bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IMPLEMENTASI PEMBERDAYAAN MASYARAKAT MELALUI BUDI DAYA MAGGOT SEBAGAI ALTERNATIF PENANGGULANGAN SAMPAH ORGANIK MASYARAKAT DI DESA CIJAGANG
Authors: Sukmareni Janatin , Sianipar Samuel Adiputra , Fadiah Syifa Najah , Esterilita Mari
Published: November 2023

Isu sampah yang dapat kita ambil dari Desa Cijagang ini adalah penanggulangan sampah yang belum optimal banyaknya sampah yang membuang sampah di pinggiran kali, rendahnya kesadaran masyarakat untuk melakukan iuran sampah, sarana pengolahan sampah yang minim seperti tidak adanya Tempat Pembuangan Akhir (TPA), dan asih terdapat masyarakat yang Buang Air Besar (BAB) di kali yang mencemari air dan lingkungan. Tujuan dari pengabdian masyarakat ini adalah untuk memberdayakan masyarakat melalui budidaya maggot sebagai alternatif untuk mengurangi sampah organik. Metode pengabdian kepada Masyarakat yang digunakan metode pendekatan pemberdayaan masyarakat melalui kuesioner, wawancara dan studi dokumentasi untuk mengumpulkan data dan informasi dari masyarakat yang terlibat dalam budidaya maggot dalam upaya mengurangi limbah sampah organik masyarakat. Hasil kuesioner menunjukkan bahwa pengetahuan masyarakat tentang budidaya maggot meningkat. Hasil peningkatan pengetahuan masyarakat tentang cara pengolahan sampah organik. Sebagian masyarakat telah mencoba budidaya maggot, tetapi masih belum memahami manfaat penuhnya dari metode ini dalam mengurangi limbah organik. Pengabdian masyarakat ini memberikan wawasan tentang tantangan dan peluang dalam mendorong budidaya maggot sebagai alternatif pengurangan sampah organik di masyarakat. Upaya untuk pengelolaan limbah organik yang lebih berkelanjutan, pendidikan dan informasi yang lebih luas diperlukan untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan dan partisipasi masyarakat dalam praktik ini.
Decisions and Delphi: The Dynamics of Group Estimation
Authors: Pfleeger Shari Lawrence , Shepperd Martin , Tesoriero Roseanne
Published: November 2023

Cost estimation is often performed by a group. We examined what decision theorists have to say about group decision-making, and observed seven groups as they discussed their estimates for a small project. We found that personalities had more to do with confidence and consensus on an estimative than did expertise or years of experience.
Dependability of Computer-Based Systems
Authors: Jones Cliff B.
Published: November 2023

This paper sets out a programme of work in the area of dependability. The research is to be pursued under the aegis of a six-year Inter-Disciplinary Research Collaboration funded by the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. The research considers computer-based systems which comprise humans as well as hardware and software. The aim here is to indicate how formal methods ideas, coupled with structuring proposals, can help address a problem which clearly also requires social science input.
Reengenharia do Projeto do Servidor Web JAWS utilizando Programação Orientada a Aspectos
Authors: Kulesza Uirá , Silva Dilma Menezes da
Published: November 2023

Programação orientada a aspectos foi proposta originalmente como uma técnica de programação que busca facilitar a separação de código relativo a requisitos funcionais do referente a requisitos não-funcionais. Este artigo descreve a reengenharia do projeto do servidor Web adaptativo JAWS usando programação orientada a aspectos. Os objetivos do estudo foram analisar e avaliar a aplicabilidade desta abordagem no projeto de sistemas com requisitos de adaptação estática e dinâmica. O estudo demonstrou que a aplicação dos preceitos de programação orientada a aspectos em um sistema com características de semelhantes ao JAWS pode levar a várias vantagens: separação de interesses e na reutilização, na evolução estática e na configuração dinâmica do sistema.
A Language for Stating Component Quality
Authors: Burgués Xavier , Franch Xavier
Published: November 2023

We present in this paper a language for stating component quality in the framework of the ISO/IEC quality standards. The language consists of three different parts. In the first one, software quality characteristics and attributes are defined, probably in a hierarchical manner. As part of this definition, abstract quality models can be formulated and further refined into more specialised ones. In the second part, values are assigned to component quality basic attributes. In the third one, quality requirements can be stated over components, both context-free (universal quality properties) and context-dependent (quality properties for a given framework software domain, company, project, etc). Software Components may be then selected by testing whether their behaviour with respect to the quality characteristic satisfy some quality requirements that model the context of selection. This gives some potential benefits in the software selection framework. We show how the language can be used through some examples.
Study of the Knowledge Contained in Software Components’ Identifiers
Authors: Anquetil Nicolas
Published: November 2023

Maintaining old software, designed with obsolete methods, and poorly structured, is a knowledge intensive and difficult task. To help in this task, Reverse Engineering seeks to offer tools and analysis techniques that will help creating an abstract representation (a model) of a software system. We believe that one should take advantage of any available source of information to help in this task and know precisely what each source has to offer. In this paper we study the knowledge contained in the name of software components. Such study is needed to ascertain if this knowledge could be of use for Reverse Engineering, and to perform what activity? Our conclusions are that there is certainly interesting information to be extracted from identifiers, but that alone they may not be sufficient, and other sources, such as comments, would provide a welcome help.
A Binomial Software Reliability Model Based on Coverage of Structural Testing Criteria
Authors: Crespo Adalberto Nobiato , Jino Mario , Pasquini Alberto , Maldonado José Carlos
Published: November 2023

A new approach to software reliability modeling is discussed where variables indirectly related with software reliability are used to provide additional information for the modeling process. Previous studies, empirical evidences, and results from experiments indicate that there is a strong relationship between software reliability and coverage of program elements required to be exercised by structural testing criteria. In this vein, a Binomial software reliability Model Based on Coverage - BMBC - is proposed and discussed. The BMBC, the first software reliability model based on coverage, was assessed with test data from a real application, making use of the following structural testing criteria: all-nodes, all-edges, and potential-uses — a data-flow based family of criteria. Results from the experiments show a clear superiority of the BMBC over the traditional models and point to a very promising research direction in software reliability.
Ambientes de Desenvolvimento de Software Orientados a Domínio
Authors: Oliveira Káthia Marçal de , Travassos Guilherme Horta , Menezes Crediné S. de , Rocha Ana Regina C. da
Published: November 2023

Desenvolver software em um domínio não familiar para os desenvolvedores não é uma tarefa simples. Acreditando que o uso do conhecimento do domínio pode contribuir para redução das dificuldades no processo de desenvolvimento, e portanto, torná-lo mais produtivo, definimos Ambientes de Desenvolvimento de Software Orientados a Dominio. Estes ambientes tornam disponível o conhecimento sobre o domínio da aplicação numa representação simbólica utilizando ontologias do domínio e a identificação de tarefas possíveis de serem realizadas no domínio em questão. Ferramentas específicas do dominio introduzidas no ambiente tornam possível o uso desse conhecimento ao longo do processo de desenvolvimento. Nesse artigo, apresentamos a concepção desses ambientes no que se refere à definição e uso do conhecimento e à sua construção, de forma a prover facilidades que apoiem a orientação ao domínio.
Integrando Requisitos Não Funcionais à Modelagem Orientada a Objetos
Authors: Sabát Neto Jaime de Melo , Leite Julio Cesar Sampaio do Prado
Published: November 2023

Recentemente, tem-se ressaltado que a maioria dos métodos da engenharia de requisitos não consideram requisitos não funcionais (RNFs) [11][12]. Conseqüentemente, ocorrem vários problemas durante o desenvolvimento de sistemas de software como, por exemplo, custos elevados e não cumprimento de prazos. Objetivando atenuar a negligência de RNFs e suas consequências, propõe-se, neste trabalho, uma estratégia que acrescenta os RNFs à modelagem orientada a objetos. A estratégia proposta parte de um Léxico Ampliado da Linguagem do Universo de Informações (LAL do Udl) e produz um diagrama de classes com indicações sobre quais classes, atributos, operações e relacionamentos satisfazem RNFs. Além disso, a estratégia proposta fornece suporte à elicitação de RNFs através de um Léxico de RNFs (LAL RNE), o qual registra informações sobre RNFs e possibilidades de satistação de RNFs.
Verifying the Terminology of Arabic Rhetorical Tradition: The Case of ʾIltifāt
Authors: Abdul-Latif Emad
Published: November 2023

The terminology of Arabic Balāgha suffers various problems, such as having multiple terms that refer to one concept and multiple concepts that have one term. These problems cause vagueness and misunderstandings in many modern and contemporary studies. This article aims to decrease the possibility of both ambiguity and misunderstanding by suggesting a comprehensive methodology to verify Arabic rhetorical terminology. This methodology consists of two procedures: (1) identifying and analyzing the various concepts that a one-term refers to, and (2) identifying and analyzing the different terms that refer to one concept. These procedures are applied to the term ʾiltifāt and the concept of 'shifting among first, second, and third pronouns'. The Arab classical rhetoricians used ʾiltifāt to refer to thirteen different figures, styles, and features. Similarly, they used seven different terms for one concept. The reasons behind this terminology disorder are investigated and the necessity of a contextual dictionary of Arabic Balāgha is argued for. Keywords: ʾiltifāt, balāgha, grammatical shift, Arabic tradition, terminology, rhetoric
The Value Gap: A School Psychologist’s Perspective on Rausch et al. (2023)
Authors: Braden Jeffery P.
Published: November 2023

Rausch et al. describe an empirical effort to test a number of hypotheses put forward by Lukianoff and Haidt (2018) regarding the values of contemporary (Gen Z) vs. previous generations of undergraduates. My review of their work focuses primarily on the methodologies Rausch et al. employ in executing their research. Strengths of their study include: the empirical replication and extension of prior claims; a priori specification of hypotheses and the methodology to test them; and the insight that prior claims may confound gender and generational status. Weaknesses include: the use of an untested (and unknown) scale to measure their dependent variable; the unfortunate and erroneous classification of majors into “hard” science vs. social science categories; a confound between graduate student status and generational status; and the number and interdependence of the statistical tests they use to test their hypotheses. All of the methodological weaknesses I identify (with the exception of their measurement of academic values) could be strengthened through changes to their procedures and analyses. Overall, their insight that Lukianoff and Haidt’s attribution of value differences to generational status may be confounded with gender is worthy of further research.
Strategi Pembelajaran Pendidikan Agama Islam dalam Menghadapi Tantangan di Era Revolusi Industri 5.0
Authors: Musyafak Musyafak , Subhi Muhamad Rifa'i
Published: November 2023

This study explores the strategies and implementation of Islamic Religious Education at MTs Agung Alim Blado, facing the era of the 5.0 Industrial Revolution. The main focus is on the integration of Islamic values with technological advancements through interactive and innovative teaching methods. Qualitative methods are used to understand students' experiences and adopt a holistic approach to Islamic education in the digital era. The results of this research show that the integration of technology and religious values in learning promotes a deep understanding of Islamic teachings, ensuring the relevance of Islamic education amid digital transformation. This research emphasizes the need to develop traditional pedagogical methods in the era of the 5.0 Industrial Revolution. By combining interactive and innovative teaching techniques, such as e-learning platforms, multimedia presentations, and collaborative projects, educators can effectively engage students and enhance their understanding of Islamic values. Additionally, collaboration with local religious institutions and scholars enables a deeper understanding of religious practices and encourages students to apply these teachings in their daily lives driven by technology. The integration of technology and Islamic values in education is crucial, not only to preserve the essence of religious teachings but also to prepare students for the dynamic landscape of the digital era while holding firmly to their faith and moral principles.
Implementasi Pembelajaran Berbasis Proyek terhadap Hasil Belajar Siswa pada Pembelajaran Mesin Bubut
Authors: Pratama Yuhanda Dicky , Indrawan Eko , Refelino Refelino , Abadi Zainal
Published: November 2023

This study aims to analyze the project-based learning model on learning outcomes in class XI lathe subjects majoring in Mechanical Engineering SMK Negeri 1 Tanjung Raya. The type of research that the authors conducted was Quasi Experimental Design (pseudo / quasi experiment) research. The experimental research design used in this study was in the form of nonequivalent control group desaign. This study uses pre-test and post-test tests to students to see students' understanding before and after using the learning model, whether there is a good enough improvement after applying the learning model. Based on the results of research and discussion, Quasi-Experiment research in the subject of Lathe Machining Engineering class XI Machining Engineering SMK Negeri 1 Tanjung Raya can be concluded as follows. First, the project-based learning model in the experimental class in the Lathe Machining Engineering subject was successfully implemented in class XI of the Machining Engineering of SMK Negeri 1 Tanjung Raya. Second, student learning outcomes The acquisition of this final score increased from the previous average score of 53. Third, the skills and creativity of students in the subject of Lathe Machining Engineering Class XI Machining Engineering SMK Negeri 1 Tanjung Raya, carried out using a psychomotor assessment rubric and obtained an average score in the control class of 74 and the experimental class of 80.
Improve Basketball Shoothing Skills With The Target Method
Authors: Simamora Hotlider H
Published: November 2023

The issue with pupils' precision while chucking the ball into the basketball hoop as well as their lack of interest and sincerity in studying is the basis of this study. The goal of this study was to enhance basketball shooting performance and raise student interest and motivation in target game basketball instruction. The collaborative and participatory nature of this study makes it a class action study. 35 kids from SMP Negeri 1 Rejang Lebong's VIII grade served as the study's subjects. Twelve male and twenty-three female students were present. After gathering the study data, it was examined using both quantitative and qualitative descriptive methods. The findings indicated that using target games in combination can raise student enthusiasm and seriousness about studying while also increasing basketball shooting accuracy. This is evident from the rise in student interest and seriousness as well as the improvement in basketball shooting outcomes, which allowed the second cycle's completion rate to reach 94.3%.
Increasing The Learning Enthusiasm of Elementary School Students Using Numeracy Guess The Number Ok Yes Combined With Ice Breaking to Show The Profile Of Pancasila Students
Authors: Aslinar  , Nengsih Ade Wahyu Asririya
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this research is to increase students' enthusiasm for learning in the learning process by using numeracy guessing numbers ok yes combined with ice breaking. The method used is PTK (Classroom Action Research) with two cycles. In cycle I, did not use numeracy guessing numbers ok yes ice breaking, while in cycle II in every lesson using numeracy guessing numbers ice breaking ok yes which makes children enthusiastic and eager to learn and there is also a critical thinking process in learning that is useful for distinguishing various kinds of numbers. The subjects in this study were grade 6 (six) elementary school students in Mukomuko Regency, totaling 15 students. The learning outcomes obtained in cycle I were 46%, while in cycle II 100% by using the numeracy guess the number ok yes ice breaking learning pattern. The conclusion of this study is that numeracy guessing numbers ok yes combined with ice breaking can increase students' enthusiasm for learning in the learning process which shows the profile of Pancasila students and can make students think more critically.
Application of Reciprocal Teaching Style in Improving Student Lecture Process in Volleyball Course
Authors: Pujianto Dian , Insanistyo Bayu
Published: November 2023

This research aims to determine the effectiveness of a reciprocal teaching style in volleyball courses. Reciprocal teaching style is a teaching style by forming groups with one member of the group having an advantage in the material to be given. The type of research that will be carried out is classroom action research. So the results of this research cannot be generalized. The subjects of this research were 3rd semester students, totaling 43 students. The data collection technique uses an observation sheet. The results of this research show that a reciprocal teaching style makes a positive contribution to the student learning process in volleyball courses. These results were obtained after observers and colleagues observed and discussed the results of observations that occurred during the action. From the results of observations before the action was given, there were 37.87% who responded well to the lecture, and after the action was given there was an increase, namely; 63.12% of students are active in lectures. It can be concluded that the reciprocal teaching style contributes to improving the volleyball teaching process.
DEVELOPMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS WITH RELEVANT STAKEHOLDERS’ INVOLVEMENT FOR SUSTAINABLE WATERSHED MANAGEMENT: A CASE STUDY OF THE LAM NAM YANG PART 1 WATERSHED IN NORTHEASTERN THAILAND
Authors:   , Khunanake Warintorn
Published: November 2023

Stakeholders’ involvement have been said to be critical factor to success or failure of the watershed management, as a result sustainable and integrated watershed management to engage all stakeholders is therefore needed. One approach is through the application of the indicator-based to develop a watershed sustainability and watershed health indicators to provide conditions of watershed. This study aims to identify the state of the Lam Nam Yang Part1 watershed management, and to develop a set of environmental indicators for sustainable watershed management based on stakeholders’ involvement process through community survey, key informant interview, experts and relevant stakeholders’ judgments. The Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework was applied to identify key environmental issues and used to frame the environmental indicators of the Lam Nam Yang Part1 watershed. It was found that key environmental issues included water shortage for agriculture, water shortage for consumption, loss of soil fertility, forest destruction, decline of plant and animal species, soil erosion and loss of topsoil causing soil degradation, respectively. A set of environmental indicators selected to monitor the sustainable of the watershed totaled 101 indicators including 13 Drivers indicators, 24 Pressure indicators, 24 State indicators, 21 Impact, and 19 Response indicators. The study has experienced that there are some limitations and difficulties in the construction of environmental indicators in development process, and there should be further studied in order to develop, extend, and adapt the environmental indicators to specific contextual area for achieving sustainable watershed management. However, it is also clear that this is a worthwhile exercise and that the benefit of developing a set of environmental indicators creates the knowledge sharing among stakeholders and local experts in the watershed level.
The Various Applications of a Novel Configuration Anaerobic Fluidized Bed Reactor for Wastewater Treatment
Authors:   , Rungkitwatananukul Phatchariya
Published: November 2023

In this research, the performance of a novel configuration anaerobic fluidized bed reactor (FBR) was studied for various wastewater treatment applications. According to the use of low density material as supporting media, granular rubber, providing a very low up-flow velocity for inducing fluidization state. The fluidization state inside this reactor was controlled by only feeding with wastewater flowrate. Consequently, this reactor operated without internal recirculation that provided an advantage in term of energy conservation. However, high feeding flow rate was result in a very low hydraulic retention time (HRT). Therefore, the performance of a novel configuration anaerobic FBR should be investigated. There were three experimental parts in this research. In the first part, due to the reactor configuration was modified, liquid flow pattern should be studied. The hydrodynamic behavior was investigated in a novel FBR using a residence time distribution (RTD) experiment. The RTD experimental result showed that the liquid flow pattern was closed to tanks of CSTR (22 – 30 tanks) in series or plug flow behavior. In wastewater treatment application, the novel FBR was performed under low hydraulic retention time (HRT) operation (without internal recirculation), and its performance should be further studied. To evaluate the performance of the reactor, there are two experimental approaches in this research. The first approach, a novel FBR was evaluated for low strength anaerobic wastewater treatment under 50 min of HRT. The novel FBR achieved 86 ± 6% of COD removal efficiency at an organic loading rate (OLR) of 5.6 g COD/L-d. In the second approach, a novel FBR, was performed for treating nitrate with a denitrification process at COD:NO3- - N of 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 5:1 and 10:1. The highest nitrate removal efficiency was obtained at 99 ± 1%, with COD:NO3- - N ratio of 3:1. The effluent contained low COD and nitrate concentration. The results have confirmed that a novel FBR achieved high performance as anaerobic and denitrification reactor. Moreover, to investigate the relationships between the distribution of microbial community and reactor performance in different reactor operation, this study performed 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis from granular sludge. The results showed that different OLRs and COD to nitrate ratios affected to dominant microbial community distribution.
Removal of haloacetonitriles (HANS) and dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) in water by vacuum ultraviolet (VUV)
Authors:   , Kiattisaksiri Pradabduang
Published: November 2023

The main objective of this dissertation was to investigate the feasibility of using vacuum ultraviolet (VUV, 185+254 nm) and ultraviolet (UV, 254 nm) for removal of haloacetronitriles (HANs) and dissolved organic nitrogen (DON). The first part of the work aimed to study the degradation of four HANs species (monochloroacetonitrile (MCAN), dichloroacetonitrile (DCAN), trichloroacetonitrile (TCAN), and dibromoacetonitrile (DBAN)) directly by VUV and UV. The order of degradation rate was DBAN>TCAN>DCAN>MCAN for both systems. Degradation rate constants of HANs under VUV were 2-7 times greater than UV. HANs removal under nitrogen purging was much higher than under air purging. The removal efficiencies of mixed HANs were lower than that of single HANs. The major degradation mechanism of DBAN and MCAN was 254 nm (direct photolysis) and hydroxyl radical, respectively. DCAN and TCAN were more susceptible to degradation by 185 nm (direct photolysis). The intermediates from HANs removal by VUV were produced from substitution, addition, and polymerization reactions.

The second part focused on DON removal by VUV, VUV/H2O2, UV and UV/H2O2 to reduce HANs formation potential (HANFP). This part was conducted using not only surface water (SW) but also treated wastewater effluent (WW) for water reclamation application. The results showed that the reduction of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), DON, hydrophobicity, absorbance at 254 nm (UV254), and fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (FEEM) of both water samples by VUV was higher than UV. Addition of H2O2 improved the performances of VUV and UV. VUV/H2O2 exhibited the highest removal efficiency for all parameters studied. Even though HANFP increased at the early stage, its concentration decreased at the end of treatment (60 min). Decreases in DON, DOC, hydrophobicity, and UV254 led to HANFP reduction. Moreover, FEEM revealed that substantial reduction in tryptophan (nitrogen-rich organic) had strong correlation with HANFP reduction, implying this group of compounds act as a precursor of HANs.
Concentration of carboxylic acids by forward osmosis process
Authors:   , Ruprakobkit Tam
Published: November 2023

To profoundly comprehend the forward osmosis performance, related to the process operation parameters during concentrating carboxylic acid, the mathematical model was developed by thoroughly enumerating and integrating each single logical phenomena equation with pertinent variables during the operation of FO process. By means of Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm, the precise dependent process variables as a function of time were simultaneously determined at each point in simulating time (Dynamic Simulation Model). In this research, the two selected draw solution, NH4Cl and NaCl, were also used to investigate the filtration mechanisms of carboxylic acid in forward osmosis so as to develop consistent mathematical process models. Forward osmosis experimental process was carried out to verify the developed model by using Thin-Film Composite (TFC) FO membrane whereas feed solution was varied types of carboxylic acids and a mixture of them. In case of NH4Cl draw solution, the standard error of prediction (SEP) for weight change of draw solution and pH of feed solution were in the range from 4.20% to 6.99% and 0.52% to 1.13% of single carboxylic acid feed solution and in the range from 5.88% to 9.34% and 0.68% to 0.88% of a mixture of two carboxylic acids, respectively. In case of NaCl draw solution, the standard error of prediction (SEP) for weight change of draw solution and pH of feed solution were in the range from 4.76% to 6.36% and 0.48% to 0.68% of single carboxylic acid feed solution and in the range from 5.31% to 5.90% and 0.66% to 1.15% of a mixture of two carboxylic acids, respectively.
Catalytic upgrading bio-oils from fast pyrolysis of jatropha residue using PY-GC/MS and drop tube pyrolyzer
Authors:   , Kaewpengkrow Prangtip
Published: November 2023

Effects of activity of catalysts on the yield and quality of bio-oil from rapid pyrolysis of Jatropha waste were investigated. Pyrolytic conversion of Jatropha wastes was performed at 400-700°C. The reactions were conducted and compared in two reactors, an analytical pyroprobe GC-MS (µg-scale) and a drop tube pyrolyzer (g-scale). In the catalytic trial using Py-GC/MS, alumina (Al2O3) and activated carbon (Ac) catalysts powder with 5 wt% metal loading (Ni or Pd) exhibited high catalytic activities when compared to those of three other ceramic supporters, ZrO2, TiO2 (rutile), and TiO2 (anatase). Therefore, Al2O3 and Ac catalysts are suitable for further investigation with a scaled up drop tube reactor. The maximum bio-oil of 39.38 wt% was obtained at 600°C and particle size of 0.125-0.425 mm with the presence of Ac. Reaction at 600°C with Ni/Ac catalyst yielded bio-oil with the highest HHV of 29.20 MJ/kg with a pH of 6.78. Analysis of bio-oil by GC/MS reveals the main products as phenols, aromatics, and hydrocarbons which increased from 39 to 50-65% (peak area) with Ni/Ac and Pd/Ac catalysts. Since low oxygenated compounds, high aromatics and hydrocarbon compounds of bio-oil are desirable for the pyrolysis of Jatropha wastes, the results indicate that the bio-oil at the optimize condition can be readily applied as biofuel. Moreover, a CFD based model was developed to estimate the volatiles in terms of tar, light gas and char fraction released during in conversion. Comparison with experimental data yielded % deviation for gas species, liquid and solid in the range of 6.67-28.9%, 0.26-11.26%, and 16.67-24.59%, respectively.
Human hairs, nails, and urine as biomarker of human exposure related with heavy metals contaminated in drinking water in agricultural area
Authors:   , Wongsasuluk Pokkate
Published: November 2023

Urine, hairs and nails were used as biomarkers to compare between the groundwater drinking group and the non-groundwater drinking group in intensively agricultural areas in Ubon Ratchathani province, Thailand. The shallow groundwater is acidic with average pH values of 5.28+1.15 and 5.16+4.19 in dry and wet seasons, respectively. The results showed an average drinking rate of approximately 4.21±2.73 L/day, which is twice as high as the standard. Due to the high drinking rate and groundwater contaminated with heavy metals (As, Cd, Pb, Hg), during the dry season, the results showed that 24.14 % of the groundwater drinking participants found As carcinogenic risk and 27.59 % found As non-carcinogenic risks as well as  13.79 % of the participants had a Pb non-carcinogenic risk. Similarly, during wet season, the results revealed that 17.24% of groundwater drinking persons found As carcinogenic risk and 18.97% found As non-carcinogenic risk as well as 36.21% of the participants found Pb non-carcinogenic risk.  Interestingly, the concentrations of As, Cd, Pb, and Hg in urine, hairs and nails of the groundwater drinking group were significant higher than the other group. The average As concentration in the urine of the groundwater drinking participants was 36.97 µg/L exceeding the urine standard (35 µg/L), while the other group was 19.30 µg/L. The average concentrations of As, Cd, Pb and Hg in hairs of the groundwater drinking group were 0.091,  0.613,  18.26,  and 87.27 ug/gH, respectively, while non-groundwater drinking group were 0.077, 0.076, 14.851 and 15.43 ug/gH. For nails, the average concentrations of the groundwater drinking group of As, Cd, Pb and Hg were 0.378, 0.192, 61.640, 2.281 ug/gN, while non-groundwater drinking group were 0.257, 0.150, 23.500, 1.030 ug/gN, respectively. Finally, the associated factor of odd ratio and binary logistic regression of As in urine found potential risk factor was the groundwater drinking (OR=43.50, 95%CI: 5.60-337.91, and ORadj=70.77, 95%CI: 7.86-634.83). For As in nails, potential risk factor also found the groundwater drinking (OR=2.99, 95%CI: 1.31-6.80, and ORadj=3.58, 95%CI: 1.28-10.01). As a result, this study suggested that groundwater should be avoided directly consume and should be treated especially before use as drinking water. For the future study, urine is suggested to be the biomarker related with daily exposure to As, Cd, Pb, and Hg. Furthermore, for long term exposure, nail is suggested for As, Cd, and Pb bio-monitoring, while hair is suggested to be the biomarker for Hg exposure.
Degradation of high molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by phyllosphere bacteria and its enhancement by surfactant addition
Authors:   , Siriratruengsuk Weerayuth
Published: November 2023

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are dominant air pollutants in urban environment. Pyrene is a major high molecular weight (HMW) PAHs in roadside air and street dust, thus it was chosen as a representative of HMW-PAHs in this study. The HMW-PAHs can combine with airborne particulates and accumulate on plant leaves. The biodegradation of accumulated PAHs by phyllosphere bacteria would reduce their recirculation back into the atmosphere. The objectives of this research were to investigate the biodegradation potential of HMW-PAHs on ornamental plants and to use surfactant for increasing bioavailability of HMW-PAHs. This study monitored the abundance of airborne and phyllosphere bacteria as well as the concentrations of airborne PAHs around ornamental plant swaths on Prachachuen Road, Bangkok. The number of airborne pyrene-degrading bacteria ranged from 22-152 CFU m-3 air, and more bacteria were found in the proximity of the ornamental plant swath than along the roadside. On the other hand, the concentrations of particle-bound PAHs were much higher at roadside than those around plant swath. Pyrene-degrading bacteria averaged 5x104 CFU g-1 on the leaves of all tested plant species and accounted for approximately 7% of the total population. Four pyrene-degrading bacteria were isolated from I. coccinea to use as model phyllosphere bacteria. To increase the bioavailability of pyrene, a lipopeptide biosurfactant from Bacillus sp. GY19 was applied. Kocuria sp. IC3 showed the highest pyrene degradation in the medium containing biosurfactant. A small 2.5 L glass chamber containing I. coccinea twigs was then used for examining the efficiency of plant, phyllosphere bacteria and biosurfactant on removal of deposited pyrene at 30 µg g-1 leaf. After 14 days, leaves containing both Kocuria sp. IC3 and 0.1X CMC biosurfactant showed 100% pyrene removal with the most abundant bacteria. The system with biosurfactant alone also enhanced the activities of indigenous phyllosphere bacteria with 94% pyrene removal. Consequently, the bioaugmentation of leaves was not necessary. To investigate the activity of phyllosphere bacteria on reducing other PAHs found in the ambient air, the whole plant of I. coccinea was sprayed with biosurfactant and placed in a scale-up 96-L gas tight chamber containing vapor of mixed PAHs. The plant was able to reduce 64 – 86% of both airborne and deposited phenanthrene, pyrene and fluoranthene after 14 days, while only 20% of these PAHs was decreased in the control chamber. Consequently, the removal of pyrene and other PAHs could be achieved by spraying biosurfactant on ornamental shrubs. The acquired knowledge could be used to develop a bioremediation approach for improving air quality in urban areas.
Characterization of biosurfactant from Bacillus sp. GY19 and formulation of dispersant for petroleum remediation in seawater
Authors:   , Rongsayamanont Witchaya
Published: November 2023

Oil spills in seawater have resulted in signiﬁcant contamination to the environment. This research aimed to formulate a solvent-free dispersant for crude oil spills based on the hydrophilic-lipophilic deviation (HLD) concept and using lipopeptides from Bacillus sp. GY19. The lipopeptides were recovered and concentrated from cell-free broth by foam fractionation and freeze-drying, respectively. They had good surface activity under varying temperatures, pH and NaCl levels. Moreover, the lipopeptides had low toxicity to copepods (LC50 2,609 mg/L) and whiteleg shrimp (LC50 1,050 mg/L). The characteristic curvature (Cc) of the lipopeptides showed that they were more hydrophobic (Cc 4.93) than sodium dihexyl sulfosuccinate (SDHS, Cc -0.92). The HLD equation was used to calculate the lipopeptide and the SDHS fractions in the dispersant formulations according to the equivalent alkane carbon number (EACN) of hydrocarbons and seawater salinity. The molar fraction of lipopeptides increased with increasing EACN. The lipopeptide-SDHS mixtures formed microemulsion Type III with specific hydrocarbons and crude oils, for example, a mixture of 0.025 M lipopeptide biosurfactant and 0.075 M sodium dihexyl sulfosuccinate in 3.4 % of NaCl was suitable for Bongkot light crude oil. Oil displacement and baffled flask tests showed that the formulations reduced the interfacial tension and solubilized crude oil in the water column at higher efficiency than commercial dispersants or lipopeptides alone. To complete the oil spill removal, Gordonia sp. JC11, a petroleum degrading-bacteria was applied to degrade the crude oil droplets that formed after applying the lipopeptide based dispersant. The 40 L and 160 L 3D-box mesocosm experiments confirmed the efficiency of lipopeptide based for remediation process in both synthetic seawater and natural seawater collecting from a port of Chonburi Province. In the mesocosm with both lipopeptide based dispersant and Gordonia sp. JC11, the concentration of crude oil decreased faster than that in the mesocosm with dispersant alone. The results were corresponded with the increasing number of oil degrading bacteria in seawater. In conclusion, the lipopeptide based dispersant should be applied followed by Gordonia sp. JC11 for oil spill remediation.
Black liquor gasification for chemical recovery and hydrogen gas production in supercritical water
Authors:   , Hawangchu Yotwadee
Published: November 2023

This study investigates the thermal conversion of industrial black liquors from the different pulping processes, including kraft process (KBL) and soda process (SBL). In order to study lignin content, kraft lignin (KL) and soda lignin (SL) were isolated from black liquor as the technical lignin. The research was divided into three parts. The first part was to study the effect of the pulping process on black liquors and technical lignins properties. The results showed the effect of the different pulping processes on black liquors and technical lignins composition. SBL mainly contained Na2CO3, which was the spent chemical while KBL contained both Na2CO3 and Na2SO4. The FTIR results presented the OH and OCH3 group as the primary constituents in black liquors and technical lignins. Aromatic compounds were the main component of KL while SL contained more aliphatic HCs. TGA technique revealed the similarity in thermal decomposition pattern of KL and lignin model compound, and SL and cellulose model compound. These finding indicated the unique structure of the technical lignins, especially the cellulose residue in SL. The second part investigated the thermal conversion of lignin via Py-GC/MS technique at 400°C-600°C. The results showed that KL was slightly responded to increasing temperature with majority of phenolic compound production. With increasing temperature, SL was highly degraded and mainly produced the oxygenated HCs compounds. These results demonstrated high thermal stability of KL, corresponding to lignin nature while the large portion of oxygen content in SL exhibited the mixture of cellulose and lignin in structure. The catalytic of Ni/ZrO2 can promote p-Hydroxyphenyl, catechol, and aliphatic HCs compounds from KL and enhance ether, aldehyde, ester, and aliphatic HCs compounds from SL. The third part investigated the SCWG of KBL and SBL at 400°C-600°C, 250-400 bar. The results showed that the most appropriate condition for H2-rich syngas was 600°C at 250 bar. Different lignin structure strongly effected gas yield, 38 and 58 mol H2 yielded per kg KBL and SBL, respectively. Nickel catalyst is the most promising option with regard to efficient and cost-effective provision.
Options Embedded in Convertible Bonds versus Exchange Traded Options: Do their Implied Volatilities Differ?
Authors:   , Sinthawat Supawut
Published: November 2023

A convertible bond consists of a straight bond and an underlying stock option. Conventionally, its value is measured by adding up the values of these two components. The option value is calculated using the Black-Scholes-Merton model with an assumption that stock volatility is of the same level as the one used to price the exchange traded option. However, this paper aims to ascertain that the volatility between the two models could in fact be different since the perceptions of firm agents and market participants toward the option differ. The paper concludes that in the United States, the volatility of embedded options is significantly lower than the volatility of Exchange Traded Options. Additionally, using growth perspective, size, maturity, default probability, cost of debt, coupon rates, and financial health as control variables, abnormal volatilities are observed with statistical significance. This observation shows that institutional investors could seize arbitrage profits from this imparity.
The Effect of Index Inclusion on Corporate Risk-taking Behavior
Authors:   , Pasurapanya Thanisorn
Published: November 2023

This study examines the effect of SET 50 Index inclusion on corporate risk-taking behavior using regression discontinuity designs. Because of agency problems, firms’ levels of risk-taking can be suboptimal from the perspective of well-diversified shareholders. I hypothesize that inclusion in SET 50 Index would increase firms’ percentage of institutional ownership and investors’ awareness of the firms. These would in turn improve monitoring of the firms and thus raise the levels of risk-taking. The results, however, suggest that SET 50 Index inclusion does not increase the percentage of institutional ownership or the levels of risk-taking. Nevertheless, I find statistically significant positive effect of the inclusion on number of shareholders and payout ratio, which is probably best interpreted as a bonding expenditure voluntarily incurred by management. Overall, these results do not support the notion that SET 50 Index inclusion improves monitoring of the included firms.
OPTIMAL PRICES AND LOT SIZES FOR EUR/USD CURRENCY TRADING AFTER NEWS ANNOUNCEMENTS
Authors:   , Suwanpetai Pavarich
Published: November 2023

In this thesis, we find optimal entry and exit prices and optimal lot size to trade the EUR/USD currency in the 15-minute period after the releases of US unemployment claims numbers. We use 10-second exchange rate data and the news announcement data from January 2010 to January 2014 in this study. We fit the dynamic of the EUR/USD prices to a 2-Regime mean-reverting jump-diffusion model using the Expectation-Maximization algorithm. The out-of-sample tests show that it is better to avoid some trades and choosing an appropriate lot size can reduce losses from force closure and improve returns. The results also suggest that using a combination of long and short strategies for each type of news may improve the trading performance.
Pension strategy under volatility clustering
Authors:   , Tawichsri Teerut
Published: November 2023

This research investigates the effect of volatility clustering on optimal asset allocation in a defined benefit pension scheme. Three models of volatility clustering, GARCH, GJR and EGARCH models, are examined. Model parameters are estimated using a time series of S&P500 returns while the optimal strategy is obtained using the numerical method to solve dynamic programming. The volatility-clustering parameters of GARCH models significantly influence the decision rules of choosing optimal weight. The first parameter adjusts how much volatility in the past affects present volatility, and the second parameter captures amplitude of the uncertainty. Meanwhile, asymmetric volatility in GJR and EGARCH models, captured by an additional parameter, put a focus on high volatility in negative returns. To study the behavior of optimal strategies under different models, Monte Carlo simulation is used to obtain the distribution of optimal weights and fund values in each model. Observing the distribution from different models show that the EGARCH model yields the most reasonable strategy and, unlike GARCH and GJR models, rarely gives extreme weight on risky assets. Subsequently, the optimal strategies are backtested to see which model gives the best outcome. The three models give the similar rate of return in backtesting using S&P500 returns data, but the optimal strategy assuming the EGARCH model has most conservative strategy which will be beneficial in the presence of a financial crisis.
A risk scores for predicting prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes in the LAO population
Authors:   , Louangdouangsithidet Souphaphone
Published: November 2023

Objective: To develop a risk scores for predicting the prevalent diabetes and pre-diabetes in Lao population.

Research design and methods: a cross-sectional investigation was conducted with 1098 subjects aged between 30 to 70 years of Lao population in Vientiane. Multiple logistic regressions with backward stepwise selection were utilized in the statistical modeling, and the diabetes and pre-diabetes risk score values were derived from the relevant β-coefficients. Performances of the scores were determined by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity for the optimal cut-off values.

Result: the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes was 7% and 15.5 respectively. Factors included in the predictive model were 17 (> 40 of age) + 14 higher WC) + 11 (hypertension) + 7 (family history of diabetes) for “DM risk score” and 5 (> 40 of age) + 5 (hypertension) + 1 BMI for “Pre-DM risk score”. The cutoff point of “DM” and “Pre-DM” risk scores of 29.5 out of 49 and 5.5 out of 12 produced the optimal sum of sensitivity .75 and .76 , specificity .55 and .54, the AUC was .698 (p < .002) and .682 (p < .0001) in validation group respectively.

Conclusion: the researchers have developed a simple risk scores to be use in the screening in Lao population at high risk of diabetes and pre-diabetes. Their generalizability and validity for other Lao population, however, need further investigation.