranine P. , Garcia M. Elena
Published: March 2024

The Virtual Orchard (VO) is a World Wide Web (WWW) site dedicated to dissemination of information on sustainable apple production. The VO also provides interactive forums for research and extension projects, including the `Apple-Crop Listserv', dealing with commercial apple production and marketing issues. More specifically, the Virtual Orchard hosts the `New Jersey Fruit Focus' sponsored by Rutgers Cooperative Extension, and the `UVM Apple Orchard', home to the Univ. of Vermont research and Extension `Apple Team'. A search engine provides keyword searching of the VO and other relevant WWW sites. During Jan.—Dec. 1997, the Virtual Orchard welcomed nearly 40,000 unique Internet visitors and served >500,00 requested files. VO WWW pages are served by an Apple Macintosh Workgroup Server located at the Univ. of Vermont. The Uniform Research Locator (URL) of the Virtual Orchard is http://orchard.uvm.edu. The `Apple-Crop Listserv' is an Internet discussion list that provides a forum for information exchange between university researchers, extension agents and specialists, students, commercial apple growers, wholesalers/brokers, retailers, and direct marketers of apples. `Apple-Crop' became active in 1993 and as of Dec. 1997, had >340 subscribers throughout North America and from several foreign countries. To subscribe to `Apple-Crop' or for more information, send e-mail to apple-crop@orchard.uvm.edu; Univ. of Vermont (802) 656-2630; Rutgers Cooperative Extension (908) 788-1339.
Effects of Plant Age on Nitrogen Uptake and Distribution by Greenhouse Plants
Authors: El-Jaoual Touria , Cox Douglas
Published: March 2024

Water-soluble nitrogen (N) fertilizer is used intensively in greenhouse crop production. Any N not used by a crop is subject to leaching as nitrate (NO3-N), which may pollute groundwater. A close correlation between N supply and N uptake by plants would increase the efficiency of N fertilization and minimize the possibility of NO3-N pollution. The objectives of this study were to measure N uptake by American marigold (Tagetes erecta L. `First Lady') and New Guinea impatiens (NGI) (Impatiens hawkeri Bull. `Selenia') during growth to determine the effect of plant age on N uptake, determine if the two species have a preference for NO3-N or ammonium (NH4-N), and determine the total N required for 70 days of growth. The plants were grown in solution culture using solutions supplying 120 mg each of NO3-N and NH4-N. At 10-day intervals, six cultures were chosen at random for nutrient solution analysis and plant sampling for dry weight and tissue analysis. Nitrate-N uptake was greater than NH4-N uptake throughout the experiment for both marigold and NGI. Total N uptake by marigold was greater during the first 50 days after transplanting with maximum N uptake during the period 30 to 50 days. In contrast, N uptake by NGI was greater during the period 40 to 70 days after transplanting. Maximum N uptake for NGI occurred during the period 60 to 70 days. Results of this study suggest that early N fertilization of marigold could be more important for their growth and quality than N applied later. For NGI, N fertilization later in the crop's development appears to be more important than early on. The total N absorbed by marigold during the experiment was 1.1 g N/plant; for NGI the quantity was 0.5 g N/plant. E-mail teljaoual@pssci.umass.edu; phone (413) 545-3083.
Nitrate Uptake and Utilization in Shoots and Roots of Four Turfgrasses
Authors: Jiang Zhongchun , Hull Richard J.
Published: March 2024

Breeding programs can be developed to produce turfgrass varieties that utilize N efficiently if metabolic traits leading to efficient N utilization are identified. To achieve this objective, we selected four turfgrass species that differ in N use efficiency and compared nitrate uptake rate (NUR) by roots and nitrate reductase activity (NRA) in shoots and roots. Grasses were grown in modified Hoagland's nutrient solutions. NUR was determined by monitoring nitrate depletion in the solutions. NRA was assayed using an in vivo method. NUR was significantly higher in 'Merit' Kentucky bluegrass, an inefficient N user, than in 'Cheyenne' bermudagrass, an efficient N user. 'Tribute' tall fescue and 'APM' perennial ryegrass, two grasses intermediate in N use, were in-between. Shoot NRA showed a similar pattern of variation, with 'Merit' significantly higher than 'Cheyenne'. Root NRA showed less variation. 'Cheyenne' had a significantly higher proportion of nitrate reduced in its roots (>60% of plant total) than did 'Merit' (<10%), suggesting that greater partitioning of nitrate reduction to roots might contribute to more efficient utilization of nitrate-N by bermudagrass. E-mail zjia8399@uriacc.uri.edu; phone (401) 874-5994.
Effect of Benzuladenine on Apple Fruit Thinning and Its Mode of Action
Authors: Yuan Rongcai , Greene Duane W.
Published: March 2024

Benzyladenine (BA) applied at the 10-mm stage at 50 and 100 mg·L-1 thinned fruit, increased fruit size, and caused seed abortion. The translocation of 14C-sorbitol from leaves to fruit was promoted by B A application to the fruit, but not when BA was applied to the leaves. Therefore, it is unlikely that BA causes thinning directly by restricting photosynthate movement into the fruit. Net photosynthesis was decreased and dark respiration was increased when temperature following BA application was high (30 °C), whereas there was no effect when temperature was lower (20 °C). The seed number in abscising fruit was greater in BA-treated fruit than in control fruit. The number of viable seeds in BA-treated fruit was reduced. Tipping the bourse shoot increased fruit set, regardless of BA treatment. Benzyladenine thinned fruit when only one leaf was on the girdled fruiting spur, but not when leaf number was greater than two. Reduction of carbohydrates available for fruit appears to be the primary factor responsible for the thinning induced by BA. E-mail Yuan@pssci.umass.edu
Poinsettia Bract Necrosis Is Affected by Scion/Rootstock Combinations and Arrested by a Benzyladenine Spray
Authors: McAvoy Richard J. , Bible Bernard B.
Published: March 2024

Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. ex. Klotzch) cultivars vary widely in susceptibility to bract necrosis, a disorder that has been associated with localized calcium deficiency. When `Supjibi Red' (SR) poinsettia shoots were grafted on `SR' stocks, a higher incidence of bract necrosis was observed (26.4% of bracts) 28 days after initial anthesis than on corresponding `SR' shoots grafted on `Annette Hegg Dark Red' (AH) stocks (13.8% of bracts). `AH' shoots developed few bract necrosis symptoms, regardless of rootstock. Calcium (Ca) concentrations were higher in whole bracts of `AH' than of `SR', but were unaffected by rootstock. In a second study, `SR' shoots were grafted on a double rootstock of one `AH' and one 'SR' to determine if removing either rootstock, at the start of flower initiation or at anthesis, affected bract necrosis. At 28 days after initial anthesis, `SR' scions on only `AH' roots from the beginning of flower initiation, or on `AH' roots from time of initial anthesis, had less bract necrosis (12.3% and 14.9%, respectively), than `SR' scions grafted on only `SR' roots from the onset of the study (24.2%). At harvest (36 days after anthesis), Ca concentrations in bract margin tissues were highest on `SR' shoots grafted to `SR' roots throughout the study [0.17% of dry mass (DM)], and lowest on shoots grafted to only `AH' from the time of flower initiation (0.15% of DM) or from time of initial anthesis (0.14% of DM). There was no significant correlation between Ca concentrations in bract margin tissue and bract necrosis. A single spray of benzyladenine to bracts, after bract necrosis symptoms first began to appear (at initial anthesis), totally arrested the further development of bract necrosis for up to 34 days. Similar treatment with daminozide increased the incidence of bract necrosis. This evidence suggests a new concept of bract necrosis etiology that includes a role for endogenous hormones. Chemical names used: N,N, dimethylaminosuccinamic acid (daminozide), N6-benzylaminopurine (benzyladenine).
Tolerance to Monosporascus Root Rot and Vine Decline in Melon (Cucumis melo L.) Germplasm
Authors: Wolff David W. , Miller Marvin E.
Published: March 2024

We conducted a field screening of melon (Cucumis melo L.) cultigens to identify potential sources of host-plant resistance to Monosporascus cannonballus Pollack & Uecker. Seed were sown in Speedling trays with inoculated or noninoculated media. Plants were transplanted into a field known to be highly infested with M. cannonballus. Cultigens were arranged in a randomized complete block with three replications in each treatment (fumigated/noninoculated, nonfumigated/inoculated). Vine decline (1 = no symptoms to 5 = dead vines) was rated at 78 and 90 days post-transplanting. Disease symptoms were most severe and occurred earliest in the inoculated, nonfumigated plots. However, natural infection by M. cannonballus occurred in the fumigated plots, as all root samples collected contained perithecia. The majority of cultigens (85%) showed moderate to severe vine decline symptoms. Mean vine decline ratings of melon types from the spring test, ranked from most tolerant to least tolerant, were: Charentais = Ananas = Galia > Misc. = Honeydew = Mixed > US cantaloupe. A Fall test of the most tolerant cultigens showed similar results, in that Ananas and Charentais types had the highest tolerance; however, Galia types performed poorly, which may be due to the different environmental conditions, or differing fruit loads on the vines in the two tests. `Deltex', an Ananas hybrid, showed the highest tolerance based on vine decline ratings in the two tests.
Efficient Ploidy Determination of Anther-derived Broccoli
Authors: Farnham Mark W. , Caniglia Ellis J. , Thomas Claude E.
Published: March 2024

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. Italica Group) breeders routinely use anther or microspore culture to produce doubled-haploid (DH), homozygous lines. In addition to DH (diploid) regenerants, haploid, triploid, tetraploid, octaploid, and aneuploid regenerants may also result from anther culture. Thus, regenerated populations must be screened to identify the diploids, which are the only regenerants likely to set seed and serve as inbred lines. DNA flow cytometry is a useful procedure to determine ploidy of anther-derived regenerants. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of plant stage and sampling procedures on ploidy determination by flow cytometry. Anther-derived plants were analyzed at both seedling and mature plant stages. In separate tests, leaves were sampled on a given date, and stability of flow cytometry preparations were evaluated at 1, 2, 4, and 7 days after preparation. In addition, the stability of ploidy readings of excised leaves stored at 4 °C was examined over a 7-day period. In 139 out of 140 comparative assays there was no effect of plant stage on ploidy determination. Flow cytometry preparations stored at 4 °C gave consistent ploidy determinations up to 2 days after they were made, but some instability was observed by 4 and 7 days. Refrigerated leaves were more stable than nuclei preparations, and ploidy determinations did not differ from the first sampling through storage for 7 days. Results indicate that broccoli breeders could make flow cytometry preparations on site and send them offsite for flow cytometry analysis as long as analysis was completed within 1 or 2 days of sample preparation. More consistent results would be obtained by refrigerating leaves and sending them offsite for preparation and analysis at the offsite location.
Board gender diversity and bank performance in Jordan
Authors: Mansour Marwan , Al Zobi Mo’taz , Allah E’leimat Dheif , Abu Alim Sad , Marei Ahmad
Published: March 2024

Board diversity is crucial for corporate governance and improves corporate outcomes by aligning management with stakeholders’ interests. Compared to advanced environments, Jordan’s decent sociocultural backdrop exhibits a higher level of gender bias. This study investigates the influence of board gender diversity (BGD) on Jordanian banking sector performance, an under-explored area. This quantitative paper employs Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), random, and fixed-effect approaches to analyze 182 bank-year observations for balanced longitudinal data analysis. These approaches correctly establish the BGD-Tobin’s Q nexus during 2010–2022. The coefficient of determination was 70.57%. The model confirms a positive correlation between BGD and market-based performance indicators. Findings support agency and resource dependency hypotheses, showing BGD’s role in decision-making. Hence, a one-unit increase in BGD causes a 37.2-cent increase in Tobin’s Q measure. Moreover, a one-unit change in board independence, board meetings, size, women’s representation in top management, and capital adequacy ratio, assuming all other factors remain constant, results in Tobin-Q changes of 2.57 cents, 32.8 cents, 5.78 cents, 51.2 cents, 30.55 cents, and 22.86 cents, respectively, and the same direction. The results show how BGD enhances bank performance and contributes to relevant theories. The results are vigorous in a variety of identification and estimation methodologies.
Financial literacy among management students: Insights from universities in Nepal
Authors: Raj Kharel Khom , Mani Upadhyaya Yadav , Acharya Bisna , Kumar Budhathoki Dhruba , Gyawali Achyut
Published: March 2024

This study aims to examine the degree of financial literacy and practices of financial knowledge among MBA students in Nepal. Four prominent universities were selected for study: Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu University, Pokhara University, and Purbanchal University. The descriptive and analytical research approach was applied to analyze the data. Data were collected through questionnaires from 320 students by using convenience and stratified sampling methods. The analysis was conducted using the SPSS software system. The results highlight the complex interplay of factors influencing financial behavior and literacy among MBA students, emphasizing the importance of education, familial influence, and media exposure in shaping financial attitudes and decision-making. The study delves into several key aspects of financial behavior, influence, attitude, literacy, and knowledge sources among MBA students. Notably, respondents displayed positive financial behaviors such as reading for knowledge enhancement and prudent spending practices. Parental influence emerged as the most significant factor shaping financial decisions, followed by media and internet exposure. Respondents generally exhibited a favorable financial outlook and demonstrated understanding in various financial literacy domains, though areas for improvement, particularly in investment risk comprehension, were identified. The study shows how education, family influence, and media exposure affect MBA student’s financial think, how people handle finance, like their education and where they get information from. This is seen as reflected in financial literacy scores ranging from 1.43 to 3.86, with an average of 2.405 and a standard deviation of 0.449, suggesting below-average scores and reduced unpredictability.
BIOFUEL PRODUCTION FROM SOLID AND LIQUID FRACTIONS OF HYDROTHERMALLY PRETREATED SUGARCANE BAGASSE IN A CONTINUOUS COMPARTMENTALIZED REACTOR AND POTENTIAL METABOLIC PATHWAYS
Authors: Soares Laís , Fuess Lucas , Delforno Tiago , Oliveira Valéria , Silva Edson , Varesche Maria
Published: March 2024

Solid and liquid fractions of hydrothermally pretreated sugarcane bagasse (SCB) were simultaneously used as substrate of a novel continuous compartmentalized reactor. The effect of four (56, 42, 28, and 14 h) hydraulic retention time (HRT) and three (0.5, 3.0, and 9.0 g L-1) chemical oxygen demand (COD) levels were evaluated on hydrogen (H2) and organic acids production. Higher H2 production and yield (686 mL and 1.63 mol mol-1 carbohydrate, respectively) were obtained under an HRT of 28 h, probably due to the Clostridium and Thermoanaerobacterium metabolisms, which accounted for almost 60% of the microbial relative abundance. Under lower and higher HRT (14 and 56 h, respectively) lactic acid prevailed without hydrogen production. Other value-added chemicals such as citric, valeric and caproic acids were also obtained according to the HRT. From the functional point of view, enzymes from the glycoside hydrolases group (GHs) potentially performed important roles in the lignocellulosic biomass bioconversion.
GREEN SYNTHESIS OF FexOy STRUCTURES USING Euterpe oleracea MART EXTRACT FROM THE LEGAL AMAZON, BRAZIL
Authors: Borges Simara , Andrade Karollyne , Vaz Evilly , Morais Neto Manoel , Cabral Aluisio , Sobrinho Eledir , da Rocha Cláudia , de Figueredo Gilvan
Published: March 2024

The synthesis of oxides using plant extracts as precursors has attracted attention as it is an economical, efficient, and ecological route. Euterpe oleracea Mart, available in the Legal Amazon, has great potential due to its composition, rich secondary metabolites. Therefore, this work aimed to investigate the potential of aqueous açaí leaf extract as precursors in synthesizing FexOy-type oxides. The synthesis was developed in two stages to obtain the hematite phases (step 1) and the magnetite phase (step 2). The effect of pH on phase formation and structure was evaluated in step 1. Then, the material was obtained in step 2 by precipitation with pH adjustment. The powders were characterized by thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that pH played a significant role in the thermal behavior, crystallite sizes, and structural parameters of hematite, with neutral or acidic pH being more attractive for obtaining crystallites between 21 and 24 nm. Magnetite with 21.51 nm crystallites was precipitated, indicating possible capping of the Fe3O4 particles and preserving their magnetic characteristics.
IMMOBILIZING MICROALGAE IN HYBRID MATRICES AS A GREEN TECHNOLOGY FOR NATURAL GAS SWEETENING USING NOVEL STATIC SYSTEM
Authors: Moraes Julia , Roselet Fabio , dos Santos Leonardo , Polesso Bárbara , Einlof Sandra
Published: March 2024

Photosynthetic microorganisms have been widely studied as an alternative technology for CO2 capture. Aiming to overcome some operational challenges in the application of these microorganisms for gas treatment on a large scale, the immobilization of microalgae in solid matrices emerges as an alternative to facilitate effective management of microalgae culture during harvesting process. In this work, different matrices for microalgae immobilization composed of silica/alginate were obtained varying silica precursors. The synthesized materials were characterized in terms of their specific surface area, cell viability, transparency and physical-chemical properties. Additionally, a new methodology was developed to evaluate the CO2 capture by microalgae using a pressurized system with natural gas mixture. Tests were carried out exploring the influence of some variables, such as headspace volume, cell concentration, stirring and pressure. Once the optimized parameters were established, the amount of CO2 captured by immobilized microalgae was investigated for 7 days by determining the CO2 relative concentrations using gas chromatography. The results of immobilized microalgae showed levels of CO2 removal of 41.4%. This work proved the potential application of the studied biomaterial for natural gas processing, making even more feasible the adoption of this technology for selective capture of CO2 on an industrial scale.
Effect Component Composition on Thermophysical Properties of Protein Products
Authors: Korotkiy Igor , Korotkaya Elena , Proskuryakova Larisa , Efremov Denis
Published: March 2024

Food additives and substitutes make it possible to model the sensory profile of foods and regulate their nutritional value. As a result, the range of food products grows while their cost goes down. Dairy protein and fat are inherent components of cheese production, which makes them vulnerable to counterfeiting. New food additives must be provided with various objective control methods to determine their actual composition. A thermophysical analysis of protein-fat dairy products, e.g., cheese, determines whether the actual component composition corresponds with the label. The method of two temperature-time intervals is a complex and express analysis that defines the thermophysical properties of cheese. It takes 30 min and processes the data automatically with an error of ≤ 1 %.
Labor Market Transformation and Demand for a New Type of IT Specialists in Digital Economy Trend
Authors: Nadezhdina Svetlana , Chistyakova Ol'ga , Chistyakov Aleksey
Published: March 2024

The article presents the main trends of the labor market in terms of the demand for a new type of IT specialists in the digital economy. The article forms a comprehensive understanding of the trends in the IT specialists’ labor market development in the context of the digital economy transformation and trends’ interaction with educational institutions through the acquisition of new professional competencies. To determine the relevance of the topic and identify key objectives, the authors performed a multidimensional bibliometric analysis of publication activity using six basic terms and their combinations. The article presents a statistical review of the IT personnel number in the world and Russia, the changes in the employment forms and the requirements for professional competencies in accordance with the Industry 4.0 paradigm, and confirms the hypothesis of insufficient flexibility and adaptability of the higher education system in terms of requests for a new type of IT specialists. The authors confirm the necessity for transforming the labor market and adapting to new realities on the part of both IT companies and specialists in the field. The study serves as a prerequisite for forecasting personnel needs and identifying structural changes in the digital skills of information and computer technology workers.
Efeitos não desejados do modelo de financiamento da educação brasileira
Authors: Lobo Cinara Gomes de Araújo , Araujo Leomir Ferreira de
Published: March 2024

O artigo descreve o modelo de descentralização de recursos da educação e a história da institucionalização dos programas educacionais universais, a fim de analisar a autonomia dos entes subnacionais para elaborar políticas e planejar investimentos. Para tanto, foram realizadas entrevistas em profundidade com servidores do Fundo Nacional de Desenvolvimento da Educação - FNDE, por meio de metodologia de história oral, complementadas com pesquisa em documentos históricos e legislação publicada (1968 a 2020). Conclui que, por meio de programas e fundos, a União define regras e prazos sobre como os recursos devem ser empregados, reduzindo a autonomia dos entes subnacionais. O texto analisa o resultado como consequência não intencional das reformas administrativas realizadas, que não romperam com o modelo centralizado de gestão. A máquina estatal continua voltada para atividades formais de controle, em vez de direcionar sua capacidade para negociar arranjos institucionais e parcerias.
 
PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Descentralização
Smartphone-Based Colourimetric Detection of Methyl Red, Co(II),
Uric Acid, and Topotecan after Pre-concentration onto a Hectorite
Clay-Hydroxyethylcellulose Hybrid
Authors: Mazarakis Anastasios Phoebus , Tsotsou Georgia Eleni
Published: March 2024

Objective::

This paper describes a new, digital image colourimetry-based format for the
quantification of analytes in an aqueous solution.

Method::

The proposed method is based on analyte pre-concentration by adsorption onto Bentone
LT. Bentone LT pellet isolation comes after adsorption, followed by in-situ application of an analyteselective
chromogenic reaction. The resulting pellet colouration is captured by the phone’s integrated
camera and assessed using the free open-source image processing software, ImageJ. Responses are
calibrated and quantified.

Results::

We tested the applicability of the proposed methodology for the quantification of specific
model analytes which are of concern in environmental matrices (methyl red, Co(II), uric acid, topotecan).
The smartphone-based assay was proven reliable in quantifying the model analytes (standard
recovery of 82-116%), alone or in mixture, from dilute aqueous solutions and was found to depict
accurately the adsorption behaviour followed photometrically in solution. Lower limit of linearity
was calculated at 0.05, 0.11, 0.85 and 0.20 μg/mL for methyl red, Co(II), uric acid, and topotecan,
respectively. The proposed format was found superior when compared to alternative published photometric/
colourimetric assays in terms of the lower limit of linearity. In the presence of possible adsorption
interferents, the lower limit of linear response was shifted to slightly higher concentrations
for topotecan i.e. from 0.2 μg/mL to 0.5 μg/mL.

Conclusion::

We here demonstrate the extended applicability of the proposed methodology for the
smartphone-based quantification of the specific model analytes. The applicability of this analysis
format likely extends to other analytes, where analyte-specific colour formation is feasible.
THE EFFECT OF AGE, SLEEP DURATION, LEARNING DURATION, AND COFFEE INTAKE ON SHORT-TERM MEMORY
Authors:   Program Studi Teknik Industri, Fakultas Teknologi Elektro dan Industri Cerdas,  Institut Teknologi Telkom Surabaya, Chandra Huki , Istiqomah Silvi , Rinda Wahyu Purnama Adhitya , Rigan Rafsanjana Sasotya , Nur Rosyid Ahmad
Published: March 2024

In the reality of life, learning requires a process of remembering. In the process of teaching and learning, memory is crucial. Sleep deprivation affects the process of remembering in learning. Memory is one of the important aspects that affect student performance in learning. In addition to sleep duration, the age factor can also affect short-term memory. This study wants to find out if age, sleep duration, and learning duration have an impact on short-term memory. This study incorporates elements of cognitive ergonomics because it measures short-term memory performance to assess how people process information and how they maintain it in their memory. Based on the results of multiple linear regression tests, the R Square value was 0.328 and the Adjusted R Square was 0.272. The age variable has a significance value of 0.001. The coefficient value on the age variable is 0.303 and is positive. This positive value indicates that increasing student age will increase the value of short-term memory. This shows that the higher the age of the student, the higher the ability in short-term memory. The sleep duration variable has no significant effect on short-term memory. The learning duration variable has no significant effect on short-term memory.
ANALYSIS OF PHYSIOLOGICAL ERGONOMICS FOR NIGHT SHIFT WORKERS CORRELATED WITH SLEEP QUALITY AND TIME TO RECOVERY
Authors:   Industrial Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, University of Brawijaya, Indonesia, Sugiono Sugiono , Yuenyongchaiwat Kornanong , Azlia Wifqi , Prasetyo Lukodono Rio , Wijayanto Putro Wisnu , Indah Kartika Sari Sylvie , Indrayadi Bambang ,   Thammasat University Research Unit for Physical Therapy in Respiratory and Cardiovascular  Systems, Thammasat University, Thailand
Published: March 2024

The worker’s recovery time from physical and mental workload is a crucial factor for office and factory management and it will effect on the working performance and design working system. The aim of this paper is to investigate the impact of physiological conditions on sleep quality and time to recovery for night shift electric steam power plant workers. The research is started with study literatures on physiology ergonomics, sleep quality measurement, human metabolism, expenditure energy graph and physical/mental workload. The research worked with 50 samples (age between 30 to 45 years old) who have duty to control the electric steam power plant on dynamic computer screen in the night shift. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire was used subjectively to measure the value of sleep quality on 19 self – rated questions that assessed various sleep quality – related factor over the previous month. To know the speed of Time to Recovery (TTR), every worker perform a treadmill load with constant speed of 5 Km/hour for 10 minutes. Heart rate changes before activity, during activity (treatment) and TTR are recorded and it be analysed the pattern of relationship conducting to PSQI score. According to the data analysis, the higher PSQI score the longer time consume by workers to recovery. Moreover, Pearson statistic test results found that there is a strong relationship between sleep quality (PSQI value) and TTR for workers with value of 0.853. In sort, improving the quality of sleep for night shift electric steam power plant workers can definitely improve work performance on a shorter rest time or healthier conditions of workers.
Cadena productiva apícola : anexo 5
Authors: Contreras Carlos Alberto , Garavito Heydi Carolina , Cepeda Granados Mónica , García Gustavo
Published: March 2024

El presente capítulo da a conocer información básica del sector apícola, la demanda, comercialización y estrategias de la cadena en el contexto mundial y nacional, a fin de ayudar a impulsar la competitividad y mejorar la sostenibilidad de esta. Además, orienta los procesos de investigación generando alternativas para la consolidación de sistemas territoriales de innovación