bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Equation-Oriented Modeling of Water-Gas Shift Membrane Reactor for Blue Hydrogen Production
Authors: Agi Damian T. , Hawa Hani A. E. , Dowling Alexander W.
Published: August 2024

Water-gas shift membrane reactors (WGS-MRs) offer a pathway to affordable blue H2 generation/purification from gasified feedstock or reformed fuels. To exploit their cost benefits for blue hydrogen production, WGS-MRs� performance needs to be optimized, which includes navigating the multidimensional design space (e.g., temperature, feed pressures, space velocity, membrane permeance and selectivity, catalytic performance). This work describes an equation-oriented modeling framework for WGS-MRs in the Pyomo ecosystem, with an emphasis on model scaling and multi-start initialization strategies to facilitate reliable convergence with nonlinear optimization solvers. We demonstrate, through sensitivity analysis, that our model converges rapidly (< 1 CPU second on a laptop computer) under a wide range of operating parameters (e.g., feed pressures of 1-3 MPa, reactor temperatures of 624-824 K, sweep-to-feed ratios of 0-0.5, and steam/carbon ratios of 1-5). Ongoing work includes (1) validation and calibration of the WGS-MR model using benchtop laboratory data and (2) design, intensification, and optimization of blue H2 processes using the WGS-MR model.
Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) from Ethanol: An Integrated Systems Modeling Approach
Authors: Watson Madelynn J. , Silva Aline V. da , Machado Pedro G. , Ribeiro Celma O. , Nascimento Cl�udio A.O. , Dowling Alexander W.
Published: August 2024

This work explores the economic and environmental opportunities for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the Brazilian sugarcane industry. Brazil was one of the first countries to use biomass fuels for transportation and is currently the 2nd largest producer of the world�s bioethanol. Bioethanol produced from sugarcane can be upgraded to SAF via the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)-certified pathway alcohol-to-jet (ATJ); however, at least two challenges exist for commercial implementation. First, technologies to produce bio-jet fuels cost more than their conventional fossil-based counterparts. Second, there is considerable uncertainty regarding returns on investment as the sugar and ethanol markets have been historically volatile. As such, we propose a new optimization model to inform risk-conscious investment decisions on SAF production capacity in sugarcane mills. Specifically, we propose a linear program (LP) to model an integrated sugarcane mill that can produce sugar, ethanol, or SAF. Then, using historical price data as scenarios, we determine optimal operation at different market scenarios. Based on the relationship between ethanol, sugar, and SAF prices, we show that the integrated sugarcane mill operates in four production regions. Furthermore, through sensitivity studies, we quantify the impact of SAF prices showing a premium SAF price of 2 $ L-1 results in 100% of scenarios favoring SAF production. These results allow us to guide SAF buyers or policymakers by showing the price point for SAF to become attractive for sugarcane mill integration.
Biomanufacturing in Space: New Concepts and Paradigms for Process Design
Authors: Cansino-Loeza Brenda , McIntosh Vernon , Ternus Krista , Zavala Victor M.
Published: August 2024

One of the main challenges to support life in space is the development of sustainable, circular processes that reduce the high cost of resupply missions. Space biomanufacturing is an emerging paradigm that aims to reduce the need for resources, enabling on-demand manufacture of products. The cost of installing biomanufacturing systems in space depends on the cost of transporting the system components, which is directly proportional to their mass/weight. From this perspective, the system mass is a critical factor that dictates process design, and this has important implications in how we can approach such design. For instance, mass constraints require circular use of resources and tight process integration (to minimize resupply) and restricts the type of resources and equipment needed. In this work, we evaluate the lactic acid bioproduction design using Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Pichia pastoris. We use the Equivalent System Mass (ESM) metric as a key design measure. ESM allows the quantification of different physical properties of the system in a common mass basis. Our analysis reveals that 97.7 kg/year of lactic acid can be produced using Saccharomyces cerevisiae in a 10 L stainless steel fermenter. Furthermore, considering that stainless steel is the design material and quantifying the mass of 1 g/cm2 of shielding material, the total system mass was 19 kg. This modeling framework also identified the critical system elements responsible for the highest system mass and launch cost. Overall, our analysis reveals how focusing on system mass can bring new design perspectives that can aid the design of traditional manufacturing systems.
Resilient-aware Design for Sustainable Energy Systems
Authors: Chrisandina Natasha J. , Vedant Shivam , Nkoutche Catherine , Iakovou Eleftherios , Pistikopoulos Efstratios N. , El-Halwagi Mahmoud M.
Published: August 2024

To mitigate the effects of catastrophic failure while maintaining resource and production efficiencies, energy systems need to be designed for resilience and sustainability. Conventional approaches such as redundancies through backup processes or inventory stockpiles demand high capital investment and resource allocation. In addition, responding to unexpected �black swan� events requires that systems have the agility to transform and adapt rapidly. To develop targeted solutions that protect the system efficiently, the supply chain network needs to be considered as an integrated multi-scale system incorporating every component from individual process units all the way to the whole network. This approach can be readily integrated with analogous multiscale approaches for sustainability, safety, and intensification. In this work, we bring together classical supply chain resilience with process systems engineering to leverage the multi-scale nature of energy systems for developing resilience enhancement strategies that are resource-efficient. In particular, we adapt qualitative risk analysis methods to uncover critical system components and major vulnerabilities to guide resource allocation decisions. To account for these vulnerabilities, we explore the feasible region of operation around each node of the supply chain. An optimization formulation is devised to generate multiscale alternative. The approach is demonstrated through a case study involving the production of biofuels, demonstrating the range of adaptation strategies possible when process-level strategies are incorporated into overall supply chain design.
Sustainable Process Systems Engineering � You�re Doing It Wrong!
Authors: Smith Raymond L.
Published: August 2024

Most studies in process systems engineering are applying incomplete methods when incorporating sustainability. Including sustainability is a laudable goal, and practitioners are encouraged to develop systems that promote economic, environmental, and social aspects. Ten methods that are often overlooked in performing sustainable process systems engineering are listed in this effort and discussed in detail. Practitioners are encouraged to create designs that are inherently safer, to be more complete in their identification of process chemicals used and released, to be complete in their definitions of supply chains, and to apply additional environmental impact categories. Other methods point to items that are factors in process systems engineering such as disruptive recycling, robust superstructures for optimizations, and employing complete sets of objectives. Finally, users should be aware that sustainability tools are available, which might have been outside of their awareness.
Cybersecurity, Image-Based Control, and Process Design and Instrumentation Selection
Authors: Messina Dominic , Leonard Akkarakaran Francis , Hightower Ryan , Nieman Kip , O�Neill Renee , Beacham Paloma , Tyrrell Katie , Adnan Muhammad , Durand Helen
Published: August 2024

Within an Industry 4.0 framework, a variety of new considerations are of increasing importance, such as securing processes against cyberattacks on the control systems or utilizing advances in image processing for image-based control. These new technologies impact relationships between process design and control. In this work, we discuss some of these potential relationships, beginning with a discussion of side channel attacks and what they suggest about ways of evaluating plant design and instrumentation selection, along with controller and security schemes, particularly as more data is collected and there is a move toward an industrial Internet of Things. Next, we highlight how the 3D computer graphics software tool set Blender can be utilized to analyze a variety of considerations related to ensuring safety of plant operation and facilitating the design of assemblies with image-based sensing.
Fast, Accurate, and Robust Fault Detection and Diagnosis of Industrial Processes
Authors: Miraliakbar Alireza , Jiang Zheyu
Published: August 2024

Modern industrial processes are continuously monitored by a large number of sensors. Despite having access to large volumes of historical and online sensor data, industrial practitioners still face challenges in the era of Industry 4.0 in effectively utilizing them to perform online process monitoring and fast fault detection and diagnosis. To target these challenges, in this work, we present a novel framework named �FARM� for Fast, Accurate, and Robust online process Monitoring. FARM is a holistic monitoring framework that integrates (a) advanced multivariate statistical process control (SPC) for fast anomaly detection of nonparametric, heterogeneous data streams, and (b) modified support vector machine (SVM) for accurate and robust fault classification. Unlike existing general-purpose process monitoring frameworks, FARM�s unique hierarchical architecture decomposes process monitoring into two fault detection and diagnosis, each of which is conducted by targeted algorithms. Here, we test and validate the performance of our FARM monitoring framework on Tennessee Eastman Process (TEP) benchmark dataset. We show that SPC achieves faster fault detection speed at a lower false alarm rate compared to state-of-the-art benchmark fault detection methods. In terms of fault classification diagnosis, we show that our modified SVM algorithm successfully classifies 17 out of 20 of the fault scenarios present in the TEP dataset. Compared with the results of standard SVM trained directly on the original dataset, our modified SVM improves the fault classification accuracy significantly.
PENGARUH PENAWARAN & PENGETAHUAN PRODUK SALES DAN MARKETING TERHADAP MINAT KONSUMEN DI AMARELO HOTEL SOLO
Authors: Wigati Erna , Supriati Nunung
Published: August 2024

Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui pengaruh penawaran terhadap minat konsumen di Amarelo Hotel Solo, pengaruh pengetahuan produk terhadap minat konsumen di Amarelo Hotel Solo, dan pengaruh penawaran dan pengetahuan produk secara bersama-sama terhadap minat konsumen di Amarelo Hotel Solo.
Data yang diperlukan dalam penelitian ini adalah data primer dan sekunder yang diperoleh dari hasil kuesioner yang disebarkan kepada 30 responden, secara spesifik, teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan accidental sampling. Teknik analisis yang digunakan untuk menganalisa penelitian ini adalah menggunkan model analisis regresi linier berganda.
Penelitian ini menggunakan penelitian kuantitatif dengan pengumpulan data melalui metode kuesioner, dari kuesioner yang disebarkan kepada responden dianalisis menggunakan model analisis Regresi Linier berganda dan Uji Hipotesis dengan Uji Parsial (t) dan Uji Simultan (F). Hasil analisis data dengan uji t, menunjukan bahwa penawaran berpengaruh positif signifikan terhadap minat konsumen di Amarelo Hotel Solo sebesar 0,026, pengetahuan produk berpengaruh positif signifikan terhadap minat konsumen sebesar 0.011, selain itu dari uji F dikolom sig yang menunjukan 0,000 bahwa nilai signifikan lebih kecil dari nilai signifikan standar(0,05), sehingga penawaran dan pengetahuan produk berpengaruh positif secara bersama-sama atau simultan terhadap minat konsumen di Amarelo Hotel Solo. Dalam penelitian ini disimpulkan bahwa penawaran dan pengetahuan produk berpengaruh positif terhadap minat konsumen, dan secara bersama-sama penawaran dan pengetahuan produk berpengaruh positif terhadap Minat konsumen di Amarelo Hotel Solo.
PERAN PEMBELIAN DAN DISTRIBUSI BARANG TERHADAP INVENTORY STORE DEPARTEMEN ACCOUNTING DI HARRIS HOTEL & CONVENTION SOLO
Authors: Anandita Arnes , Ari Indriastuti Wahyu , Ayu Kusuma Sundari
Published: August 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan memberikan gambaran mengenai peran pembelian dan distribusi terhadap inventory Harris Hotel & Convention Solo. Dalam penelitian ini penulis membahas tiga (3) pokok permasalahan yaitu bagaimana peran pembelian barang terhadap inventory store departemen accounting di Harris Hotel & Convention Solo, bagaimana peran distribusi barang terhadap inventory store departemen accounting di Harris Hotel & Conventin Solo, dan bagaimana peran pembelian dan distribusi barang terhadap inventory store departemen accounting di Harris Hotel & Convention Solo.
Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode kualitatif. Teknik yang digunakan adalah dengan melakukan wawancara dengan staf accounting seperti cost control, purchasing dan storekeper di Harris Hotel & Convention Solo serta melakukan pengamatan secara langsung mengenai peranan pembelian dan distribusi barang terhadap inventory store departmen accounting di Harris Hotel & Convention Solo.
Dari hasil pembahasan peneitian ini dapat diambil kesimpulan bahwa pembelian barang sangat berperan terhadap inventory store Harris Hotel & Convention Solo. Barang yang telah datang akan di-input oleh receiving dalam DRR (Daily Receiving Report) dan secara otomatis akan menambah persediaan/stok di dalam sistem yang dimiliki oleh accounting hotel. Distribusi barang berperan terhadap inventory store Harris Hotel & Convention Solo. Distribusi barang hotel merupakan perpindahan barang dari store ke departemen lain atau user. Beberapa peran tersebut yakni, mengurangi jumlah persediaan/stok/inventory pada sistem milik accounting, menambah jumlah persediaan/stok/inventory pada sistem milik user (departemen lain), dan menjadikannya cost bagi user (departemen lain).
PENGARUH FASILITAS DAN PELAYANAN PADA EVENT BANQUET TERHADAP KELANCARAN OPERASIONAL DI ALILA SOLO JAVA
Authors: Wigati Erna , Satriani Putri Shelly
Published: August 2024

Kunci keberhasilan banquet saat event terletak pada pengetahuan, professionalitas kerja dan kemampuan server dalam memberikan pelayanan kepada tamu. Dengan dicanangkannya solo sebagai kota MICE dan berbagai event yang sering diadakan di Kota Solo, Alila Solo Java dituntut untuk siap menghadapi event–event MICE dalam skala kecil ataupun skala besar. Dengan demikian, Banquet Outlet dituntut untuk bekerja secara professional sehingga operasional kerja dapat berjalan dengan baik. Pelaksanaan event memerlukan fasilitas, baik fasilitas utama ataupun fasilitas pendukung untuk menunjang keberhasilan pada saat diadakannya event. Selain adanya fasilitas, dibutuhkan pula pelayanan prima dengan memberikan pelayanan sesuai dengan SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) yang berlaku sehingga pelaksanaan event dapat berjalan lancar dan dapat mempengaruhi kelancaran event  yang diadakan di Alila Solo Java. Dengan menggunakan fasilitas yang lengkap dan pelayanan yang baik, maka event yang diadakan bisa berjalan dengan lancar dan dapat digunakan sebagai media promosi serta dapat mengangkat citra hotel.
Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif dengan jumlah sampel 40 responden. Data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah data primer dan data sekunder. Teknik pengumpulan data yang dilakukan dengan menggunakan teknik kuesioner. Pengambilan sampel dilakukan dengan menggunakan accidental sampling kepada karyawan yang bertugas pada saat event. Teknik analisis menggunakan model analisis regresi linier berganda dan uji hipotesis dengan uji parsial (t) dan uji simultan (F) menggunakan program SPSS 16.0 for windows.
Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa : (1) hasil analisis data dengan uji parsial (t)  menunjukkan bahwa fasilitas banquet berpengaruh positif signifikan terhadap kelancaran operasional di Alila Solo Java sebesar 0,011. (2) pelayanan pada event banquet berpengaruh positif signifikan terhadap kelancaran operasional di Alila Solo Java sebesar 0,000. (3) hasil analisis dengan uji simultan (F) menunjukkan bahwa fasilitas banquet dan pelayanan pada event banquet berpengaruh positif secara bersama-sama terhadap kelancaran operasional di Alila Solo Java dengan menunjukkan sig 0,000 yang lebih kecil dari nilai standar (0,05). Berdasarkan penelitian ini maka dapat disimpulkan bahwa fasilitas banquet dan pelayanan pada event banquet berpengaruh positif terhadap kelancaran operasional, dan secara bersama-sama fasilitas banquet dan pelayanan pada event banquet berpengaruh positif terhadap kelancaran operasional di Alila Solo Java.
An optimized LSTM network for improving arbitrage spread forecasting using ant colony cross-searching in the K-fold hyperparameter space
Authors: Zeng Zeliang , Qin Panke , Zhang Yue , Tang Yongli , Cheng Shenjie , Tu Sensen , Ding Yongjie , Gao Zhenlun , Liu Yaxing
Published: August 2024

Arbitrage spread prediction can provide valuable insights into the identification of arbitrage signals and assessing associated risks in algorithmic trading. However, achieving precise forecasts by increasing model complexity remains a challenging task. Moreover, uncertainty in the development and maintenance of model often results in extremely unstable returns. To address these challenges, we propose a K-fold cross-search algorithm-optimized LSTM (KCS-LSTM) network for arbitrage spread prediction. The KCS heuristic algorithm incorporates an iterative updating mechanism of the search space with intervals as the basic unit into the traditional ant colony optimization. It optimized the hyperparameters of the LSTM model with a modified fitness function to automatically adapt to various data sets, thereby simplified and enhanced the efficiency of model development. The KCS-LSTM network was validated using real spread data of rebar and hot-rolled coil from the past three years. The results demonstrate that the proposed model outperforms several common models on sMAPE by improving up to 12.6% to 72.4%. The KCS-LSTM network is shown to be competitive in predicting arbitrage spreads compared to complex neural network models.
An efficient secure and energy resilient trust-based system for detection and mitigation of sybil attack detection (SAN)
Authors: Hussain Muhammad Zunnurain , Hanapi Zurina Mohd , Abdullah Azizol , Hussin Masnida , Ninggal Mohd Izuan Hafez
Published: August 2024

In the modern digital market flooded by nearly endless cyber-security hazards, sophisticated IDS (intrusion detection systems) can become invaluable in defending against intricate security threats. Sybil-Free Metric-based routing protocol for low power and lossy network (RPL) Trustworthiness Scheme (SF-MRTS) captures the nature of the biggest threat to the routing protocol for low-power and lossy networks under the RPL module, known as the Sybil attack. Sybil attacks build a significant security challenge for RPL networks where an attacker can distort at least two hop paths and disrupt network processes. Using such a new way of calculating node reliability, we introduce a cutting-edge approach, evaluating parameters beyond routing metrics like energy conservation and actuality. SF-MRTS works precisely towards achieving a trusted network by introducing such trust metrics on secure paths. Therefore, this may be considered more likely to withstand the attacks because of these security improvements. The simulation function of SF-MRTS clearly shows its concordance with the security risk management features, which are also necessary for the network’s performance and stability maintenance. These mechanisms are based on the principles of game theory, and they allocate attractions to the nodes that cooperate while imposing penalties on the nodes that do not. This will be the way to avoid damage to the network, and it will lead to collaboration between the nodes. SF-MRTS is a security technology for emerging industrial Internet of Things (IoT) network attacks. It effectively guaranteed reliability and improved the networks’ resilience in different scenarios.
Edificio de viviendas estructurado con marcos rígidos de I Joist
Authors:   , Villanustre Coppola Sol
Published: August 2024

La exploración que lleva adelante esta investigación trata sobre la posibilidad de alzar un edificio estructurado en base a marcos rígidos compuestos por pórticos de vigas y columnas de I Joist evitando la incorporación de riostras adicionales o núcleo de hormigón. Se modelan las vigas y columnas de I Joist para poder simular su comportamiento estructural basados en las normas chilenas vigentes para la construcción en madera y luego realizar diversas iteraciones con los resultados obtenidos para que posteriormente se analice su práctica como marco rígido utilizando como herramienta softwares de cálculo estructurales. La utilización de vigas I Joist tiene la característica de salvar luces medianas, dando la posibilidad de crear espacios amplios, cómodos y flexibles para los futuros habitantes del proyecto. Para llevar a cabo la presente investigación de campo, se proyectará un edificio residencial pensado en madera en el borde sur de la laguna La Señoraza, ubicada en la ciudad de Laja, Chile, ya que ofrece un territorio destinado a nuevos proyectos residenciales según el Plan Regulador de la comuna.
Currículum evangelizador y la figura del profesor en la formación cristiana : experiencia de los profesores frente a un cambio curricular en los enfoques formativos evangelizadores de un colegio católico
Authors:   , Vera Merino Naiomi
Published: August 2024

Una formación cristiana que comprenda al sujeto en su complejidad –ya sea profesor o estudiante- debe entender el proceso educativo como una meta en sí mismo. El problema nace cuando se plantea un cambio curricular sin considerar la experiencia de la comunidad educativa. El presente informe da cuenta de un estudio de caso que analiza la experiencia de los profesores frente a un cambio curricular en los enfoques formativos evangelizadores de un colegio católico. Por medio de un análisis temático de la voz de los profesores se plantean tres grandes hallazgos en cuanto a su experiencia: (1) particularidades respecto de la naturaleza del objeto a enseñar; (2) características del profesor como mediador del currículum y (3) vivencias en la implementación. Se concluye que los profesores encontraron un valor formativo intrínseco a la naturaleza del objeto a enseñar y que se necesita de un profesor que encarne en sí mismo el poder formativo trascendental de un currículum evangelizador. Se ofrece una propuesta de mejora fundamentada en la figura del profesor pastor como el mediador entre este tipo de conocimiento y la espiritualidad del estudiante.
Comunidad profesional de aprendizaje con profesores de ciencias para la promoción en la enseñanza de habilidades de pensamiento científico en estudiantes secundarios.
Authors:   , Araya Cristóbal Bersezio
Published: August 2024

Este trabajo investiga la promoción de habilidades de pensamiento científico (HPC) en profesores de ciencias de un colegio en Chile mediante una Comunidad Profesional de Aprendizaje (CPA). A pesar del enfoque curricular vigente en HPC, existen deficiencias en su dominio y enseñanza por parte de los profesores de ciencias. Se realizaron intervenciones teórico-prácticas en CPA en torno a la formulación de preguntas científicas e hipótesis, la identificación de variables y la planificación de la investigación mediante la estrategia de diálogo metarreflexivo, concluyendo que fue una propuesta eficaz para los objetivos propuestos.
VISUALIZACIÓN DE DATOS PARA LA GESTIÓN DE ASUNTOS ESTUDIANTILES: Aporte para futuras acciones con foco en el bienestar y la salud mental universitaria
Authors:   , López Guerra Natalia
Published: August 2024

El presente estudio tiene como objetivo aportar a la gestión y la planificación de la unidad de Asuntos Estudiantiles de una carrera en una universidad chilena, cuya misión es mejorar la experiencia universitaria, generar instancias de acompañamiento y aportar al bienestar y la salud mental de la comunidad estudiantil. Se plantea la necesidad de contar con datos que actúen como evidencia para el proceso de toma de decisiones y planes de acción que realizan los profesionales de Asuntos Estudiantiles, quienes han elaborado un registro de las reuniones que sostienen con estudiantes de la carrera y que aporta los datos para el análisis que aquí se realiza. Los resultados de este estudio rescatan además las opiniones de profesionales de Asuntos Estudiantiles y directivos sobre el uso de datos para luego elaborar un prototipo dashboard que muestra los principales hallazgos de la base de datos empleando una metodología mixta y relevando indicadores vinculados al bienestar y la salud mental.En conclusión, se detecta que existe una multiplicidad de factores que pueden influir en las distintas generaciones de estudiantes y en sus transiciones, además de la falta de un sistema integrado a nivel institucional que incluya información sobre los estudiantes que facilite la gestión del desarrollo y bienestar estudiantil.Se sugiere seguir las etapas restantes de la metodología iterativa de diseño de dashboards y que se potencie una cultura de uso de evidencia para la toma de decisiones y planificación de intervenciones para las distintas cohortes de la carrera.
Technical, economic and social dimensions of sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum) in animal feed: a study with the application of multivariate data analysis
Authors: Aferri Gabriela , Carrer Celso da Costa , Lima César Gonçalves de , Ribeiro Marcelo Machado de Luca de Oliveira , Batista Karina , Barbosa Cristina Maria Pacheco
Published: August 2024

The objective of this research was to make a diagnosis of the use of cane in animal feed, to know the technological dimension in which is inserted, and to raise opportunities for acting. A questionnaire collected the information on producers. The database was composed of 76 producers and 18 questions, analyzed by the techniques of factor analysis and cluster analysis. In 40% of the properties the work is familiar, in 40% fixed personnel are hired and in 20% other compositions. The area of the properties was less than 20 hectares in 45% of the responses. In 92% of the properties, the main activity is cattle raising, and in 75% of them sugarcane is used for animal feed. Producers with greater specialization in animal husbandry do the best applicability of sugarcane in animal feed. The most varied systems of animal husbandry use sugarcane, whether or there is no technological intensification. The biggest gap observed was the lack of adequate technological diffusion for the potential use of sugarcane for forage purposes by the producers. In this way, one can say that there is much to do for the efforts and resources employed in scientific research to reach the rural producer.
Comparative Evaluation of Physical and Phenolic Profiles in Propolis from N. Macedonian Regions
Authors: Ibishi Bardha , Vesna Karapetkovska – Hristova  , Kolovski Viktor , Beadini Nexhbedin , Pavlovic Ivan
Published: August 2024

Aims/Objective: Propolis, a resinous substance collected by bees from plants, is an exceptionally complex mixture whose quality is influenced by the surrounding flora, geography, and climate. It has been used medicinally for centuries and is currently utilized in natural foods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. The aim of this study was to measure the physical parameters and total phenolic content of ethanolic extracts of propolis (EEP). The study also involved a step-by-step approach to ensure maximum extraction efficiency. The experimental design incorporates detailed procedures for freezing, micronization, and filtration, which ensure the precision and reproducibility of the results. The study's use of standardized techniques, such as the Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric assay for the determination of total phenolic content, further validates the accuracy of the findings.
Study Design: Comparative experimental study.
Place and Duration of Study: Between April and July 2024, suitable ethanolic propolis extracts (4% and 10%) were prepared from raw propolis collected from two different regions (Pelagonia and Polog).
Methodology: Physical parameters such as solubility, conductivity and yield were analyzed in these extracts. Two subsequent extractions, each with two replicates, were performed on the same samples to obtain initial insights into achieving the highest yield from a given amount of propolis. The total phenolic content in the EEP was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric method, with results expressed as mg GAE/g.
Results: Conductivity, yield, and solubility measurements varied across Pelagonia (42 ppm, 17.42%, high solubility) and Polog (33 ppm, 15.38%, lower solubility) propolis extracts, reflecting diverse chemical profiles influenced by geographical factors. Regional analysis of propolis from Pelagonia and Polog regions revealed significant differences in total phenolic content, with Pelagonia extracts showing higher values (189 mg GAE/g) compared to Polog (172 mg GAE/g). Statistical tests confirmed these differences as significant (p < 0.05), underscoring the impact of geographic origin on propolis composition.
Conclusions: Variations in bioactive content in propolis are influenced by geographical origin, botanical sources, and extraction methods. Standardized extraction protocols and further research are crucial for optimizing its medicinal potential and utilizing insoluble propolis solids.
Effects of Eleophorbia drupifera Leaves Extract on Some Biochemical and Haematological Parameters of Albino Rats
Authors: U. Nyah, Nkereuwem , J. Obosi, Ekemini , J. Ekong, Udeme, , G Ukpong, Etiowo , E Chukwuemeka, Iheanyichukwu
Published: August 2024

Water and ethanol-water extracts of Eleophorbia drupifera leaves were administered orally in graded doses of 0.5ml (147.06mg/kg body weight), 1.0ml (303.3 mg/kg body weight) water extract and 0.5ml (157.66 mg/kg body weight), 1.0ml (301.72 mg/kg body weight) ethanol-water extract on experimental animals for 3 weeks. The effect of the extracts on some biochemical and haematological parameters were evaluated in albino rats. At the end of 21 days, the growth response was higher in the test groups than in the control (p <0.05). The Aspartate transaminase (AST) and Alanine transaminase (ALT) levels of the test groups were significantly lower than the control (p <0.05) and total bilirubin showed significantly high values in test groups when compared with the control (p<0.05). The White blood cell (WBC) was significantly increased while the Red blood cell (RBC) was decreased when compared with the control (p<0.05). There were no significant changes in Packed cell volume (PCV) and haemoglobin (Hb) of the experimental animals (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between the effects of the water extract and that of the ethanol-water extract on the albino rats (p<0.05). The results suggest that the leaf extract of Eleophorbia drupifera may possess the capacity to stimulate appetite and there may be no adverse effect associated with the use of this extract in phytotherapy.
Effect of INM on Growth Parameters of Rice Grown on Alluvial Calcareous Soil
Authors: Kumar A Raj , Kumar Anil
Published: August 2024

The field experiment was conducted at Main Experimental Station of Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Faizabad (U.P.) during the Kharif, 2014 to study theeffect of integrated nutrient management on soil properties, growth Characteristics of rice (Oryza sativa). The experiment comprised  of  ten treatments viz. T1 (control), T2 (100% RDF) T3 (125% RDF), T4 (100% RDF + FYM @ 5 t ha-1), T5 (100% RDF + Brown manuring), T6 (100% RDF + BGA@ 10 kg ha-1), T7 (100% RDF + PSB), T8 (Farmers practice (N100:P40:K0), T9 (100% RDF + FYM @ 5 t ha-1 + PSB + Azatobacter + BGA) and T10 (100% RDF + FYM @ 5 t ha-1 + PSB + Azatobacter  + Brown manuring) in Randomized Block Design with three replications with rice variety NDR-97 was taken. The experimental soil was silty loam in texture having the maximum values of pH (7.88), EC (0.32 dSm-1), organic carbon (0.34 %).
Assessment of Molecular Diversity in Popular Pigeonpea Genotypes using Genic Microsatellite Markers
Authors: Pushpavalli SNCVL , Reddy T. Rajeshwar , Pranitha B. , Sudhakar C. , Sudharani C. , Satish P.
Published: August 2024

Fusarium wilt is an important soil borne disease of pigeonpea causing significant yield losses in susceptible cultivars throughout the pigeonpea growing areas. Thirty one diverse pigeonpea genotypes were screened for wilt resistance and analyzed using 14 genic SSRs which included five SSR markers that were reported to differentiate resistant and susceptible genotypes. Polymorphic information content ranged from 0.69 to 0.90 and SSR marker ASSR-352 displayed the highest PIC value of 0.90. Dissimilarity coefficient ranged from 0.4 to 0.93. Earlier studies have identified ASSR 352 as one of the highly polymorphic genic SSRs in pigeonpea. The marker is associated with major intrinsic protein.Highest similarity was observed between genotypes LRG 133-33 and TDRG 59/ICPL 99050. The 14 SSR markers generated 116 alleles and the genotypes were grouped into 4 clusters. Cluster 3 is the largest with 10 genotypes and comprises of two subclusters of wilt resistant genotypes and one subcluster of susceptible genotypes. Subcluster 2 consists of resistant and moderately resistant genotypes except PRG 176 & WRGE 93. The SSR markers used in our study could differentiate the resistant and susceptible genotypes to some extent.
A Short Review of Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) for Thermal Barrier Coatings: Recent Progress
Authors: Eko Alih John
Published: August 2024

According to some reports, yttria-stabilized zirconia has remained one of the most applied TBC materials due to its excellent thermal insulation properties and very high melting point, besides high resistance to thermal shock. In this paper, an overview of the most recent developments on YSZ-based TBCs is given, basically on the improvement of their thermal stability, sintering resistance, and phase stability. It further reviews very recent advances in fabrication techniques and deposition techniques and nanostructuring, which have been extremely useful in improving the performance and durability of YSZ coatings. Furthermore, in the review, the incorporation of new, novel dopants or alternative ceramic materials is given for further optimization of properties for TBCs. This paper finally concludes by giving the current challenges and future directions of YSZ-based TBC development, with the note that more R&D efforts need to be directed towards it, more so in view of the growing demands in the high-temperature applications domain for gas turbines and aero engines.
Ketika TikTok ‘Mengkhianati’ Kepercayaan Gen Z
Authors: Yuliastuti Maria
Published: August 2024

Penelitian ini menyoroti TikTok yang telah berada di posisi teratas sebagai sosial media pilihan generasi Z di tahun 2023. Muncul beragam konten yang berdasar algoritma personal penggunanya, TikTok ingin meraih kepuasan mutlak generasi Z, menggunakan uses and gratification theory (UGT) telah dijabarkan analisis mendalam melalui beberapa indikator. Tidak seperti yang dibayangkan, hasilnya ternyata TikTok mengecewakan generasi Z dengan hanya memberikan kepuasan pada kebutuhan emosional, sosial, dan bisnis saja. Namun untuk kebutuhan hiburan dan kognitif ternyata belum mampu. Terbukti dari hasil temuan ini, generasi Z khususnya Surabaya kecewa dan merasa dikhianati kepercayaanya pada TikTok yang selama ini telah mereka akses lebih sering dibanding media sosial lainnya.
Parametric dependencies of spontaneous hot flow anomalies
Authors: Omidi N. , Zhang H. , Chu C. , Sibeck D. , Turner D.
Published: November 2014

Parametric dependencies of spontaneous hot flow anomalies at the quasi‐parallel bow shock are investigated using global hybrid (kinetic ions and fluid electron) simulations with a variety of solar wind Mach numbers and directions of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF). Simulations with solar wind Alfvénic Mach number of 3 and small IMF cone angles (with the flow velocity) show sporadic formation of spontaneous hot flow anomalies (SHFAs). Increasing the Mach number shows the formation of copious number of SHFAs whose properties are examined in this study. It is shown that the duration of SHFAs does not show much variation with Mach number indicating that their size generally increases with Mach number. Additionally, the level of solar wind deceleration associated with SHFAs increases with Mach number as does the core ion temperature. It is also found that the edges of SHFAs are associated with jumps in magnetic field that increase with shock Mach number. The results also show that the rate of SHFA formation increases with increasing Mach number. Simulations with IMF cone angle of 90° show that SHFAs form at the quasi‐parallel bow shock provided the shock Alfvén Mach number is ~>3. This shows that SHFAs may form at all cone angles.
Freshening in the South China Sea during 2012 revealed by Aquarius and in situ data
Authors: Zeng Lili , Timothy Liu W. , Xue Huijie , Xiu Peng , Wang Dongxiao
Published: November 2014

Newly available sea surface salinity (SSS) data from the Aquarius together with in situ hydrographic data are used to explore the spatial and temporal characteristics of SSS in the South China Sea (SCS). Using in situ observations as the reference, an evaluation of daily Aquarius data indicates that there exists a negative bias of 0.45 psu for the version 3.0 data set. The root‐mean‐square difference for daily Aquarius SSS is about 0.53 psu after correcting the systematic bias, and those for weekly and monthly Aquarius SSSs are 0.45 and 0.29 psu, respectively. Nevertheless, the Aquarius SSS shows a reliable freshening in the SCS in 2012, which is larger than the Aquarius uncertainty. The freshening of up to 0.4 psu in the upper‐ocean of the northern SCS was confirmed by in situ observations. This freshening in 2012 was caused by a combined effect of abundant local freshwater flux and limited Kuroshio intrusion. By comparing the Kuroshio intrusion in 2012 with that in 2011, we found the reduction as a relatively important cause for the freshening over the northern SCS. In contrast to the northern SCS, reduced river discharge in 2012 played the leading role to the saltier surface in the region near the Mekong River mouth with respect to 2011.
Asthma with allergic rhinitis management in China: a nationwide survey of respiratory specialists at tertiary hospitals
Authors: Su Nan , Lin Jiangtao , Liu Guoliang , Yin Kaisheng , Zhou Xin , Shen Huahao , Chen Ping , Chen Rongchang , Liu Chuntao , Wu Changgui , Zhao Jianping , Lin Yanping
Published: November 2014

Background

Many asthmatic patients have coexisting allergic rhinitis (AR). This study aims to investigate the compliance of physicians with respiratory medicine specialty (PRMs) to Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) and Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) guidelines during the management of their asthma‐AR patients.

Methods

This cross‐sectional questionnaire study surveyed the diagnostic methods and treatment patterns for asthma‐AR comorbidity by PRMs from 98 hospitals across China.

Results

PRMs reported an estimated prevalence of asthma‐AR comorbidity of >30% at their clinics. PRMs with greater work experience and a higher professional title estimated treating a significantly higher proportion of patients with AR within the previous month (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively); they also estimated a higher incidence of patients with AR in the autumn (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001). A higher percentage of PRMs with ≥11 years work experience prescribed nasal steroids for AR as compared to those with 1 to 10 years experience (56.9% vs 44.7%, p = 0.002). A greater proportion of chief physicians used leukotriene modifiers and a lower proportion used antihistamine H1‐receptor blockers for AR as compared to residents (resident vs assistant chief: 27.5% vs 11.6%, p = 0.002; and resident vs chief PRMs: 27.5% vs 9.5%, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

PRMs in China demonstrated an up‐to‐date comprehension of asthma management (>90%); however, knowledge gaps existed in their concepts of AR and asthma‐AR comorbidity. Thus, further education is warranted for PRMs regarding the importance of AR in asthma patients, definitive diagnosis (allergy tests), classifications of AR, and treatment guidelines for the asthma‐AR comorbidity.
Measurements of the ripple effect and geometric distribution of switched gradient fields inside a magnetic resonance scanner
Authors: Sundström Henrik , Mild Kjell Hansson , Wilén Jonna
Published: November 2014

Knowledge of patient exposure during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures is limited, and the need for such knowledge has been demonstrated in recent in vitro and in vivo studies of the genotoxic effects of MRI. This study focuses on the dB/dt of the switched gradient field (SGF) and its geometric distribution. These values were characterized by measuring the peak dB/dt generated by a programmed gradient current of alternating triangles inside a 1.5T MR scanner. The maximum dB/dt exposure to the gradient field was 6–14 T/s, and this occurred at the edges of the field of view (FOV) 20–25 cm from the isocenter in the longitudinal direction. The dB/dt exposure dropped off to roughly half the maximum (3–7 T/s) at the edge of the bore. It was found that the dB/dt of the SGF was distorted by a 200 kHz ripple arising from the amplifier. The ripple is small in terms of B‐field, but the high frequency content contributes to a peak dB/dt up to 18 times larger than that predicted by the slew rate (4 T/s m) and the distance from the isocenter. Measurements on a 3 T MRI scanner, however, revealed a much smaller filtered ripple of 100 kHz in dB/dt. These findings suggest that the gradient current to each coil together with information on the geometrical distribution of the gradient field and ripple effects could be used to assess the SGF exposure within an MRI bore. Bioelectromagnetics. 36:162–168, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Robust stability analysis of stochastic neural networks with Markovian jumping parameters and probabilistic time‐varying delays
Authors: Pradeep Chandrasekar , Chandrasekar Arunachalam , Murugesu Rangasamy , Rakkiyappan Rajan
Published: November 2014

This article discusses the issue of robust stability analysis for a class of Markovian jumping stochastic neural networks (NNs) with probabilistic time‐varying delays. The jumping parameters are represented as a continuous‐time discrete‐state Markov chain. Using the stochastic stability theory, properties of Brownian motion, the information of probabilistic time‐varying delay, the generalized Ito's formula, and linear matrix inequality (LMI) technique, some novel sufficient conditions are obtained to guarantee the stochastical stability of the given NNs. In particular, the activation functions considered in this article are reasonably general in view of the fact that they may depend on Markovian jump parameters and they are more general than those usual Lipschitz conditions. The main features of this article are described in the following: first one is that, based on generalized Finsler lemma, some improved delay‐dependent stability criteria are established and the second one is that the nonlinear stochastic perturbation acting on the system satisfies a class of Lipschitz linear growth conditions. By resorting to the Lyapunov–Krasovskii stability theory and the stochastic analysis tools, sufficient stability conditions are established using an efficient LMI approach. Finally, two numerical examples and its simulations are given to demonstrate the usefulness and effectiveness of the proposed results. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 59–72, 2016
Review
Authors: Williams Elizabeth
Published: November 2014

Hunter‐Gatherer economy in prehistory. A European perspective Edited by Geoff Bailey; Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1983. ISBN 0 521 237424. Pp. viii + 247. Price $64.50.
Review
Authors: Walters Ian
Published: November 2014

Traditional Fishing in the Pacific. Edited by A. Anderson. Pacific Anthropological Records 37, 1986. Pp. xiii + 213. ISSN 0078 740X; ISBN 0 930897 09 0. Price: $US21.00.
Sources and sourcing of volcanic glass in Hawai'i: implications for exchange studies
Authors: Weisler Marshall
Published: November 2014

The role of exchange in Hawaiian prehistory has received only minimal attention despite Hawai'i being one of the most highly stratified societies in Oceania. This paper demonstrates the utility of provenance studies of volcanic glass as a means of providing an empirical grounding to addressing exchange and interaction in Hawaiian prehistory. Volcanic glass studies in Hawaiian archaeology are reviewed, geologic sources of the material described. and a geologically‐based model formulated to guide the discovery of volcanic glass sources on West Moloka'i, Hawaiian Islands. The results of a 19.000 hectare survey are reported and the first two sources of volcanic glass on Moloka'i are described. Using an electron microprobe, the geochemical similarity of source material and volcanic glass artifacts from distant habitation sites is demonstrated. It is concluded that sources of volcanic glass can be discovered in a systematic way; microprobe analysis is a good technique for geochemical characterization; and, with additional work, hypotheses of exchange and interaction in Hawaiian prehistory can be tested with a systematically collected, empirical data base.
Prehistoric two‐way voyaging between New Zealand and East Polynesia: Mayor Island obsidian on Raoul Island, and possible Raoul Island obsidian in New Zealand
Authors: Anderson Atholl , McFadgen Bruce
Published: November 2014

Six prehistoric flakes of obsidian were analysed by X‐Ray fluorescence. Four flakes, from Raoul Island in the Kermadec Group, are identical to obsidian from Mayor Island, New Zealand. The four flakes, from a Polynesian settlement site between 450 and 640 years old, provide the first clear demonstration that Polynesians who had reached New Zealand had, as Maori tradition records, some success in return voyaging. The two other flakes, from two Archaic sites in the South Island, New Zealand, are similar, but not identical to obsidian from Raoul Island. A Raoul Island source for the two flakes would imply either a second New Zealand landfall by voyaging Polynesians, or a return voyage by Maori from New Zealand.
Tasmanian Devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) scat‐bone: signature criteria and archaeological implications
Authors: Marshall Brendan , Cosgrove Richard
Published: November 2014

This paper presents an analysis of the bone recovered from a collection of 50 Tasmanian Devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) scats. It formulates a set of signature criteria for recognising S.harrisii as a source of bone in depositional contexts. These criteria are based on patterns in the composition of the scat‐bone assemblage and their interpretation in light of what is presently known about S.harrisii's den and feeding behaviour. We describe the quantity, size and condition of unidentified fragments and of skeletal elements of three prey species. The results are compared to similar data sets for bone attributed to S.harrisii at Seton rock shelter and Cave Bay Cave. It is apparent that the bone of S.harrisii's prey is more variable than previously thought and that some of it is similar to bone considered to represent human subsistence activity.