bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Power of Sense of Place for Residents of Chinatown Semarang
Authors: Soetomo S , Kurniati R , Rahmat R R B
Published: January 2020

This research was to identify the strength of the cultural significance of the region towards residents in the Semarang Chinatown. This research was conducted with qualitative methods based on empirical phenomena. The results showed that the Semarang Chinatown had cultural strength manifested in the form of the physical environment, the socio-cultural life of the community, and the economic life of the community. It is cultural power that ultimately influences and fosters commitment, awareness, encourages the community to maintain, preserve, and develop their environment as a form of their worth to the Semarang Chinatown. The residents believe that every space is a source of livelihood and a place to look for luck. The community considers that their area gives blessings because of the presence of many temples that often carry out ancestral homage processions and offerings to the Goddess. The background of this belief in the meaning and pillars of culture is what strengthens the community to stay. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the enrichment of specific empirical examples in Semarang Chinatown based on the concept of sense of place approach in regional conservation planning.
Can Building Density Influence the Amount of BRT Trans Semarang Ridership?
Authors: Oktaviani I , Dewi D I K , Rakhmatulloh A R
Published: January 2020

Low ridership of bus rapid transit (BRT) can lead to public transport inadequacy problem. The amount of ridership in a particular area may be influenced by built environment in the surroundings. This study focuses on of the built environment, building density at neighbourhood level. This paper aims to analyze the relationship between building density and amount of BRT Trans Semarang ridership. This study uses a quantitative method with multiple linear regression as the analysis tool to analyze the relationship between the two. The findings show only high density, or building of more than eight stories has a relation to number of Trans Semarang corridor I ridership. It shows that building which has function as an office or place to work can generate BRT Trans Semarang passengers who is walking.
Is Unfavorable Environmental Quality Will Result Poor Human Quality As Well, Case Study At Trimulyo Village, Genuk District, Semarang - Indonesia
Authors: Khadiyanto P , Soetomo S , Hadi S P
Published: January 2020

About 20 years ago, in the Trimulyo village, Genuk District, the community still feels comfortable to live in, a river that flows in the region can still be used for washing, and as a playground for children (pool and bath), the well is still clean. But after Genuk District started many emerging industrial area, then begin a wide range of environmental issues toward this region. Currently in the Trimulyo village at Genuk District, shallow wells can not be utilized as a source of clean water, as well as river conditions ranging turbid, have a dark color of water, foul odor, especially when the dry season arrives. Settlements in Trimulyo village is one of the victims of the land use change from fishery and agricultural (rural) to industrial (urban). Many farmers and fishermen, who then turned as a laborers, or they have to moved after the land was purchased for industry. For those who stayed, their work changed as industrial workers, or open food stalls, or rent out his house to the settlers. Environmental quality are positively correlated with the quality of human life, if the quality of the environment ugly then so did the quality of its human[1]. This study examines to prove that there is a correlation between environmental quality and the human quality of life, especially in the neighborhoods settlements in Trimulyo village. The quality of the environment detected by the condition of the buildings, facilities and infrastructure, location and accessibility, as well as the comfort of the physical environment. While quality of life is detected through health, economic, educational, and social relationships. The results showed that not all regions with poor environmental physical conditions certainly people have a poor quality of life as well, because it turns out that the poor environmental can still grow social kinship attitudes that is able to raise the degree quality of life. In addition, the quality of public education is relatively good, will improve the quality of life as well. So in this Trimulyo village, although the quality of the environment is ugly, but the quality of life is in good category.
Reconstructing Urban Heritage Character
Authors: Firzal Y , Aldy P , Kuswoyo I
Published: January 2020

The old town area gives a significant character on urban heritage, in particular regardingKota Pusakaprogramme in Indonesia. While enhancing the character, in this case, part of Siak Sri Indrapura City has burned out, and raise serious issues to the local government due to lack of written data on how to reconstruct the area. In this case, extracting field data by conventional measurement from remaining buildings found ineffective. Not only consume time, but these methods have also created social and psychological problems for local people. Therefore various indirect field methods such as desktop research, digitising, and documentation are needed to be completed by more fast and interactive direct field methods. This paper confirms that field data which compiled by various field methods can more contribute to reconstructing the character of the old town.
The Safe Indonesian Capital from The Defense Geography Perspective (Study Case: Kutai Kartanegara & Penajam Paser Utara Regency, East Borneo Province)
Authors: Kapiarsa A B , Kurniawan F , Ali Y , Supriyatno M
Published: January 2020

Indonesia has been facing a very high urbanization that makes capacity of Jakarta can no be longer supporting all activities as capital city and also business hub. This condition made The President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo decided to relocate capital to Kutai Kartanegara (Kukar) and Penajam Paser Utara (PPU) Regency in East Borneo to support more sustainable capital for national government action. Moeldoko as a Chief of Presidential Staff also mentioned that this capital need to be protected by a strong three defense forces dimension which are land, sea, and air. So, is it safe for capital to be move to Borneo as a research question. To analyze it, the researcher viewed this case from the defense geography perspectives. The researcher will use literature study approach from various sources. The result of this research will explain that Kukar and PPU Regency is safe or not to be the new capital of Indonesia. This research, therefore, has opened a new scientific discussion among researchers, defense and planner practitioners to formulate the capital city of Indonesia that safe to settle in.
Exploring Opportunities of Adopting Biophilic Cities Concept into Mixed-Use Development Project in Malaysia
Authors: Arof K Z M , Ismail S , Najib N H , Amat R C , Ahmad N H B
Published: January 2020

Mixed-use development project in urban area emerged to cater the increase of population in the region. Due to rapid urbanisation, many research recommended the engagement of human with nature in cities development, including the mixed-use development project since nature and human are holistically created to complement each other. This is where the United Nation (UN) under its sustainable development programme has established 17 development goals that amongst all cover both sustainable cities and communities. This shows the urgency of having cities that best fit human nature. However, although many mixed-use development projects were constructed with senses of nature, many of these projects are harmful to environment as they are unable to sustain the natural habitat as well as human needs. Hence, there are many attempts to connect human with nature in Malaysia via sustainable cities and green cities concepts although no specific guidelines on these have been established. Recently, emerged the term biophilic cities, a new concept combining sustainable and resilient cities, which are also seen as the panacea to these mixed-use development project issues despite the efforts done via the former concepts of sustainable and green cities alone. Generally, biophilic cities resemble green cities with a few enhanced greener criteria that affiliate human to nature as opposed to green and sustainable cities that merely bring nature to human. Therefore, this paper aims at investigating the elements of biophilic cities that can be adopted for mixed-use development project in Malaysia. Via systematic literature review, this paper listed the criteria of biophilic cities from previous studies, which are then used in designing the questionnaires distributed to 173 construction players in the mixed-use development projects in Malaysia. It is found that biophilic cities encompass four main criteria that are important to be adopted in mixed-use development project in Malaysia, namely “building”, “block”, “street” and “neighbourhood”, with a total of eight design elements. As biophilic cities are closer to human needs and environment whilst able to manage the rapid urbanisation and increased world population that is meant to be tackled by the mixed-use development project, construction players should start to consider adopting the biophilic cities concept in their mixed-use development project in Malaysia.
Space Compatibility Based on Spatial Behavior of Street Vendors in Urban Public Space in Chinatown, Semarang
Authors: Widjajanti R , Damayanti M
Published: January 2020

Street vendors grow rapidly in Asian developing countries, including in Indonesia. They grow massive and uncontrolled in the urban public spaces, causing loses on the public spaces’ main function. Furthermore, waste from the street vendors’ activities causes environmental degradation and urban aesthetic reduction. Eviction and relocation are usually done by the government to overcome the problems. The government evicted and moved the street vendors to another place as planned. Street vendors’ relocation often did not succeed because they always return to their original places. The indication is the street vendors felt uncomfortable in the new location or the new location was incompatible with their activities. Until now, the government has not been able to provide the proper location for the street vendors. The study of compatible space for the street vendors is an urgent matter because the study of the street vendors which have been done so far was more focused on aspects of social, economic and political/policies. This study aims to identify space compatibility based on the spatial behavior of street vendors at their activity's location. This research used the descriptive quantitative method with questionnaires and Geographic Information System (GIS) as a tool to map the street vendors’ location. The results showed the compatibility space of street vendors based on the type of neighborhood activity, type of activity around public spaces, neighborhood activity time, numbers of visitors, visitor movement patterns (flow of visitors and visitor activities) and spatial patterns.
The tin ore separation process and optimizing the rare earth mineral (monazite) as a by-product of tin mining in East Belitung Regency
Authors: Adiputra R N , Agustin F , Sulastri A , Abdullah C I , Nugraha I , Andriansyah R , Hadiprayitno M
Published: January 2020

Characteristics of granitic igneous rocks as a source of tin mineralization in the study area are generally ilmenite granite series or commonly called Granitic S type. The occurrence of rare earth elements is relatively common in the earth’s crust. Based on its chemical properties, the occurrence of REEs (Rare Earth Element) is rarely scattered and not concentrated in one place, so it is often stated that it is not economical to be mined. However some rare earth mineral deposits such as monazite can be processed economically. Rare earth element like monazite is discovered as by-product from mining process and extracting tin mineral. The purpose of this study is to examine the separation process of tin ore that could affect the grades of tin ore produced. The highest grade of pure tin obtained rare earth element and will be optimal to the ore extraction. The methods of concentrating monazite use wet processing followed by dry concentration techniques, then extraction and refining are required. This method was observed during the study. The result showed that extraction involved sulphuric acid routes and the acidic route is the most common, dominating at least 90% of the current extraction methods.
Hydrogeology estimation using geo-electric survey in Sekotong, Lombok Barat
Authors: Rabinah A H , Kusnadi  , Anggraeni J D , Arisalwadi M , Agustriani E
Published: January 2020

Hydrogeological conditions can provide information on movement and groundwater conditions, which have a significant influence on mining activities, especially underground mining. Research using geo-electric has been applied in various fields. This study aims to analyze the distribution of aquifers in the Sekotong area and provide basic planning tools to regulate underground mining in NTB Province. This study uses a geo-electric survey to assess hydrogeological conditions in underground mining by using the specific vertical electric sounding (VES) of Schlumberger array method, with 3 points (BP 01, 02, and 03). The output from the geo-electric survey shows that the apparent resistivity curve is being checked using IP2Win software. The results of this study indicate the value of the resistive type is between 3 - 25 Ωm; it can be concluded that the aquifer layer is at a depth of 1.5 m to 60 m. However, from data analysis, it was shown that the study area was formed by half of the tuff layer and cracked breccias. Therefore, below 60 m depth, it is indicated that permeable layers formed by volcanic breccia and lava are present.
Quantitative mapping of limestone reserves using cross-section method in Mangkung Village, Western Praya, West Nusa Tenggara
Authors: Alpiana  , Ilham M , Irwan  , Matrani B F A
Published: January 2020

West Nusa Tenggara Province has the potential of natural resources such as marble, calcite, limestone, manganese and gold. The research area consists of limestone, which is included in the Ekas Formation which is based on the Geological Map of Lombok. One of the mineral resources available in the study area is material limestone in Mangkung Village, West Praya District, Central Lombok Regency. With the potential for minerals, it is necessary to do a reserve calculation to find out the range of the amount of material limestone quarry in Mangkung Village. The purpose of this research is to find out the amount of limestone resources in Mangkung Village. This study focus on quantitative mapping of limestone, widely used for natural building stone, sources of water for urban and agricultural development in Mangkung village, Western Praya. This research applied the cross-section method to calculate limestone deposits in study area. This cross-section method divides the study area into several cross-sections with a distance of 25 meters each. The calculating result shows the volumetric of limestone reserves in Mangkung Village is about 73,874.42 m3. For the weight calculation, this research uses average density of limestone of about 2.38 ton/m3, and we found a total weight of limestone in Mangkung village is about 176,338.25 tons.
An application of Taguchi experiment design methods on optimization of mortar mixture composition with Silica Fume as a partial substitute for cement
Authors: De Side G N , Kencanawati N N , Hariyadi
Published: January 2020

The development of concrete technology in infrastructure also triggers the progressive cement manufacture, where cement production also contributes significantly to the emission of CO2. To minimize the use of cement and increase mortar quality, the addition of additive substance material is needed with a quality control method. The purpose of this research is to establish the proportions of the materials with the optimum partial replacement of cement by silica fume to the compressive strength and physical properties of the 56 days old mortar using Taguchi Method design of experiment. This research uses 3 factors, which are silica fume proportion, sand proportion, and cement proportion. Each factor consists of 3 levels, with silica fume content is ±20% from the total weight of the cement. The mortar is based on 9 combinations of materials on the orthogonal matrix L9(34) created with dimensions of 50 x 50 x 50 mm cube. The results show that the optimum proportion is 150 gr of silica fume, 660 gr of cement and 1400 gr of sand which is equivalent to replacing 18.52 % cement with silica fume, which gains 54.00 MPa compressive strength, pH 9.75 and 5.369 % water absorption.
An overview of remediation technology for mercury-contaminated sediment in Sekotong Sub District, Lombok, Indonesia
Authors: Rahmawati D , Adiansyah J S
Published: January 2020

The gold mining sector in Indonesia consists of large-scale gold mining, medium-scale gold mining, and small scale gold mining. Small scale miners generally use mercury amalgamation method to extract gold as it is considered as the most efficient method and requires only a small investment. The utilization of mercury might affect environmental quality and human health. This study is aimed to evaluate the possible remediation technology for mercury-contaminated sediment. A case study from Sekotong Sub District was carried out due to the operation of small scale mining in this area. The qualitative method was used by using a literature review approach. Various technologies of mercury remediation were explored and compared. The results indicated that there were 12 available technologies associated with mercury sediment handling. Those technologies include dredging, in-situ thermal desorption, capping, activated carbon, solidification, and nanotechnology. The appropriate technology is determined by some aspects, including mercury intensity, technology effectivity, and cost. In addition, the application of those technologies requires a social license to operate not only from the community but also from the government as a regulator.
Green Growth for achieving education and technology transformation in the mining industry
Authors: Ariyani Etika
Published: January 2020

Green growth has emerged as an important means by which developing countries may achieve sustainable development. It means that fostering economic growth and development while ensuring that natural assets continue to provide the resources and environmental services on which our well-being relies. This study aims to elaborate the economic growth and enhance the synergy between environment, education, economy, and technology. Those parameters are linkage with the roles of the mining industry. The study method is focused on literature review by extracting the information on green growth, technology, education, and mining. The study found that sustainable economic growth achieved through green environmental technologies to maintain and restore environmental quality and ecological integrity while meeting human needs with the lowest possible environmental impacts. In addition, the mining industry contributes significantly to the economy and “Greening” the engineering curriculum is an important consideration for sustainable engineering education from fundamentals to design in the 21st century. The engineering curriculum integrates green engineering concepts horizontally and vertically by taking existing courses and integrating topics as appropriate through examples, problems and case studies. On the other hand, the mining industry is moving towards digitization and digitalization. The digital evolution creates the opportunity for the mining industry, it can change the business model, reducing costs in the value of chain, improving safety and creating opportunities for new business.
Suitability analysis of non-metallic minerals and rock mining sites with spatial patterns based on regional spatial planning in Central Lombok Regency
Authors: Lestari S A P , Widayanti B H , Mahendra Y I
Published: January 2020

Central Lombok Regency has a potential for non-metallic mineral and rock mining. This study aims to map the distribution of non-metallic mineral and rock mining locations and analyze the suitability of the location distribution with space allocation neighborhood and community unit in Central Lombok Regency. The research uses descriptive analysis method and map overlay. The results show that the location of non-metallic minerals and rock mining is spreading in seven sub-districts in Central Lombok Regency, namely Pujut, West Praya, Southwest Praya, Kopang, East Praya, North Batukliang, and Pringgarata. The distribution of mine sites reaches 49 points. Based on the results of the overlay of the mine location map with the spatial planning map, there are several mines located in the watershed (river border area) and the distance is close to residential areas. Thus the government needs to formulate a policy to provide limits to the development of a mining area. The southern part of Central Lombok Regency is developed as a special area of national tourism. The government must consider this situation to make sure the development of the mining area does not interfere with tourism development.
The influence of regim’s river and run-off coefficient in the cacthment areas of Sidutan and Reak: a correlation analysis
Authors: Noviadi S C , Rizki A
Published: January 2020

The annual runoff coefficient required a single hydrograph and hourly rainfall in a year. The relationship between the river regime coefficients and runoff coefficients will produce correlations in linear equations. The calculation results obtained the relationship of the River Regime Coefficient (KRS) with Runoff Coefficient in the Sidutan Watershed is proportional with the equation y = -2E-05x2 + 0.0048x -0.0539 with the coefficient of determination R2 = 0.6796. KRS values obtained in 2011-2016 were respectively 67.69; 43.99; 188.92; 53.78; 45.01 which is included in the low to to high classification range. This indicates the watershed is in bad condition. Runoff coefficient (C) each 0.188; 0.101; 0.229; 0.163; 0.148 shows good classification, so that the watershed is in good condition. In the Reak River Basin, the relationship between KRS and C is proportional with the equation y = 0.0003x2 -0.011x + 0.1618 with a coefficient of determination R2 = 0.7855. KRS values obtained in 2011-2016 are respectively 27.46; 29.80; 31.06; 16.96; 14,11 which are included in the very low to low classification range. This indicates the watershed is in good condition. Classification of good C values respectively 0.071; 0.106; 0.110; 0.074; 0.058, indicating that the watershed is in good condition.
The effect of amalgamation process to the community water wells: a case study in Pelangan Village, Sekotong, West Lombok
Authors: Putra M P , Agustriani E , Anggraeni J D
Published: January 2020

One of the artisanal mining locations in West Nusa Tenggara Province is Pelangan Village, Sekotong Sub-district, West Lombok District. There are two main activities in the artisanal mine site, namely mining operations and material processing, that commonly use logs and mercury (Hg). This study aims to determine the effect of differences in log spacing from mercury content in well water at Pelangan Village, Sekotong Sub-district. This study uses the Cross-Sectional research method to obtain an overview of mercury levels in the Pelangan Village of Sekotong Sub-district based on distance and to determine the differences in variables using Chi-Square statistical test. The results showed that 46 water wells had mercury levels less than 0.001 mg/l and 8 water wells had mercury levels more than 0.001 mg/l. From the results of chi-square analysis, the Pearson Chi-Square value was 6.541 with df = 1 and a significant value less than 0.05. The Chi-Square value concluded that there is an effect between the distance of the log and the mercury content of the community water well. To avoid the mercury pollution, three strategies should be applied including distance of water well from the pollution source should bigger than 95 meters, the best distance, and replacing mercury with something that more environmentally friendly.
Identification of hygiene factor in the working environment at Owned State Electrical Company of Mataram City
Authors: Lukman  , Hastuti I D , Asbah  , Iskandar  , Gani A A
Published: January 2020

Human resources or employees are the most valuable asset of a company. Managing employees is not easy because every employee has a specific character and background. A company needs to encourage its employees to remain productive in their respective fields, and employee job satisfaction needs to be improved so that employees can survive and work comfortably. This study aims to examine the hygiene factor and its effect on employee job satisfaction and empirically examine which factors influence more dominantly on job satisfaction of employees in the Distribution Division of PT PLN (Persero) of Mataram Branch. The type of research used is associative research. The data collection method applied in this study is the use of a research instrument in the form of a questionnaire. This questionnaire was distributed to each respondent. The analysis technique used is the SEM-based variant, namely SEM with Smart PLS version 3.0 M3 software. PLS Analysis Results show that there are two variables of hygiene factors that have a positive and significant effect on employee satisfaction, namely interpersonal relationships with supervisors and company policies and regulations. While other variables have no significant effect, namely interpersonal relationships with coworkers; work safety and security; health; supervision method, and salary/wages.
Strategy to develop tourism objects at Ijobalit, a former pumice mine in East Lombok
Authors: Kurniawan A , Susanti F , Yunianti S R
Published: January 2020

Frequent mining activities cause environmental damage. Pumice mining at Ijobalit village left holes from the previous mining activities. These holes become barren land that ruined the scenery, however, this problem can be solved by reclaiming the former mine ares. Reclamation transforms the areas into a tourism area. The transformation of the former mine area into tourism object, however, did not last long as the Lembah Hijau tourism attraction no longer has activitiesand seems to be not taken good care of. This research aims to determine the development strategy of the Lembah Hijau Tourism object that exists in the former mine area. The research method used is a qualitative descriptive using SWOT analysis by viewing from external and internal instruments. The results showed that the tourism area in the former mine area has good natural potentials, the lakes formed from the former mine have theirown appeal. The weaknesses lie on the accessibility, lack of cooperation among private sector, the government and the community, and also lack of promotion and innovation of attractions.
The impact of mining activities toward the behavioral change of social aspect in the village outer mining area
Authors: Hidayati  , Rahmaniah R , Hudri M , Bafadal M F , Haifaturrahmah
Published: January 2020

The existence of mining activities is aimed at improving the welfare of society, especially the mine circle society. Mining activities have been changed based on the three parameters of sustainable development, i.e. economic, social, and environmental. On the economic and social parameters, they have interactions that have a potential impact on influencing the change of mine circumference behavior which is closely related to the existence of the mine circle society itself. The methodology used in this study is the literature review based on existing studies and a brief observation around the mine. The observation technique is carried out by a random selection of respondents (random sampling) with a confidence number of 95%. The analysis results show that there are three types of behavioral changes that occur, namely natural change, planned change, and willingness to change. The factors influencing the behavioral change in the community around the mine areas, especially external factors, are education, religion, culture, environment, and socio-economic. The behavioral changes and factors affecting these changes can be used as a foundation for a mining company to develop community empowerment programs as part of good mining practices. The good mining practices will facilitate the mining company to get a social license to operate.
Analysis of community understanding on the dangers of quarry mining to the environment: a case study of community forest at Karang Sidemen Village North Batukliang District, Central Lombok
Authors: Herianto A , Ibrahim  , Mahsup  , Rochayati N , Mas’ad
Published: January 2020

Mining material of quarry (class-C) as one of the activities that utilize natural resources should be able to bringgood impacts to the community economy, but with the understanding of the community that is still said to be low. Some factors such as economic impetus, ignorance aspect, personal interests, political elements, the usage, the quarry brings more negative impact. This is due to the fact thatthere are no clear rules and no boundaries in operatingthe mining process. Reclamation is very difficult to do. The purpose of this research is to explain to the community ofthe dangers posed byquarry to the environment of thecommunity forest at Karang Sidemen Village North Batukliang District, Central Lombok. This research uses qualitative method of research and uses three methods of data collection, namely observation method, interviews, and documentation conducted in the village. This research uses four stages of data analysis, namely data collection, data reduction, display or presentation, and data verification. Theresults show that the understanding of the people about the dangers of class-C mining to the environment of the community forest in the village of Karang Sidemen is still low, due to low education level and based on economic drive factor.
Effect of process conditions on the evolution of microstructure and mechanical properties of AA3003 vacuum furnace brazing joints
Authors: Eivani A R , Ahmadian M , Vafaeenezhad H
Published: January 2020

In this study, vacuum furnace brazing was used for joining AA3003 alloy with different thicknesses of 0.6 and 3 mm using BALSI-4 filler metal. Firstly, the samples were degreased using water and soap and then cleaned with acetone. The set-up was assembled and pre-heated for two-steps at 235 and 339 °C and subsequently, moved to furnace. Vacuum brazing was conducted at temperature range of 590 to 630 °C for different holding times of 5 and 10 min followed by furnace cooling. After primary visual checking, three samples for each thickness were selected for evaluation of microstructure and mechanical properties. Results indicated that furnace temperature and holding time significantly influenced microstructural evolution and mechanical properties. This effect was attributed to the distribution of Si and its relevant eutectic and pro-eutectic phases. It was deduced that the amount and distribution of such phases together with joint assembling design controlled the mechanical and fracture behavior. Furthermore, it was found that the quantitative amounts of pro-eutectic Si and Al–Si eutectic phases significantly increased the hardness of the joint. Therefore, the joint brazed at 610 °C and dwelling time of 10 min was identified to offer the optimal mechanical properties.
Effect of regular and core shell nano fillers on the partial discharge and tracking performance of low density polyethylene
Authors: Awan Hassan Ahmed , Amin Salman , Rahman Taqi ur , Asad Usama , Awais Muhammad
Published: January 2020

Solid insulation materials are the backbone for all kinds of outdoor insulation applications. Environmental stresses degrade every outdoor insulation material with the passage of time. Internal partial discharges and external surface tracking are the two major factors governing the health of outdoor insulation. Best outdoor insulation is the one having lowest level of partial discharge and highest resistance to tracking. Improvement in tracking resistance of polymeric insulation materials has been a concern of many researchers. This study investigates the improvement in partial discharge and tracking resistance of LDPE under the effect of three different nano fillers including SiO2, TiO2, TiO2@SiO2. A very little has been reported on the effect of these nano fillers on the tracking performance of LDPE. TiO2@SiO2 is a novel core–shell nano filler. No study has reported the effect of these core–shell nano fillers on the partial discharge and tracking performance of LDPE. It has been observed in this study that core–shell nano fillers are much more efficient in improving partial discharge and tracking resistance of solid insulation materials than ordinary nano fillers.
Degradation of reactive dye using heterogeneous photo-Fenton catalysts: ZnFe2O4 and GO-ZnFe2O4 composite
Authors: Nadeem Nimra , Zahid Muhammad , Tabasum Asma , Mansha Asim , Jilani Asim , Bhatti Ijaz Ahmad , Bhatti Haq Nawaz
Published: January 2020

Dyes, being potential pollutants, need alarming attention for their degradation from wastewater. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are among the most effective methodology for the degradation of pollutants. In the present study, the heterogeneous photo-Fenton catalysts (ZnFe2O4 and graphene oxide based ZnFe2O4 composite) were prepared and used to study the degradation of synzol red reactive dye. The prepared catalysts were well characterized by using SEM, FTIR and XRD analysis. The effect of various parameters like pH, catalysts dosage, H2O2 dosage, effect of dye concentration and irradiation time during heterogeneous photo-Fenton processes was studied. The results showed 57% and 94% degradation of dye under optimized conditions (e.g. pH = 3, Catalysts dose = 75 mg l−1 for ZnFe2O4 and 50 mg l−1 for GO- ZnFe2O4, H2O2 dose = 27 mM and irradiation time of 60 min) was observed for ZnFe2O4 and GO-ZnFe2O4, respectively. A comparison of degradation potential of catalysts using various light sources like UV-254 nm, ambient solar light and white LED, was studied. The current findings support the application of solar and LED light for the degradation of organic pollutants in wastewater. The stability and reusability of these catalysts for the degradation of the dye were also studied. The GO- ZnFe2O4 composite showed negligible iron leaching and no considerable reduction in degradation efficiency upto six consecutive cycles of reusability. It has been found that the composite (GO–ZnFe2O4) showed enhanced degradation of dye as compared to ZnFe2O4.
Effect of Ni doping on the structural, optical and photocatalytic activity of MoS2, prepared by Hydrothermal method
Authors: Khan M I , Hasan M S , Bhatti K A , Rizvi Hina , Wahab A , Rehman Shafique-ur , Afzal Muhammad Javaid , Nazneen Ameena , Fiaz khan M , Nazir Arif , Iqbal Munawar
Published: January 2020

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are promising materials for photocatalytic functions. In class of TMDs, MoS2 is comprehensively explored as a co-catalyst due to the extraordinary activity for photocatalytic activity of organic dye degradation. But the catalytic activities of MoS2 are generated through S ions on depiction edges. Also numerous of S ions existed on basal planes are catalytically inactive. The insertion of external metals in MoS2 organism is extensive way for activation of basal planes surface to enhance concentration of catalytically active sites. For this purpose, nanoparticles of Nickel (Ni) doped MoS2 are prepared by hydrothermal technique. Structural and morphological analysis are characterized by XRD and SEM, respectively. XRD results showed that Ni is completely doped into MoS2. SEM showed that pure MoS2 has sheet like structure and Ni doped MoS2 has mix disc and flower like structure. Band gap energy was observed in declining range of 2.30–1.76 eV. The photocatalytic activity of pure MoS2 and Ni doped MoS2 were evaluated by degrading MB and RhB dyes under UV light irradiation. MB dye degradation of MB was 71% for pure MoS2. For 1% to 5% Ni doping in MoS2, MB dye degradated from 85% to 96%. It means that MB dye degradation of MB was enhanced continuously by increasing the concentration of Ni doping. RhB dye degradation of RhB was 62% for pure MoS2. For 1% to 5% Ni doping in MoS2, the RhB dye degradated from 77% to 91%.
Hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of WO3 nanostructures: Effect of reaction time
Authors: Tehrani Fatemeh Shariatmadar , Ahmadian Hamidreza , Aliannezhadi Maryam
Published: January 2020

1-D and 2-D WO3 nanostructures were successfully prepared by hydrothermal technique as a low temperature, low cost, compatible with the environment, and powerful method with controllability of particle size, shape, and stoichiometry. The effect of hydrothermal duration time was studied to investigate morphological, structural and optical properties and to propose the possible growth mechanisms of WO3 nanostructures. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) analyses were done on the samples synthesized at different hydrothermal duration times of 6, 12, 24, and 36 h. The results indicated that the morphology evolutions of nanostructures strongly depend on hydrothermal duration time and concentration of capping agents. Two crystal phase transitions in accordance with the morphology evolution were also observed. The absorption edge of the samples exhibited a blue- and then red-shift by increasing the reaction time. The bandgaps of the samples were almost independent of the reaction time and the samples were transparent in a wide range of the visible light region. So, they can be regarded as excellent candidates for optoelectronic devices.
Mechanical, thermal and rheological characterization of polystyrene/organoclay nanocomposites containing aliphatic elastomer modifiers
Authors: Dike Ali Sinan , Yilmazer Ulku
Published: January 2020

In this study, organoclay containing polystyrene (PS) based nanocomposites were prepared by extrusion in the presence of aliphatic elastomer modifiers. Three different types of aliphatic elastomeric materials and three different types of organoclays were used. Their effects on the morphology, and mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties of PS were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and x-ray diffraction (XRD), tensile and impact tests, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and melt flow index measurements, respectively. Lotader AX8900, Lotader AX8840 and Lotader 2210 were chosen as the aliphatic elastomeric compatibilizers; and Cloisite 15 A, Cloisite 25 A and Cloisite 30B were chosen as the organoclays. The organoclay content was kept constant at 2 wt% and elastomer content was kept constant at 5 wt% throughout the study. Significant improvement is observed on the basal spacing for 30B containing samples according to XRD analysis. SEM studies indicate that the clay particles mostly reside between the PS matrix and the spherical elastomeric domains. Additions of elastomer and organoclay decrease the MFI value of PS. Mechanical test results show that, improvement is observed in elongation at break of unfilled PS with the addition of elastomers. Organoclay addition increases the tensile modulus of PS. According to thermal characterizations, the glass transition temperature (Tg) of PS decreases with elastomer addition, whereas organoclay addition shifts Tg values to higher temperatures.
RSM applied to PS/SBRr/SEBS Blends. Proper tool for maximized properties
Authors: Luna Carlos Bruno Barreto , Ferreira Eduardo da Silva Barbosa , Siqueira Danilo Diniz , Araújo Edcleide Maria , Wellen Renate Maria Ramos
Published: January 2020

Reusing rubber waste from footwear industry emerges as great practise in order to reduce environmental damage on natural ecosystems. Based on this target, the present work aimed to apply the response surface methodology (RSM) to polystyrene/styrene-butadiene PS/SBRr blends compatibilized with styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS). A mixture planning was applied to PS/SBRr/SEBS blends in order to investigate mechanical and thermomechanical behaviors as response variables. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to evaluate the morphology of investigated blends, which were melt extruded in a corrotational twin screw extruder and specimens were injection moulded. High impact strength, toughness, elongation at break and thermal deflection temperature (HDT) were achieved at SEBS rich region (∼10%). At PS rich region, tensile strength, Shore D hardness and Vicat softening temperature (VST) were more expressive. Related to morphological character, blends with 10% SEBS presented the highest interfacial adhesion, with high level of plastic deformation. Gathered results show that depending on the composition, properties significantly change, being RSM a proper tool to preview trends on mechanical and thermomechanical properties. In general, PS/SBRr/SEBS blends may be properly used as packaging and building applications.
An extremely low-frequency magnetic field can affect CREB protein conformation which may have a role in neuronal activities including memory
Authors: Darwish Saqer M , Darwish Anthar S , Darwish Deya S
Published: January 2020

The cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) was exposed to an extremely low-frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF) of the range (−2.4–2.4) mT intensity and at a frequency of 50 Hz. The effects of exposure were investigated in the mid-infrared region using Fourier spectroscopic analysis. The purpose of this experiment is to simulate the exposure of neuronal proteins to a low magnetic field which may naturally occur in the brain due to electrical impulse signals. The experimental results showed inconsistent fluctuations in peak positions, band shape, and intensities for several bands in the amide II, amide IV and amide VI regions. This can be due to two factors. The first suggests that hydrogen bonds can alter the frequency of stretching vibrations depending on the increase or decrease of strain on the vibrations. The second is that all these bands are caused by bending vibrations in combinations with other vibrations, which makes these vibrations susceptible to magnetic field influence. Spectra analysis showed that once the CREB protein was exposed to a magnetic field, it induces a genuine reaction changing the secondary structure and producing changes that can have a lasting effect. The resulting conformational changes in brain proteins may have an effective role in signal transduction, learning and memory formation.
Magnetic field sensors in fused silica fabricated by femtosecond laser micromachining
Authors: Maia João M , Amorim Vítor A , Viveiros Duarte , Marques P V S
Published: January 2020

Based on the characteristics of ferrofluids, a monolithic optofluidic device for magnetic field sensing is proposed and demonstrated. The device consists of a Fabry–Pérot interferometer, composed by an optical waveguide orthogonal to a microfluidic channel, which was fabricated inside a fused silica substrate through femtosecond laser micromachining. The interferometer was first optimized by studying the influence of the waveguide writing parameters on its spectral properties. Waveguides written at higher pulse energies led to a decrease of the signal-to-noise ratio, due to an enhancement of micrometer sized defects associated with Mie scattering. Fringe visibility was also maximized for waveguides written at lower scanning speeds. Making use of the tunable refractive index property exhibited by magnetic fluids, the interferometer was then tested as a magnetic field sensor by injecting a ferrofluid inside the microfluidic channel. A linear sensitivity of −0.25 nm/mT was obtained in the 9.0–30.5 mT range with the external field parallel to the waveguide axis.
New horizons in iron deficiency anaemia in older adults
Authors: Burton Jennifer Kirsty , Yates Luke C , Whyte Lindsay , Fitzsimons Edward , Stott David J
Published: January 2020

Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is common in older adults and associated with a range of adverse outcomes. Differentiating iron deficiency from other causes of anaemia is important to ensure appropriate investigations and treatment. It is possible to make the diagnosis reliably using simple blood tests. Clinical evaluation and assessment are required to help determine the underlying cause and to initiate appropriate investigations. IDA in men and post-menopausal females is most commonly due to occult gastrointestinal blood loss until proven otherwise, although there is a spectrum of underlying causative pathologies. Investigation decisions should take account of the wishes of the patient and their competing comorbidities, individualising the approach. Management involves supplementation using oral or intravenous (IV) iron then consideration of treatment of the underlying cause of deficiency. Future research areas are outlined including the role of Hepcidin and serum soluble transferrin receptor measurement, quantitative faecal immunochemical testing, alternative dosing regimens and the potential role of IV iron preparations.
Determining Early Remodeling Patterns in Diabetes and Hypertension Using Cardiac Computed Tomography: The Feasibility of Assessing Early LV Geometric Changes
Authors: Walpot Jeroen , Inácio Joao R , Massalha Samia , Hossain Alomgir , Small Gary R , Crean Andrew M , Yam Yeung , Rybicki Frank , Dwivedi Girish , Chow Benjamin J W
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

There is conflicting data on early left ventricle (LV) remodeling in diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN). This study examines the feasibility of cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) to detect early LV geometric changes in patients with DM and HTN.

METHODS

Consecutive patients (n = 5,992) who underwent prospective electrocardiography (ECG)-triggered (mid-diastolic) CCTA were screened. Patients with known structural heart disease or known LV dysfunction were excluded. Left ventricular mass (LVM), left ventricular mid-diastolic volume (LVMDV), and LV concentricity (LVM/LVMDV) were measured and indexed to body surface area.

RESULTS

A total of 4,283 patients were analyzed (mean age 57 ± 10.69 years, female 46.7%). DM, HTN, and HTN + DM were present in 4.1%, 35.8% and 10.6% of patients, respectively. Compared to normal patients, HTN and HTN + DM patients had increased LVM indexed to body surface area (LVMi) (56.87 ± 17.24, 59.26 ± 13.62, and 58.56 ± 13.09, respectively; P < 0.05). There was no difference in LVMi between normal subjects and patients with DM (56.39 ± 11.50, P = 0.617).

Concentricity indices were higher in patient with HTN (1.0456 ± 0.417; P < 0.001), DM (1.109 ± 0.638; P = 0.004), and HTN + DM (1.083 ± 0.311, P < 0.001) than normal individuals (0.9671 ± 0.361). There was no overlap of the 95% confidence intervals in the composite of concentricity indices and LVMi between the different groups.

CONCLUSIONS

CCTA measures of LVM and concentricity index may discriminate patients with HTN and DM before overt structural heart disease.