bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Analysis of Contraceptive Method Choice among Married Women of Kanchanaburi Demographic Surveillance site in Thailand
Authors: Timilsina Kailash , Sawangdee Yothin , Tin Kyaw Aung , Tiwari Sirjana , Adhikari Ashmita
Published: November 2022

Introduction: The Fertility of Thailand declined to 1.6 in 2014 compared to 6.5 in the early sixties. This fertility revolution was accompanied by a concurrent revolution of contraceptive behavior among Thai people. This study examined the role of individual and geospatial factors to explain the variation in contraceptive method choice among married in two selected districts of Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand.

Methods: The sample size in this study was 1468. The study population was currently married women of reproductive age (15-49 years) who were residing in two selected districts of Kanchanaburi province, Sai Yok and Muang districts, collected under the Kanchanaburi Demographic Surveillance Site (KDSS) project from 2004 to 2006. The study performed multinomial logistic regression for statistical analysis and Arc view GIS for spatial analysis to identify the factors associated with contraceptive method choice.

Results: The women in the middle age group and urban women were more likely to use permanent methods over non use and temporary methods compared to young and rural women respectively. Women having higher than secondary education used both temporary and permanent contraceptive methods 2.5 times more than uneducated women (AOR 2.43; 95% CI 1.33– 4.46 for temporary versus none and AOR 2.54; 95% CI 1.29 – 5.01 for permanent versus none respectively). If women has no children, they were significantly less likely to use permanent method over non-use as well as over temporary methods. Geo-spatial analysis results showed transportation facilities determine the contraceptive choice.

Conclusion: The better transportation network facilitated women to use a permanent contraceptive method rather than the temporary method. It is necessary to establish a better transportation system and education system in the areas, especially in the mountainous regions to improve accessibility and to realize reproductive health services. Further, investments in increasing women's access to various contraceptive options are urgently needed.
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Mental Health Outcomes among Healthcare Workers Exposed to COVID-19 Pandemic in Nepal
Authors: Ghimire Pushpa Kumari , Sigdel Bina , Dhakal Pushpa , Sharma Baidhya Shradda Kumari , Pandey Kabita , Wasti Sharada Prasad
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Corona virus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered corona virus. Healthcare workers are at risk of developing psychological distress and other mental health related symptoms. This study was intended to evaluate the prevalence and predictors of depression, anxiety, stress, and fear during COVID-19 pandemic among healthcare workers of Nepal.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between June and July 2020 with 167 healthcare workers. Mental health outcome, specially, fear was estimated using fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-19S) whereas depression, anxiety and stress were assessed using DASS-21 survey questionnaire. Statistical analysis used: Chi-square test was performed to observe the association between mental health outcomes variables among health workers and the significance level was considered to be a p-value less than 0.05.

Results: There were 15.0%, 24.0%, and 5.4% of the respondents who had severe and extremely severe level of depression, anxiety, and stress respectively and 44.3% of the respondents had fear during COVID-19 pandemic. The gender and job position were statistically significant with depression. The gender, job position, and respondents who had any health problems were statistically significant with anxiety. The respondents who had any health problems were statistically significant with stress. The gender, education, and job position were statistically significant with fear.

Conclusion: During the COVID-19 outbreak, the frontline healthcare workers have experienced a varying level of depression, anxiety, stress, and fear. Specific counseling, support system, training on handling COVID-19 patient, and assigning normal working hour as government protocol to all healthcare workers are needed to enhance their psychological wellbeing and strengthen the healthcare systems capacity during pandemic.
A Comparative Study regarding the Quality of Life of Senior Citizen Living in Old Age Home and Own Home in a Pokhara Metropolitan City
Authors: Paudel Sharmila , Bhatta Bimala
Published: November 2022

Introduction: The quality of life (QOL) of elderly people has become more relevant with the demographic shifting towards the ageing population. Quality of life is a key concept in environmental, social, medical and psychological sciences as well as in public policy and the minds of the population at large nevertheless there is no consensus regarding the definition of quality of life. The objective of this study was to assess and compare the quality of life living in old aged home and own home.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among the elderly population 60 years and above. The total sample size of 228 participants was further divided into old aged home vs own home inhibiting; 114 in each category. A face to faceinterview was carried among the participants to assess their quality of life. Quality of life was assessed by using the Nepali version of WHOQOL-BREF questionnaires. The association between quality of life and the explanatory variables were assessed using the chi-square test and stepwise logistic regression.

Results: Amongst the 228 participants; the mean score of QOL between elderly people living in their own home  (57.86±8.54) was better than the elderly people living in the old aged home (44.62±9.88). The overall quality of life of elderly people living in their own home was 5.64 times better than the elderly people living in the old aged home (AOR: 5.64, 95%CI: 2.72-11.68).

Conclusion: QOL score among senior citizen living in their own home is better compared to those living in old age home. The physical, psychological, social and environmental health domains of QOL were better in the people living with family than living in old age home. The social relation domain remains high among elderly living in their own home.
Experience of Mothers towards Hospitalization of Preterm Infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Units
Authors: Shrestha Tumla , Pandey Bista Archana
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Hospitalization of the preterm infant (PTI) in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is a stressful situation for mothers requiring nurses’ care and support for adjustment and coping. Understanding mothers’ experience is valuable for enhancing care and support for them. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore mothers’ experience regarding hospitalization of PTIs in NICUs.

Methods: The qualitative pilot study was conducted among purposively selected 5 mothers of NICU admitted PTIs in a public academic hospital of Bagmati province from May to July 2019. After obtaining ethical approval, in-depth interviews were conducted using interview guideline. The data were analyzed using the content analysis method.

Results: Exploration of mothers’ experience has identified 4 themes: worry and uncertainty regarding the condition and outcome of the PTIs; altered attachment and maternal roles; attachment, and care enabling with care involvement; mixed experience of care, and support.

Conclusion: Hospitalization of PTIs in NICUs was distressing to mothers related to inadequate and altered attachment, and maternal roles. They experienced mother-infant attachment, contentment, and care enabling with involvement in PTI care. They valued nurses’ PTI care and care guidance and expected more guidance, communication, and emotional support. Considering study findings might be worthwhile for enhancing care status in NICUs.
Prevalence and Contributing Factors of Smoking among Undergraduates in Pokhara Metropolitan City, Nepal
Authors: Khadka Pooja , Bhandari Pooja
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Smoking is one of the most common preventable causes of death globally, contributing significantly to the global burden of diseases, especially chronic non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, cancers, and stroke. It is a known fact that cigarette smoking is harmful and addictive, but very few pay attention to its deadly results.The study was conducted to assess the prevalence and contributing factors for smoking among undergraduates.

Methods: The purposive sampling technique was used to select the subjects. Total 220 undergraduates were choosen and a self–administered questionnaire was used to collect data.

Results: The respondents at around 70.0% were of age less than 21 whereas 30.0 % were of age more than 21. The mean age was 21.01±1years. More than half (54.08%) of the respondents were female, while 45.09% were male. The majority (92.72%) of the respondents belonged to the Hindu religion. Regarding ethnicity, 70.93% of the respondents were from the upper caste, while less than 1.36% belonged to religious minorities.The prevalence of smoking was found to be 15.0%.

Among 67.16% of the respondents initiated smoking at the age of 15-20 years. Maximum 56.71% bought smoking agents from their own pocket money. The major influencing factors for smoking were experimentation i.e. 46.26%, followed by peer pressure, 25.37%. The variables such as sex, age, religion, and educational status of a mother were found to be associated with smoking.

Conclusion: The prevalence of smoking among college students is low. Among them who smoke, majority of the students started smoking as experimentation and peer pressure.Strict laws against smoking should be formulated and implemented effectively. Awareness programs should be carried out focusing on harmful effects of smoking.
Factors Associated with Driving Behavior and Road Traffic Accidents among Public Vehicle Drivers in Kathmandu Valley: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Bhushal Suraj , Choulagai Bishnu , Niroula Rakshya , Thapa Pachya Ambika
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Vehicle drivers are most significant stakeholder in any road traffic accident (RTAs). This study aims to assess their knowledge related to traffic signs and attitude towards safe driving practices and to identify self-reported risky driving behaviors, their encounter of RTAs, and associated factors.

Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional study in Kathmandu valley. 14 prime spots were randomly selected and time location sampling was done. A face-to-face interview was done with public vehicle drivers using  structured questionnaire. We analyzed the association using logistic regression. Ethical clearance was obtained from Institute of Medicine. Informed written consent was taken from the participants.

Results: Of 411 drivers, mean age was 31.8 (±8.2) years. All participants were male of which 71.0% lived in a joint family. More than half had less than 10 year experience and 20% of them were driving 12-18 hours per day. Half of them had good knowledge on traffic signs while nearly one tenth had non-supportive attitude towards safe driving practices. Prevalence of at least one risky driving behavior was 68%, however, only a few cases fined by traffic. Self-reported encounters of RTA were 21.7%; of these, 22.2% also had human injuries. Experiences of driving less than 10 years and living in a nuclear family were significantly associated with risky driving. Moreover, age of public vehicle drivers less than 25 years, living in nuclear family and continuing driving while fatigue were also significantly associated with RTAs.

Conclusion: Only half of drivers had good knowledge on traffic signs. Risky driving behavior present in about seven among ten public vehicle drivers and two among ten encountering RTAs. We recommend interventions targeted to change behavior among drivers to reduce risky driving behaviors, to increase age bar for permitting driving license for public vehicles and not continuing driving while fatigue to reduce RTAs.
Pediatric vaccinations: Nepal's life-saving weapon
Authors: Bhatta Bimala
Published: November 2022

One of the most successful and economical public health interventions ever developed, vaccinations have significant positive effects on social, economic, and health ‎1 ‎2. Pediatric immunization helps shield kids and adults from serious, curable, and occasionally fatal diseases. One of the key initiatives for Sustainable Development Goal 3 is ensuring universal access to vaccinations (SDG 3). But over 20 million kids under the age of five still lack all necessary immunizations. This is a particular issue in developing countries like Nepal‎3. Complete immunization of young children is a crucial component of a kid's health and wellbeing since it lowers newborn and child mortality rates and reduces the transmission of infectious diseases.
Multi-phase CFD modelling of Slurry Column Flotation – Validation of both Hydrodynamic and Kinetic Parameters
Authors: Kopparthi Prasad , Vadlakonda Balraju , Kumar Mayank , Mangadoddy Narasimha
Published: November 2022

Column flotation is widely used for the beneficiation of fines in the mineral processing industry. The kinetics in the column flotation is mainly influenced by the hydrodynamics and the flotation sub-processes such as bubble particle collision, attachment, and detachment. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is a popular tool that can be used to evaluate flotation kinetics. However, most of the published works on the flotation kinetics with CFD were limited to mechanical flotation cells. In the current investigation, a CFD model is applied to explore both the hydrodynamics and kinetics of the column flotation. CFD simulations are performed for two-phase systems of column flotation on the Eulerian-Eulerian framework. The standard k-ε turbulence model is utilized in this methodology along with the drag, lift, and virtual mass forces. The hydrodynamic parameters such as axial, and radial gas holdup and its distribution were predicted from the CFD simulations and validated with Electrical Resistance Tomography (ERT) experimental results. In the kinetic study, the flotation kinetic sub-processes, such as bubble-particle collision, adhesion, and detachment were also predicted. The error between the ERT experimental and CFD simulations was found to be 2.71 and 6.75%, respectively at 0.006 and 0.018 m/s superficial air velocities. The effect of particle contact angle and particle size on the kinetic constants of attachment (
Selección de productos consolidantes. Ensayos y estudios para la cohesión del soporte del abrigo de Los Toros del Prado del Navazo (Albarracín, Teruel)
Authors: Serrano Aranda Claudia , Zalbidea Muñoz María Antonia , Bea Martínez Manuel
Published: November 2022

Desde que el arte Levantino (ARAMPI) fue declarado Patrimonio Mundial por la UNESCO en 1998 existe una mayor tendencia hacia su conservación. Con el fin de avanzar en el conocimiento y experiencia en este patrimonio tan específico, en este estudio se testan diferentes productos consolidantes y así generar datos y material tangible sobre la compatibilidad del producto consolidante con el soporte, su concentración y forma de aplicación más adecuada. Los resultados han destacado la relevancia de los estudios previos científicos y empíricos para poder acometer intervenciones adecuadas, pues los productos más adecuados en la teoría han ofrecido peores resultados en la práctica, y determinan la necesidad de ulteriores estudios que amplíen el estudio aquí propuesto.
Frequency and Perceived Enjoyment of the Use of Web 2.0 Tools by Undergraduates of Two Universities in Nigeria
Authors: Adewoye Mercy
Published: November 2022

Many undergraduates in Nigerian universities are faced with problems of nervousness, apprehension and lack of confidence or ability in the use of Web 2.0 tools. Even when some of them have the skill, the ICT infrastructure may not be available, accessible, sustainable, affordable, modern or of top-notch quality. These factors may not allow them to use the tools frequently and/or enjoy using them. It is to this end that this study sets out to investigate how frequent and enjoyable undergraduates in the two first generation Nigerian universities under review are finding the use of Web 2.0 tools for academic activities.Descriptive survey research design was adopted for this study. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select the sample size of 290 out of a population of 35,902. Data collected from 281 respondents who duly filled and returned copies of the structured questionnaire given out at the University of Ibadan and Obafemi Awolowo University were analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that the types of Web 2.0 tools that were regularly used by the students include Facebook, GoogleAD, Websites/Blogs, Email Tutorials, Twitter and YouTube. It could be inferred that the students perceived that enjoyment in the use of Web 2.0 tools lies in the fact that the actual process of using Web 2.0 tools is pleasurable, improves social networking, make Online/Internet chatting and learning exciting, satisfying and hence, enjoyable. There was a significant positive relationship (r = .291; df = 280; p < 0.05) between perceived enjoyment and use of Web 2.0 tools by the undergraduates. This implies that the higher the perceived enjoyment, the more they use Web 2.0 tools for academic activities. It is therefore recommended that students be exposed to a wider range of Web 2.0 tools for gainful learning experiences which may lead to good academic achievements. Provision of a very stable Internet connectivity is also advised for a faster, sustainable, more frequent and enjoyable use of the tools. Moreso, since perceived enjoyment is confirmed a factor in the use of the tools, it is suggested that state of the art ICT infrastructure be provided and the environment of the ICT Laboratories be made more conducive for a tireless, gainful, enjoyable and game-changing academic activities using the Web 2.0 tools.
User Information Needs and Reference Services Satisfaction at Selected Federal Universities Libraries in North-Eastern Nigeria
Authors: Bukar Inuwa , Kimani Grace Wambui , Namande Wekalao
Published: November 2022

One of the most important criteria for assessing a library is the level of satisfaction its users express with the service they get. The extent to which the library is able to anticipate user needs and integrate such predictions into collection development is a crucial aspect in influencing the level of satisfaction users have with the library's service. As a general concept, "user satisfaction" refers to how satisfied users are with a service or product they have used; as a more specific term, "library user satisfaction," it is used to describe how happy library patrons are with the library's collection and services. The study used a descriptive survey technique with a sample size of 288 postgraduate students randomly selected from four different Federal Universities in Northeast Nigeria. The data was collected by closed-ended questionnaire, and the resulting psychometrics include a CRV=1 and r-coefficient of 0.83. Frequency counts and percentages, together with chi-square tests at the 0.05 significance level, were used to examine the data. The study established that graduate students asked reference librarians for the same types of information but were dissatisfied with the level of service they received from librarians at their respective institutions. The results reveal a linear correlation between all the factors; therefore, it stands to reason that the chosen universities have the same information needs and levels of user satisfaction.
Effectiveness of Learning Activity Package (Lap) On Students’ Performance in Biology in Ekiti State Secondary Schools, Nigeria
Authors: Okunade Adesina Isaac , Akinwumi Ibukun Omolara , Okeya Abiodun Emmanuel
Published: November 2022

The study examined the effectiveness of Learning Activity Package (LAP) on students' performance in Biology in Ekiti State secondary schools. The study specifically examined the difference between the pre-test, post-test and retention performance of students in Biology exposed to Learning Activity Package (LAP) and the conventional method. This study adopted a quasi-experimental design in which two groups (one experimental group and one control group) were involved. The population of the study comprised of all S.S.S. 1 students offering Biology in public secondary schools in Ekiti State, Nigeria. The sample consisted of intact class size of students offering Biology drawn from 4 public secondary schools in Ekiti State. The sample was selected using multistage sampling procedure. A self-designed instrument tagged Biology Performance Test (BPT) was used for collecting the data for the study. The study was carried out in three phases namely the pre-treatment stage, treatment stage and post-treatment stage. The hypotheses were tested using t-test at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that there was no significant difference in the performance of both groups before treatment but there was significant difference between the post and retention test performance of students in Biology exposed to Learning Activity Package (LAP) and the conventional method. The study concluded that Learning Activity Package (LAP) strategy is effective in improving performance and retention of Ekiti state secondary school students in Biology. It was recommended among others that teachers teaching Biology in Ekiti State secondary schools should be encouraged to adopt Learning Activity Package (LAP) strategy in exposing the students to Biological concepts.
Efficacy of Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy on Depression Behaviour of Students Enrolled in Counselling, Psychology & Sociology of Education (CPSE)
Authors: Egenti Nkechi Theresa , Nwosu Nneka , Ogheneruemu Izomoh Regina , Ncheke D.C.
Published: November 2022

This paper assessed the efficacy of a REBT-based programme in the reduction of undergraduate students’ depressive behaviour. Pre-test post-test randomized control trial experimental design was adopted by the researchers for the study. Sixty two (62) counseling, psychology and sociology education undergraduate students who were drawn through proportionate stratified random sampling technique constituted the sample for the study. The students were randomly assigned to experimental (32) and control (30) groups. Depression Assessment Scale for Students (DASS) and Academic Depression Behaviour Scale (ADBS) were used for data collection. DASS and ADBS were properly validated by experts in test development and the internal consistency reliability indices of the items estimated as 0.77 and 0.81 respectively using Cronbach Alpha method. Before the commencement of the testing and treatment package, the researchers assured the participants of confidentiality of interactions and personal information as they work together in self-disclosure. Thereafter, pre-treatment assessment (pre-test) was conducted using the DASS and ADBS in order to collect baseline data (Time 1). After that, the experimental group was exposed to 90 minutes of the REBT programme twice for a period of 6 weeks. The treatment took place between September and November 2021. Post-test (Time 2) assessment was conducted 1 week after the last treatment session. Besides, a follow-up assessment was conducted after 2 months of the treatment (Time 3). Data collected were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance. The findings of the study revealed that the efficacy of rational emotive behavioural therapy on the reduction of depression behaviour among counselling, psychology and sociology education undergraduate students was significant at post-test and follow-up measures. One of the implications of the findings is that if undergraduate students are not properly counseled, their depression behaviour will continue to increase. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that Federal Government or relevant education authorities should provide enough guidance counselors in the various institutions of higher learning who will assist in the counseling of the students on dangers of depression using REBT.
Efficacy and Safety of Dupilumab in Bullous Pemphigoid: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors:   The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Liu Lu , Zeng Linxi , Huang Xin , Wang Na , Zhang Guoqiang
Published: November 2022

Review question / Objective: We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis about efficacy and safety of dupilumab in treating bullous pemphigoid. Condition being studied: We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis about efficacy and safety of dupilumab in treating bullous pemphigoid. Information sources: Pubmed, Embase and SCI-Web of Science were searched up to 8 September 2022. References of included studies, relevant reviews and meta-analyses were examined for potential suitable studies. Authors of included studies were contacted to obtain the full text or further information when needed.
Hybrid Microchannel Heat Sink with Sustainable Cooling Solutions: Experimental Analysis
Authors: Wan Mohd. Arif Aziz Japar  , Nor Azwadi Che Sidik  , R. Saidur  , Natrah Kamaruzaman  , Yutaka Asako  , Siti Nurul Akmal Yusof  , Mohd Nizam Lani
Published: November 2022

Miniaturization and utilization of low-dimensional structures of recent electronic devices have witnessed some new micro cooling methods which can fulfil the cooling demand for the electronic devices. Microchannel heat sink (MCHS) is one of the micro cooling method which appears as a promising method that can provide high heat transfer rate due to small hydraulic diameter. Furthermore, microchannel heat sink is easy to be fabricated compare to other micro cooling device. Due to fast development in electronic industry, hybrid microchannel heat sink with optimal design has received a great deal of attention in order to provide sustainable cooling solutions. However, most of the studies of hybrid microchannel heat sink only provided the numerical analysis without any validation of the proposed design experimentally. This is very important since it also will determine whether the proposed hybrid microchannel heat sink can be fabricated or not. Therefore, the aim of this article is to validate the numerical model of hybrid microchannel heat sink (TC-RR-SC MCHS) experimentally. The validation result showed that the maximum discrepancy between both simulation and experimental analyses for Nusselt number and friction factor were 15.8% and 17.4%, respectively, which is less than 20%.
Comparison of Preparation Methods Effect on the Stability of Compressor oil-based Nanolubricant
Authors: Mohd Farid Ismail  , Wan Hamzah Azmi  , Rizalman Mamat
Published: November 2022

The stability evaluation for a nanolubricant is important before any application to a system. The production of nanolubricant can be done using the various method. This study aims to compare the effect of nanolubricant stability on the different preparation methods. The TiO2 nanolubricant with compressor oil base was prepared using a high-speed homogenizer (HSH) and ultrasonic bath. The HSH speed was varies between 5000 and 15000 rpm while the sonication period was varied from one hour to 5-hours. Visual observation and UV-Vis spectrophotometer method were used to evaluate the nanolubricant stability. Results reveal that the UV-Vis method produces better stability for TiO2 nanolubricant than HSH. The 5-hours ultrasonic shows the best result with a 0.9 concentration ratio after 15 days of preparation. The HSH shows that the 15000 rpm nanolubricant have better stability than the lower speed. The stability of nanolubricant increase by the increment of HSH speed as well as ultrasonication periods. The ultrasonic bath with a 5-hours sonication time is recommended for TiO2 as it provides the best stability.
Preliminary Study on Perlis State Soil Series and Its Implication on Water Storage and Irrigation
Authors: Sunny Goh Eng Giap  , Mohammad Fadhli Ahmad
Published: November 2022

The over irrigation method applies to meet crop demand may not be a sustainable approach in the near future. Considering agricultural water demand constitutes a huge water consumption than the portable demand, alternative to the over-irrigation practice could be explored as over-irrigation could lead to water wastage and groundwater pollution. The current study investigates the Perlis state soil by determining the minimal water storage in the soil to maintain crop water demand. All the soil series in the state were identified and classified into soil texture based on its sand, silt, and clay composition. The soil water characteristic curve was determined to relate the soil water content to soil particle suction pressure, which then used to determine the soil water content field capacity and permanent wilting point. Subsequently, the plant available water can be determined. The Chengai, Kangar, Hutan, Sogomana, Gajah Mati, Kundor, and Tualang soil series constitute the highest plant available so that it could store more water for crop usage than the other soil series. The study concludes that crop irrigation at field capacity was necessary to avoid water wastage than irrigation at fully saturated soil water content.
The Effect of Chemical and High Pressure Homogenization Treatment Conditions on the Morphology of Nanocellulose
Authors: Fatiha Ismail  , Nur Eliyanti Ali Othman  , Noorshamsiana Abdul Wahab  , Astimar Abdul Aziz
Published: November 2022

Nanocellulose was fabricated from empty fruit bunch (EFB)-derived microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) through combined acid hydrolysis with sulfuric and hydrochloric acids and high-pressure homogenization. The effects of acid-to-MCC ratio and the number of high-pressure homogenizations passes on nanoparticle morphology were investigated. The MCC was treated with different concentrations of sulphuric acid (5% to 25%) through the hydrolysis process. The diameter of the acid treated MCC fibres was reduced to roughly 8 m in Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) micrographs, while the length of the fibres was reduced by several microns when compared to untreated fibres. The suspensions of MCC were passed through a high pressure homogenizer at a constant pressure of 800 bar with passing times of 10, 20 and 30 cycles. After 30 cycles, the final suspension of nanocellulose (NC) became cloudy. This was a visual indication that the particles were converted to smaller sizes and were less entangled. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) results showed that the particle size of nanocellulose ranged between 18 to 20 nm. As a result, the combination of sulphuric acid hydrolysis and high-pressure homogenization operations could be used as an efficient chemo29 mechanical technique for producing nanocellulose from various cellulosic sources.
Performance Analysis of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide-Brayton Cycle for Waste Heat Recovery using Aspen Plus
Authors: Chong Zhi Ken  , Syamimi Saadon
Published: November 2022

This study will focus on technologies and applications that has excelled in other industries, but yet to be explored in aviation, which is waste heat recovery technology, with supercritical carbon dioxide as the cycle’s working fluid, in reducing jet engines’ fuel consumption and minimizing fuel expenses and carbon dioxide emissions. Research on the analysis of a cycle thermodynamically to be integrated into a turbofan jet engine will be highlighted in this paper. The analysis will be conducted via simulation within the Aspen Plus software and result’s post-processing via Microsoft Excel. A quantitative analysis to select the best performing cycle configuration, as well as the jet engine’s performance increment after the cycle’s integration as its waste heat recovery system, are presented in this paper. The results stated that for both thermal efficiency and net work, recuperation cycle (42.46 %, 2197.67 kW) performs much better than basic Brayton cycle (18.53 %, 2555.84 kW).
Experimental study of Peltier-Based Thermoelectric Cooling Box System
Authors: Rosdi Ab Rahman  , Mahmod Abd Hakim Mohamad  , Masiri Kaamin  , Mohd Faizal Mohideen Batcha  , Mohammad Daniel Aiman Mazlan  , Muhammad Luqman Rosli  , Mohamad Azrul Arif Che Aziz
Published: November 2022

Thermoelectricity especially the Peltier concept can be one of the useful alternatives for the refrigeration system. The refrigeration systems nowadays which are based on vapour compression cycles are less environmentally friendly. This paper presents a Peltier-based thermoelectric cooling box and its functionality as a cooling mechanism. The activities involved in developing this system are designing the product using CAD applications, producing electrical circuits, and experimental analysis to evaluate the system’s performance. The material used is the Peltier module, CPU fan, polystyrene box and, some other materials in producing a mini thermoelectric cooling box. The experimental data showed proved the system’s cooling capabilities to function as a cooling box over a specific duration when tested with and without a canned beverage to simulate as products to be cooled. Overall, the temperature drops faster when there are no beverages in it with an average temperature difference of 4.86 C after 90 minutes for both conditions. In addition, some improvements can be done to the product in many aspects especially on its cooling capabilities. The Peltier can be added for maybe one or two more in parallel connections which can improve its cooling capabilities.
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Analysis of Different Sizes of Savonius Rotor Wind Turbine
Authors: Muhammad Nur Arham Bajuri  , Djamal Hissein Didane  , Mahamat Issa Boukhari  , Bukhari Manshoor
Published: November 2022

Wind energy is one of many renewable energy sources available. This energy is environmentally friendly green energy. Wind turbines can act as electric generators when the wind passes through them. It's also an alternative to burning fossil fuels or carbon, which can harm the environment in terms of gas emissions. According to the data, wind power is one of the fastest-growing sources of electricity. The primary goal of this study is to evaluate the Savonius Rotor wind turbine's performance in terms of aerodynamic characteristics, including torque, torque coefficient, and power coefficient. The design of Savonius wind turbine blades is the subject of this study. The size of wind turbine blades significantly impacts how efficiently they generate electricity. Ensuring the wind turbine can efficiently work requires the proper selection of blade size for the Savonius wind turbine. The blade modeling used Solidworks 2021 and then generates in Ansys Design Modeler 2021 R1 to define the fluid domain. In addition, a CFD study with three distinct turbine blades is performed using FLUENT 2021 R21. A constant wind speed value of 9.2 m/s has been used throughout the simulation. The simulation was carried out using a transient time flow with a constant upstream wind speed. The results have shown that the power coefficient of all models increases with TSR and the highest efficiency is consensually obtained at almost a unity (0.9) TSR. Comparing the performance of all models, Model 2 generates the highest power coefficient followed by Model 3 and Model 1, respectively. In terms of power, torque and torque coefficient, nearly similar conclusion is drawn.
Characterization of Gear Usage to Fuel Consumption of a Light Duty Vehicle from Direct Measurements by Using On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) Data
Authors: Putradamazman  , Mas Fawzi  , Anwar Syahmi  , Mohd Farid Muhamad Said
Published: November 2022

Transportation contributes a major share of the fuel usage from total vehicles in developing countries. The manner of gear usage is one of the main factors affecting the fuel consumption of motor vehicles. The presented results came from the tests conducted on Toyota Hilux 2.5 liters vehicle to determine the fuel consumption, based on the average vehicle speed, engine speed and gear usage collected from using the neutralizing driving data collection. Some parameters were investigated, with a special emphasis on the relation between the engine speeds and vehicle speeds, also presenting an example of using the information provided by the OBD to determine the gear ratios. In the end, the gear steps and the way they are used while driving the vehicle were identified. It is found that each gear usage can have a specific impact on fuel consumption and the lowest fuel consumption recorded under fifth gear with 9.75 liters/100km which reduction of 4.3% reduction compared with 4th gear. In conclusion, the fuel consumption is significantly determined by a proper gear selection.
CFD Simulation of Tesla Turbines Performance Driven by Flue Gas of Internal Combustion Engine
Authors: Hamdani Umar  , Teuku Muhammad Kashogi  , Sarwo Edhy Sofyan  , Razali Thaib  , Akram
Published: November 2022

The reduced production of fossil energy, especially petroleum, has encouraged researchers to continuously increase the role of new and renewable energy as part of energy security and independence. A Tesla turbine is a device that can be used to recover wasted energy from exhaust gases, thereby increasing the overall energy use. The purpose of this study was to assess the performance of a Tesla turbine using various parameters such as engine speed, the gap between the disks, the diameter of the disks, and the number of disks. In this study, the performance of a Tesla turbine was simulated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The reference dimensions of this Tesla turbine are made with a slit diameter of 44 mm, a hole diameter of 10 mm, disc diameter of 140 mm, a disc width of 1.5 mm, a disc gap of 35 mm, a disc gap width of 4 mm, and a shaft length of 50 mm. The results of this study were in the form of torque and pressure drop values. In the variation of engine speed, the highest torque was at 1800 rpm with a torque value of 0.422 Nm, and the highest pressure drop was at 1800 rpm with a pressure drop value of 79161.5 Pa. In the disk gap variation, the highest torque is at a 7 mm disk gap with a torque value of 0.54 Nm and the highest pressure drop is at a 4 mm disk gap with a pressure drop value of 79161.5 Pa. In the variation of disk diameter, the highest torque was found on the disk with a diameter of 180 mm and a torque value of 0.831 Nm, and the highest pressure drop was on a disk with a diameter of 180 mm and a pressure drop value of 86753.5 Pa. In the variation of the number of disks, the highest torque was found at eight disks with a torque value of 0.765 Nm, and the highest pressure drop was found at eight disks with a pressure drop value of 82031.3 Pa. After performing this simulation, it can be concluded that at variations in engine speed, the higher the engine speed, the higher the value obtained and the variations in the disk gap, disk diameter, and number of disks. There are several values of torque that increase and decrease because the input value given cannot always increase the torque value in these variations.
TD 2763 - Contribuições do Programa de Aquisição de Alimentos para a Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional no Brasil
Authors: Sambuichi Regina Helena Rosa , Iracema Ferreira de Iracema Ferreira de , Machado Juliana Gonçalves , Perin Gabriela
Published: November 2022

O Programa de Aquisição de Alimentos (PAA) é uma política pública que utiliza o poder de compras do governo federal para promover o fortalecimento da agricultura familiar e combater a insegurança alimentar e nutricional no Brasil. Este texto apresenta uma análise das aquisições do PAA no período 2011-2019 com o objetivo de discutir as contribuições do programa para a segurança alimentar e nutricional (SAN) e debater as suas perspectivas futuras. Foi constatado que o programa adquiriu uma elevada variedade de produtos, que incluem alimentos e sementes, tendo sido contabilizados 1.211 diferentes itens adquiridos no período. Entre os alimentos adquiridos, observou-se o predomínio das classes in natura (IN) e minimamente processado (MP), as quais corresponderam juntas por 97,1% das aquisições. A modalidade Compra com Doação Simultânea (CDS) foi responsável pela maior parte das aquisições (57,5% da quantidade e 93% da variedade), sendo as suas aquisições representadas principalmente pelos grupos das frutas e verduras. Os resultados indicaram que a alimentação adquirida pelo PAA está de acordo com as orientações do Guia alimentar para a população brasileira para uma alimentação adequada e saudável, contribuindo não apenas para a saúde e segurança alimentar dos seus beneficiários diretos, como também para a promoção de um sistema alimentar mais sustentável. Porém, foi observada uma drástica redução dos montantes aplicados em compras ao longo do período analisado, o que pode comprometer a capacidade do programa de gerar esses benefícios. Além disso, houve recentes mudanças de legislação nesta política pública, as quais, além de mudarem o nome do programa, deixaram de fora alguns pontos importantes contidos nos seus normativos anteriores. Portanto, para que haja a continuidade dos seus benefícios, recomenda-se que todas as especificidades contidas nos normativos anteriores sejam resgatadas na nova legislação e, principalmente, que mais recursos voltem a ser disponibilizados para as aquisições do programa.
Adopsi Sertifikasi Halal Untuk Meningkatkan Kinerja UMKM di Jakarta
Authors: IMANINGSIH Erna Soriana , SIHITE Janfry
Published: November 2022

Perubahan tatanan sosial telah memberikan perubahan perilaku konsumen dalam kesadarannya yaitu memperhatikan latar belakang dan sertifikat yang dimiliki produk tersebut. Perilaku ini belum diimbangi dengan kesadaran konsumen, khususnya konsumen muslim terhadap produk bersertifikat halal. Hal ini ditunjukkan dengan belum optimalnya implementasi kesadaran mereka yaitu persentase adopsi produk halal, selain itu tingkat kesiapan UMKM di Jakarta dalam mengadopsi sertifikasi halal juga masih rendah. Berdasarkan hal tersebut, kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini bertujuan untuk memberikan pelatihan penerapan sertifikasi produk halal, serta memberikan pendampingan penerapan sertifikasi produk halal agar kinerja UMKM dan konsumen meningkat, sehingga mampu mempertahankan eksistensinya. kinerja dalam kelangsungan bisnis. Narasumber pelatihan selain Dosen dari Universitas Mercu Buana juga Dosen dari Universitas Teknologi Mara, Pusdiklat Cawangan Melaka. Setelah pelatihan dilakukan, selanjutnya dilakukan pendampingan, dimana hasil pelatihan dan pendampingan tersebut menjadi dasar dalam penyusunan Laporan.
Penataan Administrasi Keuangan Sekolah Berbasis Excel Pada SD Muhammadiyah 4 Kota Malang
Authors: WAHYUNI Endang Dwi , LENIWATI Driana , RAHADJENG Erna Retno
Published: November 2022

Pengabdian ini dilakukan pada Sekolah Dasar (SD) Muhammadiyah 4 Malang, tujuan pengabdian ini untuk membantu mitra dalam penataan administrasi keuangan sekolah dengan cara membuatkan software pelaporan keuangan dan pemdampingan dalam melakukan pencatatan penerimaan dan pengeluaran sekolah dengan menggunakan software pelaporan keuangan yang terkomputerisasi berbasis teknologi, sehingga penyusunan laporan keuangan bisa akurat dan tepat waktu, untuk mendukung penataan administrasi keuangan sekolah yang memadai, transparan dan akuntabel. Metode yang digunakan dalam pengabdian ini adalah sosialisasi, Focus Group Discussion (FGD), pendampingan dan pelatihan terkait dengan penataan administrasi  keuangan sekolah yang baik dan pengaplikasian software pengelolaan keuangan berbasis teknologi. Hasil yang didapatkan pada pengabdian ini adalah pengadaan software pengelolaan keuangan berbasis teknologi (program excel). Hasil pengabdian mampu meningkatkan kemampuan mitra dalam mengelola keuangan. Mitra dapat memahami dan menerapkan konsep pelaporan keuangan serta mampu Menyusun laporan keuangan yang akuntabel dan sesuai dengan kebutuhan.
PKM Kerajinan Kayu Banjar Bayad Sebagai Bentuk Usaha Ekonomi Produktif Desa Kedisan Kecamatan Tegalalang Kabupaten Gianyar
Authors: MANUABA I.B Made Putra , EKAJAYANTI L.G.P Sri , GANAWATI Nengah
Published: November 2022

Desa Kedisan Kecamatan Tegalalang Kabupaten Gianyar adalah salah satu desa yang dikenal sebagai sentra industri rumah tangga penghasil kerajinan kayu yang merupakan ciri khas dari desa ini. Sebagian besar dari masyarakat desa Kedisan, Tegalalang menggeluti usaha produksi kerajinan industri rumah tangga dari kayu. Salah satu penggiat industri rumah tangga yang berlokasi di Banjar Bayad adalah Bapak I Ketut Sukla dengan spesifikasi produk adalah handycraft dari kayu. Usaha kerajinan kerajinan kayu I Ketut Sukla merupakan industri rumah tangga yang turun-temurun. Terdapat beberapa permasalahan terkait dengan pengelolaan dari usaha tersebut, yaitu belum melakukan pencatatan keuangan, belum memiliki sistem promosi untuk memasarkan produk dan banyak peralatan produksi yang kondisinya sudah rusak. Jenis kegiatan yang dilakukan untuk membantu pengerajin adalah memberikan pelatihan dan pendampingan pencatatan keuangan sederhana dan pemasaran serta pengadaan beberapa peralatan baru. Manfaat dari kegiatan pengabdian ini adalah meningkatkan pemahaman mitra terkait pencatatan keuangan usaha dan pemasaran, serta meningkatkan kapasitas produksi pusat. Diharapkan nanti hasil dari kegiatan ini adalah peningkatan aset, omset usaha, jumlah produksi serta peningkatan jumlah tenaga kerja. Target luaran yang ingin dicapai adalah peningkatan daya saing, peningkatan omset dan edded value UKM, peningkatan produk, penerapan IPTEK UKM, publikasi pada jurnal Nasional, Publikasi di media cetak/online, mengunggah video di kanal Youtube.
PKM Pada Kelompok Subak Abian Labuan Sait, Desa Pecatu, Kabupaten Badung
Authors: LESTARI Ni Luh Putu Ratna Wahyu , SANJAYA I Ketut Puja Wirya , SUWITARI Ni Ketut Etty
Published: November 2022

Pandemi Covid-19 saat ini, memberikan dampak negative dan signifikan terhadap perkembangan pariwisata dan perekonomian di Desa Pecatu, sehingga pada masa pandemi Covid-19 ini, pertanian memegang peranan yang sangat penting bagi kehidupan masyarakat seperti di desa Pecatu Kecamatan Kuta Selatan Kabupaten Badung. Desa Pecatu merupakan kawasan perbukitan yang lahan tanah termasuk lahan kering karena disekeliling wilayah desa ini adalah perbukitan dan pantai. Dalam pengembangan organisasinya, Kelompok Subak Abian Labuan Sait telah mengembangkan berbagai macam jenis tanaman, baik sayur-sayuran, buah dan bunga. Kelompok Subak Abian Labuan Sait biasanya menanam tanaman seperti jeruk, srikaya, jagung, manga, cabai dan sayur-sayuran lainnya. Namun hasil pertanian belum maksimal untuk mampu dipasarkan secara meluas. Selain itu, Desa Pecatu memiliki sambal yang menjadi makanan tradisional khas desa ini, yaitu sambal “Tabia Tuh” yang berbahan dasar cabai yang dikeringkan. Masyarakat desa ini menjadikan sambal tabia tuh di menu sehari-hari mereka. Namun sambal tabia tuh yang dijual masih berbentuk pengemasan plastik dan terkadang jika lebih dari 7 hari, sambal akan berair karena olahan dan pengemasan yang kurang tepat. Selain pengemasan, permasalahan lain yang dihadapi yaitu belum memiliki kemampuan dalam pencatatan laporan keuangan sederhana, pengendalian internal yang masih rendah, pembuatan proposal untuk mendapatkan bantuan dari pemerintah setempat serta gangguan hama dan penyakit tanaman cabai. Hal tersebut menjadi salah satu hal yang kami perhatikan dalam program pemberdayaan masyarakat ini.