bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Equivalence of Stochastic and Deterministic Mechanisms
Authors: Chen Yi-Chun , He Wei , Li Jiangtao , Sun Yeneng
Published: July 2019

We consider a general social choice environment that has multiple agents, a finite set of alternatives, independent types, and atomless type distribution. We show that for any Bayesian incentive compatible mechanism, there exists an equivalent deterministic mechanism that (1) is Bayesian incentive compatible; (2) delivers the same interim expected allocation probabilities and the same interim expected utilities for all agents; and (3) delivers the same ex ante expected social surplus. This result holds in settings with a rich class of utility functions, multidimensional types, interdependent valuations, and in settings without monetary transfers. To prove our result, we develop a novel methodology of mutual purification, and establish its link with the mechanism design literature.
A Non‐Bayesian Theory of State‐Dependent Utility
Authors: Hill Brian
Published: July 2019

Many decision situations involve two or more of the following divergences from subjective expected utility: imprecision of beliefs (or ambiguity), imprecision of tastes (or multi‐utility), and state dependence of utility. This paper proposes and characterizes a model of uncertainty averse preferences that can simultaneously incorporate all three phenomena. The representation supports a principled separation of (imprecise) beliefs and (potentially state‐dependent, imprecise) tastes. Moreover, the representation permits comparative statics separating the roles of beliefs and tastes, and is modular: it easily delivers special cases involving various combinations of the phenomena, as well as state‐dependent multi‐utility generalizations covering popular ambiguity models.
Measuring Group Differences in High‐Dimensional Choices: Method and Application to Congressional Speech
Authors: Gentzkow Matthew , Shapiro Jesse M. , Taddy Matt
Published: July 2019

We study the problem of measuring group differences in choices when the dimensionality of the choice set is large. We show that standard approaches suffer from a severe finite‐sample bias, and we propose an estimator that applies recent advances in machine learning to address this bias. We apply this method to measure trends in the partisanship of congressional speech from 1873 to 2016, defining partisanship to be the ease with which an observer could infer a congressperson's party from a single utterance. Our estimates imply that partisanship is far greater in recent years than in the past, and that it increased sharply in the early 1990s after remaining low and relatively constant over the preceding century.
MAPSS: An Intelligent Architecture for the Pedagogical Support
Authors: Hrich Najoua , Lazaar Mohamed , Khaldi Mohamed
Published: July 2019

The multi-agent systems (MAS) are a part of artificial intelligence (AI), they have emerged today in the development of major e-learning platforms. Their integration has given new impetus to learning environments by the possibility of integrating new parameters (psychological, pedagogical, ergonomic…) favoring a better adaptation to the learner. In addition, the multiagent approach offers the possibility to design flexible solutions based on a set of agents which are in continuous communication to accomplish the tasks entrusted to them.

In this paper, we propose a model of pedagogical support based on a coupling of ontology and multi-agent systems for a synergy of their forces and the important contribution they can make to improve the learning-teaching process.

Previous work has been the subject of theoretical foundation related to competency evaluation, and development of an ontology and an algorithm for evaluating competency. As a continuity, we present the design of Multiagent Pedagogical Support System (MaPSS) and the different scenarios of its utilization.
Towards a New Generation of Intelligent Tutoring Systems
Authors: Beyyoudh Mohammed , Khalidi Idrissi Mohammed , Bennani Samir
Published: July 2019

In this paper, a new approach of intelligent tutoring systems based on adaptive workflows and serious games is proposed. The objective is to use workflows for learning and evaluation process in the activity-based learning context. We aim to implement a system that allow the coexistence of an intelligent tutor and a human tutor who could control and follow-up the execution of the learning processes and intervene in blocking situations. Serious games will be the pillar of the evalu-ation process. The purpose is to provide new summative evaluation methods that increase learner’s motivation and encourage them to learn.
DEVELOPING AN ENERGY BENCHMARKING SYSTEM FOR HOTEL BUILDINGS USING THE STATISTICAL METHOD AND THE SIMULATION-BASED APPROACH
Authors: Nguyen Anh Tuan , Rockwood David
Published: July 2019

Due to increased tourist activity, many cities now have a large number of hotel buildings. It is necessary to establish measures to evaluate energy use intensity to effectively manage energy consumption in this sector. This study uses a combined strategy to establish an energy benchmark for hotel buildings in Vietnam. First, a survey and analysis of actual building stock data of 50 hotels in Danang, Vietnam, was conducted. The survey-based benchmark and its related data was then used to build a reference energy model to estimate an energy benchmark for other climatic regions in Vietnam by using the energy simulation method. The results reveal that the average energy use intensity for hotels in Danang was 87.4 kWh/m2.year or 8628.6 kWh/guestroom.year. However, this study proposes that because of the differing expectations of comfort standards, hotels of different grades should have separate benchmarks. This study also proposes an energy intensity-based rating scale, including 7 grades from the least energy intensive (grade A) to the most energy intensive (grade G), which can be used to manage, label, or encourage sustainable energy use in hotel buildings. The relationship between the energy use intensity and the occupancy rate of the hotels was reported, compared, and explained. It was found that occupancy rate has no significant impact on the energy use intensity. From the survey result, some predictive models were developed to estimate annual energy consumption of hotel buildings based on their grades. The simulated benchmarks for other regions were also achieved. The results demonstrate many potential applications in the management, design and construction, and renovation of this building type.
ENERGY USE EXCELLENCE AND THE BUILDING ENVELOPE
Authors: Anderson Jodi Smits
Published: July 2019

We have spent the last 40–50 years working for energy efficiency in our buildings, and we have done so by increasing the performance of the heating, cooling, lighting, and ventilation systems we use. Only recently have we realized the importance of the building envelope in this endeavor. The spaces within a building are created to support the purpose and programs of that building, and it is the envelope made up of the walls, windows, doors, roof, skylights, and floor that protect and shelter those programs and purpose. In this article we will explore various components of the building envelope and discuss ways to achieve optimal energy use.
A REVIEW OF LIFE CYCLE RESEARCH OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT AT DIFFERENCE SCALES: A CITATION ANALYSIS USING BIG DATA
Authors: Hu Ming
Published: July 2019

Life cycle assessment has been used as an analysis tool to help decision-makers plan for mass urbanization and building construction; however, the research to date focuses on either the individual building scale or overall urban scale. Although several methodologies have been applied to both scales, the results have not been reconciled or synchronized. In light of this, this paper first presents a systematic literature review using bibliometric network data to assess state-of-the-art knowledge of the use of LCA at different scales from 1990–2017. Second, the paper identifies the main research foci at the building and urban scales. At the building scale, three research focal points are identified: building materials and products, design solutions, and energy consumption/emissions reduction. At the urban scale, there are three research areas of focus as well: urbanization and infrastructure planning, urban metabolism (water/energy/waste synergy), and complexity of urban issues. Next, the most influential papers and journals are presented. Drawing upon the findings from the literature review, major gaps in current research activities are identified as the building-centric approach, energy performance–centric approach, and lack of consideration for uncertainties. These are critical areas requiring further study and research.
Are Online Reviews Helpful for Consumers?
Authors: D'Acunto David , Tuan Annamaria , Dalli Daniele
Published: July 2019

This chapter explores the elements influencing online reviews' usefulness by focusing on the language that consumers use when writing online reviews and on reviewers' attributes. By using text mining tools, the authors investigate how reviews' language affects their usefulness perception (i.e., the number of times readers have marked them as useful). The dataset consists of more than 54,000 online reviews from the most frequently used e-WOM source currently available and covers the period 2005-2017. The results suggest that word count and some of reviews' linguistic features (e.g., the subjectivity score, authenticity score) influence their usefulness perception. Reviewers' attributes (i.e., their number of reviews, age, class, and gender) also affect their reviews' perceived usefulness. The chapter concludes by describing the study results' implications for theory development, for empirical research, and for managerial practice.
Business Case of the Affiliate Marketing Business Model
Authors: Damnjanovic Vesna
Published: July 2019

This chapter will provide a description of affiliate marketing models, their advantages and disadvantages. A lot of companies use affiliate marketing models for providing better consumer acquisition and sales results in online arena recommending to other companies or users their products or services. The authors present business case of Catena Media and Askgamblers.com, the leading Casino Affiliate Business Model. Affiliate programs are business that use affiliate marketing to promote their casino worldwide. Today most online casinos offer commissions to private advertisers for sending traffic to their website. They usually use commission-based fee or revenue sharing models to pay affiliates.
Evaluation of RFID Tag Anti-Collision Algorithms in Supply Chain Automation
Authors: Pal Kamalendu
Published: July 2019

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a technology that uses radio frequency signals to identify tagged objects. RFID is an important technology used by the Internet of Things (IoT) applications. This technology enables communication between the main devices used in RFID system, the reader, and the tags. The tags share a common communication channel. Therefore, if more than one tag tries to send information at the same time, the reader will be incapable of differentiating these signals in the case of radio signals interference. This phenomenon is known as tag collision problem. The problem of tag collision is one of the major disadvantages for fast tagged-object identification in supply chain management. This chapter describes four different types of binary search algorithms for avoidance of tag collision, and then presents a performance measurement mechanism for RFID application system. Finally, simulation-based experimental results on the performance of these algorithms are presented.
A Case for Leveraging Mobile Learning in Action Learning Teams
Authors: McCann Shawn
Published: July 2019

Action learning teams create opportunities to learn from work on real-life challenges. Use of mobile learning can promote higher-order learning while bringing teams together around new ideas where their thinking may be challenged. In this way, action learning teams use mobile devices as tools of convenience to facilitate their learning. Mobile learning for action learning teams extends beyond simple content delivery and provides a platform that can introduce flow states and make space for critical reflection. The integration of mobile learning into action learning teams allows for the cultivation of individual creativity and maximization of group, virtual or face-to-face meetings.. This chapter will discuss the integration of mobile devices and detail multiple mobile learning exercises that action learning teams may use to promote creativity and critical reflection.
Developing an “App-titude” for Cooking
Authors: Krenn Jamie L.
Published: July 2019

Food preparation for preschool and elementary school children is described from the perspective of enhancing cognition and learning through the use of mobile devices. While most children are too young to use a stove or slice with a knife, with proper guidance and simulated experiences through mobile devices, children can actively contribute to food choice, preparation, and knowledge while educators contribute knowledge from various academic areas. The kitchen can be a positive learning environment for the educator, the student, and potentially, people in the student's household, as part of an effort to develop a positive attitude toward food preparation. Updated learning implications, more current apps, and cooking curriculum suggestions are provided, along with future research recommendations.
Machitia
Authors: Organista Joél-Léhi
Published: July 2019

Machitia is an educator-focused mobile app prototype where educators create, collaborate, and share lesson plans. These lesson plans embed the following liberating and transformative theoretical frameworks and pedagogies called in this chapter “circles of liberation”: (1) Dis/ability critical race theory (DisCrit), (2) biliteracy, (3) culturally sustaining pedagogy, (4) radical healing, (5) critical pedagogy, (6) proficiency-based learning, (7) queer theory, and (8) decolonizing theory. After introducing those frameworks, a mapping of currently existing educator-focused platforms prelude the review of mobile technology theoretical frameworks Machitia's design incorporates. Then, the discussion turns to how all the circles of liberation and mobile technology theoretical frameworks manifest as features within Machitia. By the end of the chapter, learners and educators will have a sense of the various possibilities of, and the need for, an education-focused liberation platform.
Dynamical Forensic Inference for Malware in IoT-Based Wireless Transmissions
Authors: Bhardwaj Rashmi , Bangia Aashima
Published: July 2019

Mathematical models show the transmission of malware into internet of things (IoT)-based wireless-grid through a disease model in which the sensor nodes are affected and cause crashes and various harms. The harmful nodes either become transmitters of e-worms or completely get destroyed. E-worms approaching the sensor node undergo a trade-off which requires fast-tracking the velocity of its spread utilizing larger transmission ranges, which occurs through strenuous use of the battery, implying the reduced overall infection propagation rate in the long-term, which is equivalent to destroying the infected nodule to wreak huge costs on the setup, which happens at the price of dropping the chance of contaminating new vulnerable nodes in the future. The numerical simulation using Lyapunov exponents, entropy for ascertaining intellectual defense strategies, could restrict the harm through suitably choosing network parameters.
Biometrics for Forensic Identification in Web Applications and Social Platforms Using Deep Learning
Authors: Arora Shefali , Bhatia M. P. S.
Published: July 2019

Biometric authentication is being increasingly used in various applications to identify people using various traits. This can be of use in various applications like forensics, passport control, etc. In the rapidly growing era of internet, it is necessary to restrict access to data on the web. Security and customer usage are some of the essential parameters which should be taken care of in a web biometric system. Also, biometric technology has been implemented on social media platforms so as to save users from cyber-attacks and breach of privacy. This chapter provides an overview of how a web biometric system works, with an approach to use deep learning algorithms to identify traits like face, iris, and fingerprints. Such techniques can also be used to authenticate people in e-commerce applications. Further, the authors discuss the implementation of biometric verification techniques on social networking platforms like Facebook, Twitter, etc.
Image Processing Techniques Aiding Smart Agriculture
Authors: Tripathy Aspira S. , Sharma Deepak Kumar
Published: July 2019

With the ever-increasing load of satiating the agricultural demands, the transition of the orthodox methods into smart ones is inevitable. The agriculture sector for long has served as a momentous source of livelihood for many globally. It is arguably a major topic for nations of the development spectrum, contributing towards their export earnings and aiding in their GDP assessment. Thus, it is quite conspicuous that nations would work towards its expansion. In congruence, the burgeoning population and its demands have posed a threat to the environment due to extensive exploitation of resources, which in turn is escalating towards the downfall of the quality and quantity of agricultural produces requiring a 70% increment in the produces by 2050 for sustainability. To combat such hurdles, developed techniques are being employed. Through a survey of existing literature, this chapter provides a comprehensive overview of various image processing means that could come in handy for ameliorating the present scenario and shows their implied extension in the smart farming world.
Agro Guardian
Authors: Hatture Sanjeevakumar M. , Naik Susen P.
Published: July 2019

The mechanization of the process creates agriculture-based jobs for farmers, providing financial support and facilitating affordable agriculture equipment and machineries. Fruits markets are subject of opportunity and it is important to the suppliers to identify the quality of fruits based on the ripeness level of fruits before selling out in order to get higher level of profit. The proposed framework is an Android application in native language of the farmer to help the jobless farmers to find agriculture-based jobs suitable to their skill set and receive investments from various investors across the country. Further, it finds investment for the needy farmers and create suitable agricultural employment for jobless farmers so that there is an increase in the progress in the field of agriculture. It also facilitates the farmers with advanced equipment for performing various agricultural tasks, obtains the land on lease, and determines various stages of ripeness of fruit and provides the information about the government project and funding facilities.
A Study on Technology-LED Solutions for Fruit Grading to Address Post-Harvest Handling Issues of Horticultural Crops
Authors: Arun Kumar R.  , Rajpurohit Vijay S. , Kautish Sandeep
Published: July 2019

The reduction of post-harvest losses and value addition of the horticultural corps has attained the higher priority of the current research works. Grading is the major phase in post-harvest handling. Presently grading is done on the basis of observation and through experience. Various drawbacks associated with such manual grading are subjectivity, tediousness, labor requirements, availability, inconsistency, etc. Such problems can be alleviated by incorporating automation in the process. Researchers round the clock are working towards the development of technology-driven solutions in order to grade/sort/classify various agricultural and horticultural produce. With the motto of helping the researchers in the field of grading and quality assessment of fruits and other horticulture products, the present work endeavors the following major contributions: (1) a precise and comprehensive review on technology-driven solutions for grading/sorting/classification of fruits, (2) major research gaps addressed by the researchers, and (3) research gaps to be addressed.
Intensity Inhomogeneity Correction in Brain MR Images Based on Filtering Method
Authors: Sulochana C. Helen , Blessy S. A. Praylin Selva
Published: July 2019

Brain tumor is a mass of abnormal growth of cells in the brain which disturbs the normal functioning of the brain. MRI is a powerful diagnostic tool providing excellent soft tissue contrast and high spatial resolution. However, imperfections arising in the radio frequency field and scanner-related intensity artifacts in MRI produce intensity inhomogeneity. These intensity variations pose major challenges for subsequent image processing and analysis techniques. To mitigate this effect in the intensity correction process, an enhanced homomorphic unsharp masking (EHUM) method is proposed in this chapter. The main idea of the proposed EHUM method is determination of region of interest, intensity correction based on homomorphic filtering, and linear gray scale mapping followed by cutoff frequency selection of low pass filter used in the filtering process. This method first determines the ROI to overcome the halo effect between foreground and background regions. Then the intensity correction is carried out using homomorphic filtering and linear gray scale mapping.
Machine Learning in Python
Authors: Baranwal Astha , Bagwe Bhagyashree R. , M Vanitha
Published: July 2019

Diabetes is a disease of the modern world. The modern lifestyle has led to unhealthy eating habits causing type 2 diabetes. Machine learning has gained a lot of popularity in the recent days. It has applications in various fields and has proven to be increasingly effective in the medical field. The purpose of this chapter is to predict the diabetes outcome of a person based on other factors or attributes. Various machine learning algorithms like logistic regression (LR), tuned and not tuned random forest (RF), and multilayer perceptron (MLP) have been used as classifiers for diabetes prediction. This chapter also presents a comparative study of these algorithms based on various performance metrics like accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and F1 score.
Application of Machine Learning Techniques in Healthcare
Authors: Sathya D.  , Sudha V.  , Jagadeesan D.
Published: July 2019

Machine learning is an approach of artificial intelligence (AI) where the machine can automatically learn and improve its performance on experience. It is not explicitly programmed; the data is fed into the generic algorithm and it builds logic based on the data provided. Traditional algorithms have to define new rules or massive rules when the pattern varies or the number of patterns increases, which reduces the accuracy or efficiency of the algorithms. But the machine learning algorithms learn new input patterns capable of handling complex situations while maintaining accuracy and efficiency. Due to its effectual benefits, machine learning algorithms are used in various domains like healthcare, industries, travel, game development, social media services, robotics, and surveillance and information security. In this chapter, the application of machine learning technique in healthcare is discussed in detail.
A Primer on Substance Use and Islam
Authors: Mackinem Mitchell Brent , Sporl Christi
Published: July 2019

There is a paucity of research on the rates of alcohol and drug use among Muslim peoples. Many of the publications on substance use and abuse among Muslims tend to focus on the Qur'an's explicit prohibition against the use of mood-altering substances. Epidemiological studies of use, if they show lower use in a specific country, tend to ascribe the lower rates of use to the religious prohibitions is Islam. Such models are overly simplistic in that the perceived outcome is ascribed to a single variable: religion. This chapter will explore the value of the ecological model of substance use/abuse in understanding, assessing, and treating Muslim clients. The ecological model helps move Muslims from a unidimensional characterization to a fuller and nuanced understanding.
Culturally-Sensitive Approaches to Dying
Authors: Ritter Lacey J.
Published: July 2019

Transformations in understanding the dying process include a focus on the holistic life of the individual, particularly understanding and respecting ethnic and religious variations in the dying process and end-of-life care. This is vital to ensure the dying process is considered a “good” one. Health services professionals are often lacking in culturally-appropriate training for dying patients that ranges outside pain management and physical symptom maintenance. Dying, however, does not just happen to the physical body. It is necessary to care for a patient's religious, social, and psychological selves as well. This chapter focuses on healthcare practices for professionals involved in end-of-life care, particularly for Muslim patients. Emphasis is placed on the role of cultural and religious understanding in providing patients and their families with a good dying experience.
Post-Mortem Practices in Muslim Populations
Authors: Bagasra Omar , Bagasra Anisah
Published: July 2019

The chapter introduces the reader to the main post-mortem rituals in Islam, specifically pre-burial rituals of washing, shrouding, and preparing the body for burial, funeral customs, and the actual burial process. It outlines issues of concern for Muslims including the practices of embalming, autopsy, and organ donation. The chapter also discusses contemporary challenges facing Muslims living in Western countries attempting to adhere to traditional Islamic post-mortem practices and ways that Muslim communities and services providers are addressing these challenges.
An Analysis of 100 Muslim Email Counseling Clients
Authors: Sumer Sheima Salam
Published: July 2019

This chapter analyzes 100 of the author's Muslim clients to learn about their most common problems, demographic information, number of emails typically exchanged, and number of resolved and unresolved cases. The most common problems were marital, family (non-marital) issues, depression symptoms, and anxiety symptoms. Eighty-four percent of clients were women and 16% were men. Most clients were from either the Indian subcontinent or North America and were in their twenties. The average number of email exchanges (a single client's email and the author's therapeutic response) was six. Of the 100 clients, 36 cases were resolved, 57 cases were unresolved, and 7 cases are ongoing. The main type of marital problem faced was infidelity (physical and non-physical). Islam-informed cognitive behavioral techniques, as well as relevant Islamic teachings to use in therapy, are recommended and explained. An overall finding is that global Muslim clients seek online counseling for mostly relationship problems.
Environmental Management Accounting
Authors: Căpușneanu Sorinel , Topor Dan Ioan , Constantin Dana Maria (Oprea) , Manole Alexandru Lucian , Hint Mihaela Stefan
Published: July 2019

This chapter provides a business perspective on the policies and benefits provided by implementing environmental managerial accounting in various areas of activity. The main objectives of this chapter are to present the evolution of the EMA and its policies, business analyses carried out by specialists, including the benefits of implementing the EMA. All of these objectives are transposed into a case study based on the ABC method performed at an energy company. The implementation steps specific to the ABC method are presented by establishing the list of main activities, cost drivers, allocation of indirect costs, and determining unit costs. The theoretical aspects presented the basic national and international studies in the literature. The case study is based on data obtained from the energy company. The chapter ends with the authors' conclusions on the benefits of implementing EMA/ABC. This chapter contributes to the expansion of the theoretical and empirical framework of EMA and the methods used to implement it within various business companies.
Planning, Budgeting, and Green Controlling
Authors: Tamaș Attila Szora , Barbu Cristian-Marian , Rakos Ileana-Sorina , Solomon Alina-Georgiana
Published: July 2019

The issue of this chapter is to illustrate the aspects of planning, budgeting, and controlling green activities within an economic entity and their impact on the profitability of the entity. The objectives of this chapter are to present the strategic planning, budgeting, and control/controlling processes; the presentation of the principles underlying the budgeting; and the presentation of a case study on the elaboration of the budgetary process and the controlling of an economic entity in the manufacturing field. The chapter presents the types of integrated budgets and how to report the achievement of the objectives. By providing effective information on planning and budgeting, green controlling becomes an indispensable tool for any economic entity in monitoring and measuring performance. Thus, through the contribution made, a new theoretical and empirical framework is created by the authors, which facilitates the identification of new ideas, themes, and debates of other aspects encountered in the activity of the economic entities.
The Concept of Corporate Reporting and Audit Quality
Authors: Cordoș George Silviu , Fülöp Melinda Timea , Măgdaș Nicolae
Published: July 2019

The responsibility of auditors is a controversial topic that has brought much debate amongst academics and experts alike in recent years. This chapter's aim is to set the framework in which audit reporting exists: part of the wider landscape of corporate reporting and the final fragment of the sphere of the financial statements audit quality. By using a general-to-specific deductive approach, the authors discuss the international and European perspectives on the process of financial statement audits, as well as the stakeholders or audit and audit reporting, in order to clearly define the regulatory space in which any changes in this field occur. The authors also discuss the theories that explain the process of audit reporting, with an emphasis on the lending credibility theory, the inspired confidence theory, and the sociology of education theory. The authors consider that these theories explain the improvements undertaken to improve the communicative value of the audit quality.
Virtual Worlds for Developing Intercultural Competence
Authors: Machado Lisiane , Freitas Angilberto , Schlemmer Eliane , Pedron Cristiane Drebes
Published: July 2019

The authors present a framework for developing intercultural competence (IC) and use tridimensional digital virtual worlds (3DVW) as environments for developing IC. They developed an artifact, via design research, constituted by an educational method using the 3DVW Second Life® as the place for a virtual exchange program between 92 Brazilian and Portuguese master students. The results of the study indicate that the 3DVW can be used for the development of IC because it allows rich experiential and relational/conversational learning opportunities, especially due to the affordances of immersion/sense of presence, social interaction, content production, and knowledge sharing. The students involved in the virtual exchange inside Second Life® had to practice a set of attitudes and skills such as communication skills; culture-specific knowledge; understanding others' worldviews; skills to analyze, evaluate, and relate; skills to listen, observe, and interpret; respect, openness; tolerance for ambiguity, among other, that are all attributes of IC.
The Kinetics of Magnesium Carbonate Crystallization for Traditional Salt Production Wastewater Recovery
Authors: Apriani Mirna , Hadi Wahyono , Masduqi Ali
Published: July 2019

The kinetics of crystallization of magnesium carbonate (nesquehonite) at room temperature (27°C) has been examined using an electrical conductivity method during process of nucleation. Magnesium carbonate hydrate from a reaction of magnesium chloride (MgCl2) and sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) in supersaturated condition was analyzed. Variations of batch reactor experimental are magnesium chloride initial concentration (500-3.000 mg/L) and operating pH (8-14). In this paper, we studied the crystallization kinetics of magnesium carbonate via an electrical conductivity method, a concentration monitoring method. By monitoring electrical conductivity during the solution reaction process, changes in [Mg2+] can be measured and an induction period of nucleation could be determined. Crystal has been formed was confirmed with powder X-ray Diffractometer (XRD) analyses. The results show that magnesium carbonate is formed during operating condition pH 10 with magnesium chloride initial concentration 3.000 mg/L. The nucleation process of magnesium carbonate crystallization can be represented by second-order reaction equation with R2 is 0.8. The induction period of magnesium carbonate crystallization is 50 second.
Torrefaction of Empty Fruit Bunch as Fibrous Biomass Pre-Treatment
Authors: Laksmi Nugraha Endah , Hantoro Ridho
Published: July 2019

The utilization of empty bunches (EFB) as biomass still limited. EFB is used as additional fuel in palm oil mills where the combustion process is directly used. This process has deficiencies due to the characteristics of empty bunches which tend to have high water content. To achieve good combustion results, EFB required pre-treatment technique. In this study, experimental studies of EFB pre-treatment is proposed by torrefaction to improve EFB energy quality. Torrefaction of EFB is performed in several temperature variations with a range between 150-300 °C (150,200,250,300) and a certain duration (15,20,25,30,45 minutes). An investigation is done by using a calorimetric bomb, proximate analysis to find the moisture and ash content and ultimate analysis, which determined the chemical properties of the pre-treatment process. The physical properties of EFB, which fibrous and tough makes EFB size reduction difficult to reach homogenous state. Mass yield of torrefied EFB decreased with increasing temperature as well as with increasing times of torrefaction. Fundamentally, the study has highlighted the effects of torrefaction on solid fuel properties of EFB and its potential as a solid fuel for future thermal applications.
Synthesis of Bio Jet Fuel from Crude Palm Oil by HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids) Using Ni-Mo Catalyst Supported by Rice Husk Ash-Based SiO2
Authors: Zanata Mabrur , Tri Wulan Amelia Sekar , Mumtazy Muhammad Ridlo , Kurniawansyah Firman , Roesyadi Achmad
Published: July 2019

Bio jet fuel becomes one of the feasible solutions for jet fuel inadequate supply in Indonesia. However, study in this field by far has been limited. In this study, bio jet fuel was synthesized from Crude Palm Oil (CPO) by Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acid (HEFA) facilitated by Ni-Mo/SiO2 catalyst, in which the support was derived from rice husk ash. The study focused on investigating the influence of catalyst-CPO mass ratio and temperature of the catalytic process. Experimental works consisted of silica-based catalyst preparation via impregnation method, followed by sample assessments. Catalytic reactions were conducted at 20-50 bars, with temperature of reaction 300°C and 400°C. Catalyst performance were evaluated from crystallinity, composition, and activity in the reaction. Catalyst characterization shows an amorphous structured with high dispersion of Ni-Mo in rice husk ash have been produced. The HEFA process successfully obtained bio jet fuel (C10-C15 hydrocarbons) with yield and selectivity of 45.17% and 45.46%, respectively. Overall, a systematic approach shows rice husk ash has potential to be developed as a catalyst support for bio jet fuel production from crude palm oil.
Enhanced Biodiesel and Ethyl Levulinate Production from Rice Bran through Non Catalytic In Situ Transesterification under Subcritical Water Ethanol Mixture
Authors: Zullaikah Siti , Utami Sri , Herminanto Rifky Putra , Rachimoellah M.
Published: July 2019

In-situ transesterification method without catalysts to produce biodiesel (fatty acid ethyl esters, FAEE) from rice bran using subcritical water ethanol mixture has been investigated. This method was found to be efficient since the rice bran oil (RBO) extraction and reaction of RBO into FAEE occur simultaneously. In this process other chemical (ethyl levulinate, EL) was also formed along with FAEE. EL can be used to improve the biodiesel quality by improving the low temperature properties of biodiesel. In this study effect of co-solvent types (without co-solvent, ethyl acetate, chloroform, and n-hexane) and water ethanol ratio (20%, 40%, 50%, 60% and 80%, v/v) on the content and yield of FAEE and EL at subcritical water ethanol mixture (T= 160°C, P= 80 bar, and t= 2 h) were investigated systematically. The content and yield of FAEE and EL obtained was found to be affected by the type of co-solvent. The content of FAEE and EL obtained without co-solvent (ethanol and water polarity index were PI=5.2 and PI=10.2, respectively) and with co-solvent of ethyl acetate (PI= 4.4), chloroform (PI= 4.1) and n-hexane (PI= 0.1) were 55.80% and 3.92%, 68.63% and 1.15%, 65.56% and 2.14%, and 62.00% and 0.93%, respectively. Higher polarity index of co-solvent extracted more RBO, as consequent the yield of FAEE (79.79%) obtained was higher using ethyl acetate as co-solvent. This data also suggested that RBO contains more free fatty acids (FFA= 63.59%) rather than of triglycerides (TG= 24.94%). The content and yield of FAEE and EL decreased with increasing water ethanol ratio. The highest content of FAEE (60.57%) and EL (8.48%) and yield of FAEE (78.03%) and EL (10.92%) were obtained using water ethanol ratio of 20%, v/v.
Interfacial Reaction between Sn and Cu-Ti Alloy (C1990HP)
Authors: Laksono Andromeda Dwi , Chang Jing Shiun , Yan Jessie , Yen Yee Wen
Published: July 2019

The interfacial reaction between pure tin and substrate with the composition of Cu-4.3 at% Ti (C1990HP) was investigated using the reaction couple technique from 240 °C until 270 °C in the range 0.5~4.0h. The SEM images show the Cu6Sn5 and small precipitated Ti2Sn3 phase formed at the Sn/C1990HP interface. In addition of Ti substantially increased the amount of intermetallic compound (IMC) at the interface which separated parts of Cu6Sn5 compounds with the inner region containing more Ti than the outer. The existence of Sn/C1990HP on the liquid/solid state reaction indicates that spalling occurred with changes in reaction time and temperature. With increased reaction temperature and time, the grain produced an abnormal condition resulting in Cu6Sn5 not accumulating at the interface and spalling into the solder in addition to grain ripening and an increase in total layer thickness. The hexagonal prism-shaped Cu6Sn5 phase is found on the top of the C1990HP substrate when the Cu6Sn5 layer detaches. The reaction phase formation, detachment, and split mechanisms are proposed in this study.
Performance Characterization of Waste to Electric Prototype Uses a Dual Fuel Diesel Engine and a Multi-Stage Downdraft Gasification Reactor
Authors: Sudarmanta Bambang , Sampurno  , Dwiyantoro Bambang Arip , Gemilang Satriyo Endra , Putra Ary Bachtiar Krisna
Published: July 2019

In this research, the characterization of waste to electric prototype performance using dual fuel diesel engine and multi stage downdraft gasification reactor was conducted. Syn-gas was produced by gasification process using downdraft gasification reactor with municipal solid waste feeding. The gasification system consists of feeding system, gasification reactor, gas refinery unit, dual fuel engine generator set and system control. Before entering the gasification reactor, municipal solid waste undergoes pre-treatment process, which consists of crusher, mixing and compacting into pellets of solid waste municipal. Municipal solid waste downdraft gasifier reactor converted pellets municipal solid waste throught drying, pyrolisis, partial oxidation and reduction processes to raw syn-gas. Using syn gas refinery unit, content dust and particles on raw syn gas was cleaned by water in current mode in water scrubber, where its also acts like a cooler unit. Syn gas is further used as fuel in dual fuel diesel engines with an input mechanism using a ventury mixer. The ventury mixer mechanism was used to manage the ratio of syn gas and combustion air. Yanmar diesel engine was modified with dual fuel that used air gas integration model and coupled with generator to resulted electrical power output. Downdraft gasification reactor resulted syn gas with efficiency to 66 % with gas composition CO, CH4 and H2 are 18.01%, 1.12% and 12.55% (vol%) and heating value of 4 MJ/Kg. Multistage mechanism can reduce the tar content until only 60 mg/Nm3. Engine performance on dual fuel mode operation with specific fuel consumption 0,17 kg/kwh of diesel fuel and 8 kg/kwh of msw pellets at 80% engine load. Overall, in this dual fuel system, syn gas from gasification process is able to substitute diesel consumption up to 44%.
Wait Times for Diagnosis and Treatment of Lung Cancer: Experience of the Medical Oncology Department of Hassan II University Hospital of Fez
Authors: Benbrahim Zineb , Zouiten Othmane , Messoudi Kawthar , Atassi Mariam , Amaadour Lamiaa , Oualla Karima , Arifi Samia , ElFakir Samira , Mellas Nawfel
Published: July 2019

Background: Lung cancer is a public health problem in Morocco. Multiple clinical practice guidelines recommend rapid evaluation of patients with suspected lung cancer. It is uncertain whether delays in diagnosis and management are correlated with outcomes. The objective of this study was to evaluate if these delays have any negative effect on outcomes. Methods: This retrospective study included 140 patients diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It was conducted at the Medical Oncology Department of Fez from January 2016 to December 2017. We have studied many wait times and considered that: wait time to consult (WTC) is the delay from the first symptom to initial consultation, wait time to diagnosis (WTD) is the delay from initial consultation to diagnosis, wait time to referral (WTR) is the delay from diagnosis to referral to the oncologist, and wait time to treatment (WTT) is the time from referral to treatment initiation. Our analysis used Kaplan–Meier method to estimate the overall survival (OS). To compare the OS between wait time categories, we used the logrank test. Results: The median age was 59.46 years. The sex ratio was 6 men for 1 woman. The most common histological subtype was adenocarcinoma (58.6% of cases). Eighty-two percent of patients were diagnosed at stage IV. The median WTC was 240 days (range, 15–280 days), WTD was 45 days (13–65), WTR was 54 days (13–63), and WTT was 32 days (12–40). The only factor that was associated with a long WTD was long distance (> 60 km) to the hospital (p = 0.05). We found that short WTC, WTD, and WTR had better OS: 12 versus 3 months (p < 0.0001), 12 versus 4 months (p < 0.0001), and 14 versus 5 months (p < 0.0001), respectively. We found no difference in OS between short and long WTT. Conclusion: In our study, patients with lung cancer experience significant delays from development of symptoms to first treatment initiation. We found a clear association between survival and short delays from initial symptoms to consultation, from consultation to diagnosis, and from diagnosis to referral to the department of oncology.
Altitude profiles of CCN characteristics across the Indo-Gangetic Plain prior to the onset of the Indian summer monsoon
Authors: Jayachandran Venugopalan Nair , Suresh Babu Surendran Nair , Vaishya Aditya , Gogoi Mukunda M. , Nair Vijayakumar S. , Satheesh Sreedharan Krishnakumari , Krishna Moorthy Krishnaswamy
Published: July 2019

Abstract. Concurrent measurements of the altitude profiles of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) concentration, as a function of supersaturation (ranging from 0.2 % to 1.0 %), and aerosol optical properties (scattering and absorption coefficients) were carried out aboard an instrumented aircraft across the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) covering coastal, urban and arid environments, just prior to the onset of the Indian summer monsoon (ISM) of 2016, under the aegis of the SWAAMI - RAWEX campaign. In general, the CCN concentration has been highest in the Central IGP, decreasing spatially from east to west above the planetary boundary layer (PBL), which is ~ 1.5 km for the IGP during pre-monsoon. Despite of this, the CCN activation efficiency at 0.4 % supersaturation has been, interestingly, the highest over the eastern IGP (~ 72 %), followed by the west (~ 61 %), and has been the least over the central IGP (~ 24 %) within the PBL. In general, higher activation efficiency is noticed above the PBL than below it. The Central IGP showed remarkably low CCN activation efficiency at all the heights, which appears to be associated with high black carbon (BC) mass concentration there, indicating the role of anthropogenic sources in suppressing the CCN efficiency. First ever CCN measurements over the western IGP, encompassing "The Great Indian desert", show high CCN efficiency, ~ 61 % at 0.4 % supersaturation, indicating hygroscopic nature of the dust. The vertical structure of CCN properties is found to be airmass-dependent; with higher activation efficiency even over the central IGP during the prevalence of marine airmass. Precipitation episodes seem to reduce the CCN activation efficiency below cloud level. An empirical relation has emerged between the CCN concentration and the scattering aerosol index (AI), which would facilitate prediction of CCN from aerosol optical properties.
Using a holographic imager on a tethered balloon system for microphysical observations of boundary layer clouds
Authors: Ramelli Fabiola , Beck Alexander , Henneberger Jan , Lohmann Ulrike
Published: July 2019

Abstract. Conventional techniques to measure boundary layer clouds such as research aircrafts are unable to sample in orographic or densely-populated areas. In this paper, we present a newly developed measurement platform on a tethered balloon system (HoloBalloon) to measure in situ vertical profiles of microphysical and meteorological cloud properties up to 1 kilometer above ground. The main component of the HoloBalloon platform is a holographic imager, which uses digital in-line holography to image cloud particles in a velocity independent sample volume, making it particularly well suited for measurements on a balloon. The unique combination of holography and balloon-borne measurements allows observations with high spatial resolution, covering cloud structures from the kilometer down to the millimeter scale. We present observations of a supercooled low stratus cloud (high fog event) during a Bise situation over the Swiss Plateau in February 2018. In situ microphysical profiles up to 700 m altitude above the ground and at temperatures down to −8 °C and wind speeds up to 15 m s−1 were performed. We were able to capture unique microphysical features from the kilometer down to the meter scale. For example, we observed cloud regions with decreased cloud droplet number concentration (CDNC) and cloud droplet size at scales of 30–50 meters. These cloud inhomogeneities could arise from adiabatic compression and heating and subsequent droplet evaporation in descending air parcels. Moreover, we observed conditions favorable for the formation of boundary layer waves and Kelvin-Helmholtz instability at the cloud top. This potentially influenced the cloud structure on a scale of 10–30 kilometers, which is reflected in the variability of the CDNC.