bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nowcasting lightning occurrence from commonly available meteorological parameters using machine learning techniques
Authors: Mostajabi Amirhossein , Finney Declan L. , Rubinstein Marcos , Rachidi Farhad
Published: November 2019

Lightning discharges in the atmosphere owe their existence to the combination of complex dynamic and microphysical processes. Knowledge discovery and data mining methods can be used for seeking characteristics of data and their teleconnections in complex data clusters. We have used machine learning techniques to successfully hindcast nearby and distant lightning hazards by looking at single-site observations of meteorological parameters. We developed a four-parameter model based on four commonly available surface weather variables (air pressure at station level (QFE), air temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed). The produced warnings are validated using the data from lightning location systems. Evaluation results show that the model has statistically considerable predictive skill for lead times up to 30 min. Furthermore, the importance of the input parameters fits with the broad physical understanding of surface processes driving thunderstorms (e.g., the surface temperature and the relative humidity will be important factors for the instability and moisture availability of the thunderstorm environment). The model also improves upon three competitive baselines for generating lightning warnings: (i) a simple but objective baseline forecast, based on the persistence method, (ii) the widely-used method based on a threshold of the vertical electrostatic field magnitude at ground level, and, finally (iii) a scheme based on CAPE threshold. Apart from discussing the prediction skill of the model, data mining techniques are also used to compare the patterns of data distribution, both spatially and temporally among the stations. The results encourage further analysis on how mining techniques could contribute to further our understanding of lightning dependencies on atmospheric parameters.
A signal-on photoelectrochemical biosensor for detecting cancer marker type IV collagenase by coupling enzyme cleavage with exciton energy transfer biosensing
Authors: Chen Jiexia , Zhao Guang-Chao , Wei Yan , Feng Dexiang
Published: November 2019

A signal-on photoelectrochemical biosensor was developed for the sensitive detection of a cancer marker type IV collagenase, which relied on the exciton energy transfer between CdTe QDs and Ag NPs combined with the catalytic hydrolysis of protease.
Syntheses and structures of a new 2D layered borate and a novel 3D porous-layered aluminoborate
Authors: Chen Chong-An , Pan Rui , Yang Guo-Yu
Published: November 2019

1 features a 2D layer formed by B–O clusters, which further linked by H-bonding to form a 3D framework. 2 is a 3D porous-layered aluminoborate with seven types of interesting channel systems built by three types of B–O clusters and AlO4 units.
Enhanced desalination of electrospun activated carbon fibers with controlled pore structures in the electrosorption process
Authors: Liu Nei-Ling , Chen Lo-I , Tsai Shao-Wei , Hou Chia-Hung
Published: November 2019

Electrospun activated carbon fibers with high conductivity and favorable pore structures were prepared for enhanced electrosorption of ions.
Local scale structural changes of working OFET devices
Authors: Grodd L. S. , Mikayelyan E. , Dane T. , Pietsch U. , Grigorian S.
Published: November 2019

Spatially resolved microstructural studies of operating P3HT OFET resolved by nanoGIXD.
The vacuolization of macrophages induced by large amounts of inorganic nanoparticle uptake to enhance the immune response
Authors: Cheng Jin , Zhang Qian , Fan Sisi , Zhang Amin , Liu Bin , Hong Yuping , Guo Jinghui , Cui Daxiang , Song Jie
Published: November 2019

The vacuolization induced by PMA-coated NPs enhanced the immune response towards M1 polarization and caused lysosomal damage.
Effective detection of bacteria using metal nanoclusters
Authors: Li Dan , Kumari Beena , Makabenta Jessa Marie , Gupta Akash , Rotello Vincent
Published: November 2019

Overview of NCs-based bacterial sensing strategies.
Construction of a 1-D Sm(iii) coordination polymer with a long-chain Schiff base ligand: dual-emissive response to metal ions
Authors: Liu Jieni , Zhu Ting , Yang Xiaoping , Chen Hongfen , Shi Dongliang , Zhu Chaoqun , Schipper Desmond , Jones Richard A.
Published: November 2019

A 1-D coordination polymer [Sm(HL)2(NO3)]n was constructed using a new flexible Schiff base ligand that has a long-chain (CH2)10 backbone, and it shows dual-emissive response to metal ions, especially to Co2+ at the ppm level.
The protective effect of propofol on ionizing radiation-induced hematopoietic system damage in mice
Authors: Han Xiaoliang , Sun Fengtao , Zhang Ying , Wang Jinyan , Liu Qingguo , Gao Ping , Zhang Shubo
Published: November 2019

Propofol protects against radiation-induced hematopoietic system damage by reducing cellular ROS, partly through the Nrf2 pathway.
Rapid room-temperature synthesis of ultrasmall cubic Mg–Mn spinel cathode materials for rechargeable Mg-ion batteries
Authors: Kobayashi Hiroaki , Yamaguchi Kazuya , Honma Itaru
Published: November 2019

An ultrasmall cubic Mg–Mn spinel obtained by an alcohol reduction process is demonstrated as a cathode candidate for rechargeable Mg-ion batteries.
Hydrogen-bonding-induced assembly of aligned cellulose nanofibers into ultrastrong and tough bulk materials
Authors: Han Xiaoshuai , Ye Yuhang , Lam Frank , Pu Junwen , Jiang Feng
Published: November 2019

Structural materials with exceptional strength and toughness are assembled through water induced hydrogen bonding among cellulose nanofibers, providing significant finding that water can serve as structural molecules to bridge natural polymers.
A self-assembled RNA-triple helix hydrogel drug delivery system targeting triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Ding Lairong , Li Junwei , Wu Changrong , Yan Feng , Li Xuemei , Zhang Shusheng
Published: November 2019

A novel RNA-triple-helix hydrogel for treatment of triple negative breast cancers (TNBCs) by incorporating RNA-triple-helix and siRNA duplexes of CXCR4 into the same RNA nanoparticles was developed, without the synthetic polycationic reagents.
High-performance and moisture-stable perovskite solar cells with a 2D modified layer via introducing a high dipole moment cation
Authors: Xu Huifen , Sun Yuhai , Zheng Haiying , Liu Guozhen , Xu Xiaoxiao , Xu Shendong , Zhang Liying , Chen Xiaojing , Pan Xu
Published: November 2019

A (FEA)2PbI4 2D modified layer with a high dipole moment was introduced at the interface between the perovskite absorber layer and the hole transport layer. The modified perovskite solar cells showed high performance and excellent moisture stability.
Modelling and performance analysis of FFR‐aided two layer aerial‐terrestrial network
Authors: Saluja Deepak , Kumar Suman
Published: November 2019

Exploiting aerial base stations (A‐BSs) in conjunction with terrestrial base stations (T‐BSs) is an effective solution to provide uniform coverage everywhere, and anytime. However, the addition of A‐BSs in an existing terrestrial network would intensify the inter‐cell interference to user equipment, leads to a degraded signal‐to‐interference‐ratio. There is a need to exploit inter‐cell‐interference‐coordination (ICIC) scheme in such aerial‐terrestrial network. Further, the aerial‐terrestrial network requires a multi‐layer environment to be modelled in many scenarios. In this study, the authors propose fractional frequency reuse (FFR) scheme as an ICIC scheme for two‐layer aerial‐terrestrial network. The analytical expression of coverage probability and average rate are derived for the proposed scheme, and compare it with the scheme, where no ICIC is considered in aerial‐terrestrial network, and conventional scheme, where only T‐BSs are considered. It is shown that the proposed scheme outperforms the no ICIC scheme and conventional scheme. Simulation results are shown to support their analytical results.
Unified multiple access structure based on FBMC modulation for multi‐RAT coexistence in heterogeneous wireless networks
Authors: Bian Xin , Rui Yun , Lv Lu , Li Jing , Song Rongfang
Published: November 2019

With the evolution of the fifth generation (5G) and beyond heterogeneous wireless networks, telecommunications operators and researchers are driven to develop advanced transmission technologies that enable the coexistence of multiple radio access technologies (multi‐RATs). By employing the efficient implementation of filter‐bank multi‐carrier (FBMC) transceiver and the scalable matrix transformation (SMT) module, in this study, a unified multiple access architecture termed as FBMC‐SMT is proposed, which is capable of flexibly integrating with both 3G and 4G transmission schemes and improving the system performance. As a special case of FBMC‐SMT, the performance evaluation of FBMC‐CDMA is conducted by extensive simulation. It is verified that FBMC‐CDMA with 16 subbands allocated outperforms the traditional single carrier wideband code division multiple access when the number of code channels assigned is larger than 5. Moreover, the signal‐to‐interference‐plus‐noise ratio analysis of FBMC‐SMT is also given and matches the simulation results very well. Hence, the proposed FBMC‐SMT can serve as a unified architecture to flexibly integrate multi‐RATs, thus to meet variable application requirements in 5G and beyond heterogeneous wireless networks.
Efficiency measurement of the flexible on‐body antenna at varying levels of stretch in a reverberation chamber
Authors: Tajin Md Abu Saleh , Bshara Oday , Liu Yuqiao , Levitt Ariana , Dion Genevieve , Dandekar Kapil R.
Published: November 2019

Flexible antennas have the potential to transform wearable and fabric‐based wireless sensing technologies. The antenna discussed in this study is part of a sensing system that uses the back‐scattered power level as the decision metric. For a good wireless sensor, it is necessary to offer a feasible read range and maintain good distinctions in the back‐scattered power levels between the different states (i.e. level of stretch) of the antenna. Moreover, effects due to human body proximity should be minimised. For these reasons, the radiation efficiency is a crucial parameter to investigate. This study presents the radiation efficiency measurement of the proposed flexible knitted ‘Bellyband’ antenna at two different levels of stretch in a reverberation chamber. This work validates the reverberation chamber measurements through comparison with simulations and anechoic chamber measurements at 900 MHz. Moreover, this work demonstrates how the approach can be used to quantify bellyband antenna efficiency in the vicinity of a human body. Finally, the efficiency results were used to predict the read range of Bellyband radio frequency identification technology.
Performance improvement of direct torque controlled five‐phase induction motor in context of common‐mode voltage, torque ripple and demagnetisation under low speed region
Authors: Tatte Yogesh , Aware Mohan , Kumar Singh Ankit
Published: November 2019

This study focuses on the performance improvement of direct torque controlled (DTC) five‐phase induction motor (FPIM). The performance indices are common‐mode voltage (CMV), torque ripple and demagnetisation during low‐speed operation. The three‐level five‐phase inverter (TL‐FPI) is used for feeding the FPIM, since more voltage vectors are available in TL‐FPI than its two‐level counterpart. Among available 243 voltage vectors, 41 non‐vertex voltage vectors are employed. These 41 voltage vectors through seven‐level torque comparator (SLTC) fires an inverter. The SLTC reduces the torque ripple. All the employed 41 voltage vectors have zero CMV output. The voltage vectors are selected so that the magnitude of radial component of the resultant stator flux under low‐speed operation is more than the same under normal speed operation. This modification resolves the problem of demagnetisation during low‐speed operation. The proposed method achieves the intended targets without losing simplicity and dynamics of the classical DTC method. The performance improvement of the five‐phase machine is validated through several results.
GNSS‐based passive UAV monitoring: a feasibility study
Authors: Ilioudis Christos , Clemente Carmine , Soraghan John
Published: November 2019

As unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are becoming more accessible and easier to use, the need for a reliable and easy to deploy monitoring solution has become the subject of great importance in defence, security, and commercial sectors. In this work, a novel passive bistatic radar is proposed to facilitate UAV detection and localisation by exploiting global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) as illuminators of opportunity. The result of a feasibility study conducted to determine the maximum operational range of the system under different configurations as well as its parameter estimation capabilities was evaluated through simulations. To facilitate multiple satellite signals, a multiple‐input single‐output approach is adapted to estimate the target's location and velocity.
Preparation of fluorescent carbon dots from peat for Fe3+ sensing and cellular imaging
Authors: Han Shuai , Wu Baoshuang , Wang Hong , Wang Guangshuo , Yang Jiajia , He Leqin , Wei Fangfang , Qin Shenjun
Published: November 2019

Novel fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) were fabricated using the hydrothermal carbonisation method by peat, which is a very abundant and low‐cost natural material in the world. The transmission electron microscopy images revealed that the peat‐derived CDs (PCDs) are well‐crystalline with an average size of 4 nm. Fourier transform infrared and X‐ray photoelectron spectra suggested large amounts of oxygenous functionality which made the synthesised PCDs water‐soluble. The optical characterisations turned out that PCDs showed a stable and excellent excitation‐dependent photoluminescence (PL), while the quantum yield was calculated to be 18.3%. As the PL of the PCDs could be efficiently quenched by ferric ions with a low‐detection limit of 20 nM, the as‐prepared PCDs could be employed as a highly fluorescent probe for ferric ions. Furthermore, the obtained PCDs have been successfully used for fluorescent imaging and Fe3+ detecting at cell level.
Physical insight and performance metrics of monolayer MX2 heterojunction TFETs
Authors: Alam Khairul
Published: November 2019

The physics and performance of monolayer MX2 heterojunction n TFETs are studied using a quantum simulation. The imaginary wave vector reveals that WTe2 is the most promising source material. Results of heterojunction TFETs with WTe2 source material and of WTe2 homojunction TFET reveal that WTe2–MoS2 heterojunction TFET is the most promising candidate with a 620 μA/μm drive current for a 0.3 volt gate swing. The energy gap between the valence band of source material and the conduction band of channel material, , is the key parameter for high drive current. The WTe2–MoS2 heterojunction has the smallest value that results in small band bending near the heterojunction, which creates the shortest tunnel path and therefore yields the highest drive current. The WTe2–MoS2 TFET has an average turn‐on slope of 15.6 mV/dec, an on/off current ratio of , a drive current of 620 μA/μm, a transconductance of 10.98 mS/μm, a total capacitance of 0.829 fF/μm, a switching delay of 0.401 ps, and a cutoff frequency of 2.1 THz. The performance metrics closely comply with the ITRS 2026 LOP and LSTP device requirements. Its value of 11.97 μA/μm is large enough to compete with MOSFETs.
The interaction effects between droplets condensing from moist air using a distributed point sink method
Authors: Zheng Shaofei , Eimann Ferdinand , Philipp Christian , Fieback Tobias , Gross Ulrich
Published: November 2019

In modelling dropwise condensation, growth of the droplet is frequently assumed in an isolated form. However, for dropwise condensation of moist air the vapor diffusion from the surrounding to the droplet surface will be tremendously influenced by the blocking effect of the neighboring droplets. The influenced spatial distribution of water vapor totally determines a different condensation rate comparing with that by the isolated droplet model. In this work, a distributed point method (DPSM) as the methodof Green function is developed to capture the interaction effects of droplets without requiring solution of the diffusion equation and the numerical discretization. Due to its nature, the automaticallysatisfied boundary conditions make sure the solution accuracy based on the uniqueness theorem. The significant characteristics for the interaction effects between droplets are investigated by handling a series of droplet arrays. During dropwise condensation, a typical droplet array containing up to 1000 droplets is considered. The results indicate that the interaction effect between droplets is critical in accurately predicting the condensation behavior for dropwise condensation in the presence of non-condensable gas.
Cooling load and noise characterization modeling for photovoltaic driven building integrated thermoelectric cooling devices
Authors: Dehra Himanshu
Published: November 2019

Photovoltaic driven thermoelectric cooling devices are investigated for installation in a modular outdoor test-room. Because of Peltier effect in a thermoelectric cooling (TEC), heating and cooling is achieved by applying a voltage difference across the thermoelectric module. Theoretical design modeling of cooling load and noise characterization of building integrated Thermoelectric (TEC) Devices is analyzed. System design of photovoltaic driven TEC devices is investigated with varying fresh outdoor ventilation rates. Building integrated design of TEC devices inside ceiling suspended duct along with TEC devices mounted on wall driven by rooftop and active façade photovoltaic devices is considered in the analysis. In this way, two-stage dehumidification is achieved by two different sets of TEC devices. The investigation is conducted for effect of voltage, air flow rate and height of fin heat transfer surface. Expressions along with results for noise characterization in photovoltaic driven building integrated TEC devices are also provided.
A new simulation method for laser speckle imaging to investigate hemodynamics
Authors: Sang X , Li D , Chen B
Published: November 2019

Speckle simulation is a powerful protocol to investigate the properties of speckle and evaluate image processing method. However, only static speckle images can be simulated by available methods without considering time-integrated effect of CCD. A time–integrated dynamic speckle simulation method basedon coherent imaging was developed. Through the new simulation method, the effect of speckle size on LSCI was investigated. The smaller the speckle size is, the higher the spatial resolution become.But the one-dimensional speckle size should exceed two pixels to sample the speckle pattern. The characteristics of existing speckle contrast imaging methods were studied based on spatial statistics, and optimal parameters are given to obtain accurate and less noisy image. In general, the new simulation method for laser speckle imaging is a powerful tool to monitor blood flow in vivo and lay a solid foundation for the study of hemodynamics.
Modelling of non-stationary pressure fluctuations during boiling in a minichannel
Authors: Mosdorf Romuald , Grzybowski Hubert , Gruszczyńska Iwona
Published: November 2019

Boiling in a minichannel occurring at a low mass flow rate is accompanied by non-stationary twophase flow. The analysis of pressure fluctuations during non-stationary boiling in minichannel shows that quasi-periodic changes in flow patterns can be observed in such fluctuations. We can define in such a way the sequences, which are called “oscillating boiling patterns”. In the present paper the model, which allows us to simulate the appearance of “oscillating boiling patterns” has been presented. In the proposed model the mass flow rate changes (because of evaporation and condensation) are modelled by compressible volumes representing various sizes bubbles. In the paper the good quality agreement between experimental data and simulation results has been achieved. Experimental data was collected during the boiling in open minichannels system with inner diameter of 1 mm.
Numerical estimation of thermal load in a three blade vertically agitated mixer
Authors: Singh Tomar Anshul , K G Harish , Prakash K Arul
Published: November 2019

The objective of this study is to understand the flow physics and resulting heat transfer behind the mixing of highly viscous solid propellant in a vertical three blade mixer. The mixer comprises a four-winged central agitator rotating in the counter-clockwise direction and two other two-winged agitators rotating in clockwise direction. The temperature rises due to the shearing of the solid propellant. Uncontrolled temperature rise may result in the self-ignition of the propellant and other fire hazards. Thus it becomes important to quantify the heat generated due to viscous dissipation to attain a controlled atmosphere for mixing. A detailed CFD analysis is carried out, and two-dimensional energy equation with viscous dissipation term is solved to quantify the temperature rise due to viscous dissipation. The effect of angular velocity of the agitator and viscosity of the propellant over temperature rise is studied quantitatively using the overset method in OpenFOAM. The maximum velocity of the propellant is observed at the tip of agitators, whereas maximum temperature rise is found around the vicinity of the blade profile. A correlation is proposed to predict the temperature rise with time due to the viscous effect for the given range of angular velocity.
Modelling and simulation of wool steaming for the efficient management of decatizing processes
Authors: Ferro Fabiana Federica , Rampazzo Mirco , Beghi Alessandro
Published: November 2019

Finishing is one of the fundamental steps of textile production and still, nowadays it largely depends on empirical knowledge. Aim of finishing processes is to impart the required functional properties to the fabric and, in particular, decatizing is the process that lends the fabrics dimensional stability, enhances the luster and improves the so-called ‘fabric hand’, corresponding to the sense of touching a textile. In this paper, we consider wool fabrics and, by exploiting the available process physical knowledge, we derive a model that can predict certain fabric characteristics, such as its temperature and moisture content, correlated with the fabric dimensional stability. We also design a simulation environment according to the model and we use it to easily generate synthetic data, obtaining information about the steaming process under different conditions. By analyzing the data, we can obtain knowledge about how to maximize the fabric decatizing process efficiency.
A low—storage Runge—Kutta OpenFOAM solver for compressible low—Mach number flows: aeroacoustic and thermo—fluid dynamic applications
Authors: D’Alessandro Valerio , Falone Matteo , Giammichele Luca , Montelpare Sergio
Published: November 2019

A solver for compressible Navier–Stokes equations is presented in this paper. Low-storage RungeKutta schemes were adopted for time integration; on the other hand the finite volume approach available within OpenFOAM library has been adopted for space discretization. Kurganov-Noelle-Petrova approach was used for convective terms, while central schemes for diffusive ones. The aforementioned techniques were selected and tested in order to allow the possibility of solving a broad range of physical phenomena with particular emphasis to aeroacoustic and thermo-fluid dynamic problems. Indeed, that standard OpenFOAM solution techniques produce an unacceptable dissipation for acoustic phenomena computations. Non–reflective boundary treatment was also considered to avoid spurious numerical reflections. The reliability and the robustness of the solver is proved by computing several benchmarks. Lastly, the impact of the thermal boundary conditions on the sound propagation was analyzed.
Computational Study Of Curved Underbody Diffusers
Authors: Huminic Angel , Huminic Gabriela
Published: November 2019

This paper presents new results concerning the aerodynamics of the Ahmed body fitted with a non-flat underbody diffuser. As in previous investigations performed, the angle and the length of the diffuser are the parameters systematically varied within ranges relevant for a hatchback passenger car. Coefficients of lift and drag are compared with the values obtained for the flat underbody diffuser, and the results reveal significant improvements concerning aerodynamic characteristics of body.
The active method to control cracks formed in a solid sample
Authors: Krivosheev Igor , Shamurina Anna , Krivosheeva Elena
Published: November 2019

This paper proposes a method to control microcracks in fragile samples of solid bodies. Rock samples were tested and analyzed to prove high performance and time efficiency as well as high sensitivity of the method.
The study of coal tectonic disturbance using multifractal analysis of coal specimen images obtained by means of scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Malinnikova Olga , Uchaev Dmitry , Uchaev Denis , Malinnikov Vasiliy
Published: November 2019

The possibility of using a multifractal approach to study the tectonic disturbance of coals has been investigated. The relationship between the coal disturbance and the asymmetry of fractal spectra of coal images obtained by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is revealed: it has been established that undisturbed coals are characterized, as a rule, by a symmetric fractal dimension spectrum, and the disturbed coals are described by a fractal spectrum with some degree of asymmetry. It is shown that if fractal spectra of images have a symmetric appearance, then brightness distributions of these images are well fitted by a lognormal curves and parameters of these fittings can be estimated through characteristics of the fractal spectra. By using multifractal analysis of images for more than 140 test coal specimens from the quiet zone of a seam and the outburst zone, differences in the brightness distributions for images of coals with various degrees of disturbance were revealed. The basis of the research is the assumption that differences in the structure of disturbed and undisturbed coals are reflected in histograms of the brightness distributions for images of coal specimens. According to the results of multifractal analysis of images for the test coal specimens, it was established that the brightness distributions for images of the surface of undisturbed coal specimens are lognormal, while the brightness distributions for images of the surface of highly disturbed coal specimens, in most cases, deviate from the lognormal one. The conducted studies allow us to conclude about the applicability of the multifractal approach for assessing the degree of coal disturbance using digital images of coal specimens.
Special Considerations in the GI Bleeding Patient
Authors: Chung Haniee , Mutch Matthew G.
Published: November 2019

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is an increasingly common problem in patients with comorbid medical conditions that place them at higher bleeding risk. This discussion of some special considerations in the GI bleeding patient encompasses an overview of the elderly patient, and selects comorbid conditions that place patients at higher risk of developing intestinal bleeding. The discussion lends itself to exploring the challenges of and new advancements in anticoagulation therapy. Radiation induced proctitis and rectal varices as sources of LGIB will also be addressed.
Pharmacoresistant Atypical Benign Partial Epilepsy of Childhood: Early Introduction of Specific Therapies to Prevent Cognitive Decline
Authors: Nishikawa Aiko , Otani Yui , Ito Susumu , Nagata Satoru , Oguni Hirokazu
Published: November 2019

Atypical benign partial epilepsy (ABPE) of childhood is a special type of epileptic syndrome characterized by the combination of epileptic negative myoclonus, atypical absence seizures, focal motor seizures, and a continuous spike–wave during slow sleep (CSWS). Although the seizures are resistant to antiseizure drugs (ASDs) effective for focal epilepsy, they are markedly responsive to ethosuximide (ESM). An incorrect ASD choice may aggravate the seizures and CSWS, resulting in a pseudo-catastrophic state or nonconvulsive status epilepticus. In this study, we retrospectively investigated the effectiveness of steroid and ketogenic diet (KD) therapies for children with ABPE resistant to ASDs, including ESM. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) therapy (n = 4), KD therapy (n = 4), and an oral steroid (n = 2) were tried for eight patients (two patients tried two therapies). An excellent response (seizure-free period > 1 year) was achieved by four out of four patients undergoing ACTH therapy, two out of four undergoing KD therapy, and one out of two receiving oral steroid therapy. In conclusion, steroid and KD therapies are reasonable treatment options early in the course of treatment of children with pharmacoresistant ABPE to prevent a decline in cognitive function due to the persistence of epileptic encephalopathy. The majority of patients in our case series had an excellent response, though further studies are warranted to confirm their efficacy and safety.
Performance study of hybrid solar dryer with auxiliary heater for seaweed drying
Authors: Suherman Suherman , Rizki Hafid , Rauf Nurfadilla , Susanto Evan Eduard
Published: November 2019

In this paper, the performance of hybrid solar dryer with auxiliary heater for seaweed drying is invesigated. There were two drying modes performed, namely hybrid solar drying and conventional drying. The drying operation was done from 9.00 A.M until 1.00 P.M on each day, with the hybrid solar dryer temperature of 40, 50, and 60 °C. There were five analysis performed after the drying process was done. Experimental results showed that the dryer temperature, relative humidity, and solar radiation are highly dependent on the weather condition, drying time, and in the case of solar radiation, the geographical location. Drying curve analysis shown that drying at 60 °C gave the final moisture content of 12,2%, which satisfy the safe limit of dried seaweed product. Drying process is faster and most efficient during the early phase of drying. As drying process continues, the drying become less effective and the drying rate is gradually decreased until it reaches a constant value. Effectivity factor analysis shown that hybrid solar dryer is more effective than conventional drying. Color analysis result shows that to preserve the color quality of seaweed, it is better to perform the drying with the temperature of 50 °C.
The effect of catalyst loading on the biodiesel production from lard
Authors: Buchori L , Anggoro DD , Tsaniya F , Elyasa MB , Noviariyono E
Published: November 2019

Biodiesel is one of the renewable alternative fuels as a substitute for fossil fuels. This research aims to study the effect of catalyst loading on the synthesis of biodiesel from lard. The transesterification reaction is carried out using a CaO catalyst prepared from an eggshell. Esterification is carried out by using an HCl acid catalyst to lower the free fatty acid (FFA) of lard. The catalyst loading is varied on 1, 3, 5, and 7% w/w of lard. The molar ratio of methanol to oil is 6:1 with a reaction time is 1 h, while operating conditions were kept at a reaction temperature of 65°C and atmospheric pressure. The results showed that the yield of biodiesel decreased with the increase of catalyst loading. The optimum biodiesel yield was obtained at 1% w/w catalyst loading of 92.69%.
Study of Plasma Electrolysis Method on Starch-Based Hybrid Latex Synthesis
Authors: Saksono N , Junior A B , Gustaf E , Dyasti S S R , Chalid M
Published: November 2019

The plasma electrolysis is a rich source of free radicals, it commonly induces unusual chemical reaction. This paper focus to study plasma electrolysis induces grafting reaction between latex and starch to prepare a functional material – ether bond – with radicals as the initiator to produce hybrid latex which presume has acoustic property. By the method of plasma electrolysis, the reaction can take place and the difference of polarity between the reactants can be overcome. The synthesis – both by using anodic and cathodic plasma – is said to work qualitatively when the characterization results by using Fourier Transformation Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) arises a new ether bond waves at around 1560 cm-1. The synthesis processes – both by using anodic and cathodic plasma – were investigated more specifically by looking at the effect of electrolyte, Na2SO4 concentration used with variations of 0.02; 0.03; 0.04 M to the efficiency of synthesis. The applied operating voltage of the process are 567.5 and 340.5 volt for anodic and cathodic, respectively. The reaction time is 10 minutes, and the efficiency of synthesis is represented by % yield of hybrid latex per kJ of electric energy consumption. The obtained efficiencies – from anodic and cathodic – were 0.04; 0.02; 0.01 and 0.18; 0.13; 0.12, for each of electrolyte concentrations, respectively.
Activation And Characterization Of Andisol Soil And Fly Ash Composite In Adsorption Of Lead (II) Metal Ion
Authors: Pranoto  , Martini T , Anandita E P
Published: November 2019

This study was aimed to determine of lead(II) metal ion adsorption ability by using adsorbents from the composite of andisol soil and fly ash. Andisol soil and fly ash were activated with NaOH 3M. The adsorbent characterization was performed by Fourier Transform Infrared Analyzer (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Surface Area Analyzer (SAA). The adsorption of lead (II) metal ion performed on solution pH of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, variation of composition andisol soil and fly ash composite of 100:0, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25 and 0:100 (w/w), and contact time of 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes with the batch system. Measurement of final concentration at the time of equilibrium was done using AAS. The optimum condition of lead (II) metal ion adsorption was obtained at pH of solution 5, activated andisol soil and fly ash composition 50:50 (w/w), contact time 60 minutes The result of adsorption followed Freundlich isotherm with adsorption capacity of 0,435 mg/g. The percentage of lead(II) metal ion removed is 97,11%. Keyword: andisol soil, fly ash, lead, adsorption.
Kinetics of cinnamon oleoresin extraction using Microwave-Assisted Extractor
Authors: Kurniasari L , Darmanto  , Kusumo P
Published: November 2019

Cinnamon oleoresin can be produced from the solvent extraction of cinnamon (Cinnamomum burmannii) bark. Among many extraction method, Microwave Assisted Extraction (MAE) is one method that gives many advantages, especially in reducing the extraction time. This research will compare the kinetic models of MAE extraction process, using first and second order model. Extraction were carried out from 5 to 40 minutes with eight cycles and analyzed its oleoresin content. For comparison, soxhlet extraction method was also done for 1 and 4 hours. From the analysis, it was shown that the second order kinetic model was more suitable to explain the MAE of cinnamon oleoresin. The 40 minutes MAE process gave 9.55 g L−1 oleoresin, while soxhlet extraction gave 3.76 g L−1 and 9.48 g L−1 oleoresin in 1 and 4 hours respectively. SEM analysis for both of MAE and soxhlet treated samples showed the rupture of the cell and therefore caused the release of cell content. The cell structure in 35 min-MAE treated sample was more opened than the 1 hr-soxhlet treated one. It means that the cell rupture in MAE process was quicker than the soxhlet, and it produced the high yield in shorter time.
Characterization and Purification of Surfactant Sodium Ligno Sulfonate (SLS) From Biomass Waste in The Application Of Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR)
Authors: Priyanto S , Kusworo T D , Sayyidah  , Pramudono B , Untoro E , Ratu P
Published: November 2019

The waste of pulp and paper industry in the form of Black Liquor still contained a large amount of lignin (12-46%). The high lignin content had the potential to make Sodium Ligno Sulfonate (SLS) Surfactants by reacting Lignin with Sodium Bisulfite. Isolation of Lignin From Black Liquor was carried out at room temperature of 30°C, using sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and 1N NaOH. The purpose of this study was to characterize SLS formed both physically and chemically. Characteristics of SLS were formed compared to commercial SLS. The SLS purification results were carried out by comparing the SLS results of the experiments with commercial SLS using Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR) equipment, and the purity was tested by UV-Vis. For Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR), SLS was tested based on its characteristics using screening tests.
The Effect of Ionic Strength on Protonation Constant of Monoethanolamine in Water at 303K
Authors: Ma’mun S , Chafidz A , Indrayanto E , Setiawan P K
Published: November 2019

Amine-based absorption is a reactive system in which mass transfer and chemical reaction take place simultaneously. Protonation constant (pKa) is an important equilibrium reaction parameter that can be determined experimentally. The objective of this study is to evaluate the pKa of monoethanolamine (MEA) at different ionic strengths ranging from 0.01 to 6 moles of NaCl/kg of water at 303K by a potentiometric titration method. The results show that the pKa values, in general, increase as the ionic strengths increase. Moreover, the activity coefficients of species were also determined by the extended Debye-Hückel model. The pKa data and the activity coefficients obtained from this work could then be used for the kinetic and thermodynamic modeling in the absorber and desorber design.
Development of Cellulose Acetate – PVP blend membrane and UV irradiation treatment to increase membrane selectivity for clove oil purification
Authors: Kusworo T D , Widayat  , Budiyono  , Siahaan A A , Iskandar G K , Utomo D P
Published: November 2019

Clove oil obtained from clove leaves and stems has low oil quality. This is caused by the low levels of eugenol which is around 60-80%. The application of membrane technology to purify clove oil is constrained by the almost similar size of the eugenol and caryophyllene molecules. The aim of this study is to improve membrane selectivity by increasing the hydrophilic properties of the membrane. The eugenol will penetrate easily through hydrophilic membrane than caryophyllene. Cellulose acetate membrane was fabricated by dissolving 17 wt-% CA polymer in acetone and then casted via dry-wet phase inversion method. Poly vinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) is added to the dope solution to improve the hydrophilic properties of the membrane. The results of contact angle analysis showed that the addition of PVP by 1% was able to reduce the contact angle from 41° to 32° which means the hydrophilic increased significantly. The combination of PVP addition with nano ZnO incorporation can increase eugenol concentration from 75% to 88% but decrease the permeate flux from 6.78 to 5.33 L.m−2h−1bar−1.
Formulation of Natural Dye Stock Solution Extracted from Rambutan’s Peel (Nephelium lappaceum L) and Evaluation of its Colour Fastness Properties on Cotton Fabric
Authors: Amalia Rizka , Paramita Vita , Kusumayanti Heny , Wahyuningsih  , Sembiring Maranatha , Rani Dina Elvia
Published: November 2019

Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L) peel contain anthocyanin and flavonoid compounds which can be used as natural dyes of fabric. this research aims to study the producing of natural dye stock solution extracted from rambutan’s peel (Nephelium lappaceum L) with adding of some preservative substancs and evaluating its colour fastness properties on cotton fiber. Preparation of natural dye solution of rambutan fruit was made with concentration of extract at 25% (w/v) and some substances used as a preservative (citric acid, sodium benzoate,benzoic acid, potassium sorbate and tamarind) at various concentration (1%, 3%, and 5%).. Extraction of natural dye from Nephelium lappaceum L peel’s waste was performed using maceration method with water as a solvent. The extracts were stored in a closed container at ambient temperature for 3 months, then tested the color fastness parameters of each sample. It is recommended that the use of sodium benzoat and citric acid are the best preservative to produce natural dye stock solution extracted from rambutan’s peel (Nephelium lappaceum L) with good result.
Ramie, Cotton, and Rayon Double Ply Combination Composite for Bullet Proof Vests Body Armor
Authors: Setyani K , Aryanti N
Published: November 2019

The bullet proof vest from composite fiber double ply from combination of ramie, cotton, and rayon, have been studied in order to improve the bullet proof vest in previous research using composite of pure ramie fiber. The mechanical bonding of the composite reinforced natural fiber can be increased by using chemical treatment of fiber or by using the addition of coupling agent. The chemical treatment, for example alkali treatment, is often used because it is more cost-effective. By increasing mechanical bonding also increasing the tensile strength of the composite so that this material could restrain the impact of the bullet. The result shows that the tensile strength of the composites have the optimum values for 30 minutes treated fiber in a 5% NaOH solution, i.e. 13.31 MPa, the tensile test specimens were produced according to ASTM D-638. This research is to investigate the ability of the double ply fabric itself from the bullet impact, the fiber composite and also the combination of fiber composite as a front layer (Panel A) and the double ply fiber as a second layer (Panel B) for a bullet proof vest. Optimal combination is obtained with 5 layers of panel A and 20 layers of panel B which is able to protect against cal. 7.65 mm × 17 mm (.32 ACP) bullet fired through .32 Pindad pistol from a distance of 10 meters. Panel with a size of 20 cm × 20 cm has a total thickness of 14.69 mm and a total weight of 454.73 gram. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations indicated that the porosity and surface area of the fiber is smooth, fiber surfaces showed topography with microporous. SEM also showed well-arranged structure of fibers bonding. Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis indicated 99,6% carbon contents in ramie-cotton-rayon fiber. Test result indicates that panel from composite ramie-cotton-rayon-epoxide can reach the level 1 of International Standard of NIJ-010104. Compared to panel from pure ramie fiber, the panel from this composite (0.454 kg) is lighter than previous research (0.52 kg). This combination can restrain the bullet from 10 meters distance, shorter than the previous research in 20 meters distance.
Stability of Mixture Honey, Black Seed Oil and Olive Oil With Tween 80 as Emulsifier
Authors: Sahlan M , Ferdianti A , Wicaksono A B , Hermasnyah H , Wijanarko A
Published: November 2019

The purpose of this study to view stability a mixture of honey, black seed oil, and olive oil. There have many benefits and widely distributed in the market. However, this mixture has instability problem because it has different properties of polarity or phase, to solve this problem required emulsifier Tween 80, an emulsifier food grade to stabilize the mixture. This research is expected to be aimed for mixture with the addition of the emulsifier. In the addition of 1.25 grams, Tween 80 could mix up to 7.5% of the total oil in the mixture. Those are showing the process of the distribution particle, viscosity measurement, phase separation by centrifugation and storage for eight weeks in room temperature.
Ultrasonic pretreatment on biogas production from wood-dust mahogany (swietenia mahagoni) with solid-state anaerobic digestion method: effect of time and pretreatment temperature
Authors: Ardhiansyah H , Budiyono  , Sumardiono S
Published: November 2019

The availability of fossil energy as the main energy source makes its availability running low. One alternative energy source is biomass and it can be converted into biogas through a solid-state anaerobic digestion process. One of the many biomass types found in Indonesia is the wood-dust mahogany. The content of lignin contained in wood-dust mahogany makes the process of hydrolysis runs slowly. This causes the biogas production rate to be slow. This study examined the effects of temperature and duration of ultrasonic pretreatment on the characteristics of wood-dust mahogany and the rate of biogas formation along with kinetic study. This research was conducted in three stages, beginning with characterization stage to know the character of wood-dust mahogany, followed by ultrasonic pretreatment stage with time variation (10,20,30) minutes without heating and with heating temperature 70°C. The last stage was fermentation by using bioreactor for 60 days. The biogas produced was measured volume in every two days and the data obtained were used to create a biogas production kinetics simulation by using Gompertz and Richards modification models. The results of the evaluation indicated that the ultrasonic pretreatment process leaded to changes in surface morphology and wood-dust mahogany structure has a positive impact on increasing the rate of biogas formation. The longer the time and the higher the temperature of the ultrasonic pretreatment leaded to an increase in the rate of biogas production. The kinetic model of Richards modification equation gave the result of R2 0.999-0.985 value better than Gompertz modification equation model which is only 0.998-0.968.
Preparation and Characterisation of Composite Sulfonated Polyether Ether Ketone for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells
Authors: Purnama H , Mujiburohman M , Hakim M F , Hidayati N
Published: November 2019

Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC), uses a proton exchange polymer electrolyte which one of the key components developed to realize the commercialization of fuel cells in transportation and portable equipment. Poly Ether Ether Ketone (PEEK) is a thermoplastic material that has a combination of physico-chemical and good mechanical properties. The introduction of cesium tungstophosphoric acid (Cs-PWA) into the polymer matrix is an easy strategy to improve the properties of sulfonated PEEK. This research aims to study the effect of amount Cs-PWA loading in the fabrication of sulfonated PEEK on the membrane characteristics such as FTIR and XRD analysis, water uptake, methanol permeability, and proton conductivity. The results indicated that sPEEK/Cs-PWA membranes ware potential candidate as proton conductive membrane for application of DMFC due to enhancement of proton conductivity and methanol permeability performance.