bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An overview of recent technique and the affecting parameters in the demulsification of crude oil emulsions
Authors: Saad M A , Abdurahman N H , Yunus Rosli Mohd , Ali H S 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe crude oil mix with water through processing and under significant shear at the wellhead and with the assistance of surface-active substance which is present naturally in the crude oil leading to the formation of water-oil emulsions. These emulsions are undesirable and cause problem like pipeline corrosion, pump malfunctions, poisoning of downstream refinery catalysts, and other problems. Emulsions are needed to demulsify and separate the water. There are various parameters related in crude oil demulsification that can both reduce or rise the stability of the emulsion by altering each. Therefore, this study presents an overview of research efforts on the state-of-the-art demulsification techniques through the last years and the parameters affecting the demulsification process. Firstly, an overview of the crude oil emulsion, kinds, formation, and stability. After that, a short discussion of the different demulsification techniques process. Finally, the study of the parameters affecting the demulsification process, including salinity, temperature, pH, water content, and emulsifier/demulsifier dose. The review of literature culminated in the proposition for future research.
Microwave-assisted extraction of β-sitosterol from cocoa shell waste
Authors: Ibrahim N H , Mahmud M S , Nurdin Said 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Phytosterol from cocoa shell can be reused in food industries in order to add value of the agricultural waste. Its extraction from the cocoa shell using ethanol can be assisted by using microwave for effective heating. This study was carried out to delineate the effect of temperature, power and radiation time of the microwave onto the extraction of β-sitosterol, as the key phytosterol, from the cocoa shell of Theobroma cacao L. species using absolute ethanol. Salkowski test, IR spectra and GC-MS analyses confirmed the presence of β-sitosterol and a flame-ionization-detector gas chromatography was employed to measure its concentration. Based on the one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) approach, the maximum yield was obtained 13% higher than the yield of conventional maceration, i.e. 3546.1 mg/100g, at the optimum values of 70°C, 500 W and 10 min. Solubility and boiling point of ethanol onto extraction at various extraction temperatures probably caused the differences.
Modeling the kinetics of essential oil hydrodistillation from Vietnamese ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Authors: Phat D T , Quyen N T C , Minh P T H , Huyen L V 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Zingiber officinale is a frequently used herb and food flavouring agent, commonly known as ginger. Z. officinale belongs to the Zingiberaceae family, comprising of more than 1200 species [1]. In traditional therapeutic systems, Z. officinale is known for its various medicinal properties that give rise to the ability to cure a variety of diseases. Ginger oil is a potential commodity, but the extraction of these oils takes a long time to produce good quality essential oils. Thus, optimization work is required in the extraction process. In this study, the extraction was performed with the hydro-distillation method, which has been widely used to extract essential oils from natural plant and herbs due to its feasibility and green technology The extraction was carried out over several extraction cycles from 15 minutes until the amount of essential oil recovered is almost unchanged. The maximum yield in ginger essential oil extract achieved 0.5% from 100 g starting material. This yield was obtained on optimum temperature conditions, extraction time and water to material ratio such as 204 W, 120 min, and 1:4 mL/g. The mathematical model of essential oil extraction was constructed, which is a crucial step in the industrial plant project because it helps to understand the extraction process and to achieve optimal operating conditions. The process kinetics in this study was modeled by the first and second-order kinetic models. The kinetics of the extraction of ginger essential oil by the hydrodistillation method has demonstrated that the extraction process is based on a second model as it has been done experimentally. The second order model was satisfactorily modified, with extremely high correlation coefficients (R2= 0.99355), demonstrating that the process was successfully described.
Surfactant for petroleum demulsification, structure, classification, and properties. A review
Authors: Saad M A , Abdurahman N H , Yunus Rosli Mohd , Ali H S 
Published: December 2020

AbstractCrude oil as a complex fluid often consists of colloidal particles. These colloidal particles are made up of asphaltenes and resins diffused in a blend of aliphatic and aromatic solvents. At various stages of crude oil production, there is usually an occurrence a water-in-oil emulsion. The stability of the emulsion formed is dependent on the occurrence of the interfacial barrier which prevents the coalescence of the dispersed water droplets. Several operational difficulties are often encountered during crude oil processing as a result of the presence of water. These difficulties range from corrosion in equipment and pipelines as well as an increase in the production cost. Hence, to mitigate these economic and operational challenges, it is crucial to ensure that the water is separated from the crude oil prior to transporting or refining the oil. Demulsification using surfactant is one of the effective techniques used for the separation of crude oil from water. This paper presents a short review of the various application of surfactants for demulsification, their structure, classification as well as their properties. In addition, the mechanism and techniques for demulsification of crude oil were also presented.
The Influence of Ethylene Gas Concentration on LDPE/C2H4 Hybrid Explosion Process and its Severity
Authors: Badli H , Sulaiman S Z , Arifin M N , Semawi N , Izhab I , Shaarni S , Man R Che , Abdul Mudalip S K , Arshad Z I 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The influence of ethylene (C2H4) gas concentration on the LDPE dust hybrid explosion in a 20-L spherical vessel, equipped with a chemical ignitor was analysed for the determination of maximum explosion overpressure, Pmax and deflagration index, KG. The LDPEC2H4 dust hybrid explosibility was evaluated based on the Pmax development, measured by the Kistler piezoelectric pressure transducer. The adiabatic flame temperature was calculated based on ideal gas law. It is speculated that the LDPE/C2H4 explosion undergoes three-phase process, starting with the ignition, followed by flame growth and flame regression. The highest Pmax (17.9 bar) and flame temperature (5200 K) was obtained at flame growth phase, recorded at C2H4 concentration of 3 vol/vol%. It was found that the Pmax and flame temperature is dependent on C2H4 concentration. The calculated KG values in a range of 14 – 60 bar.m/ms obtained in this study, suggesting that the LDPE/C2H4 dust hybrid explosion might subject to an extreme explosion characteristic.
Yields and Composition of Persian Lime Essential Oils (Citrus latifolia) from Hau Giang province, Vietnam extracted by Three Different Extraction Methods
Authors: Tran T K N , Ngo T C Q , Tran T H , Tran T T , Huynh X P , Do V D , Nguyen K T , Nguyen M V , Bach L G 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The essential oils (EOs) was extracted from Persian lime (Citrus latifolia) peels collected in Hau Giang province, Vietnam. Volatile compositions of EOs obtained by three extraction methods of hydrodistillation (HD), steam distillation (SD) and microwave extraction (ME) were analyzed and compared. The volatile compounds in EOs were analyzed based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). An amount of 3 ml/g, 2.3 ml/g and 4 ml/g of EOs was obtained from HD, SD and ME with twenty-one compounds were identified, accounting for 99% -100% of the total oil content. Limonene, β-pinene, α-pinene, γ-Terpinene, α-citral, β-citral and Sabinene are the major compound in essential oil. However, there were qualitative and quantitative differences between oil samples obtained by the three extraction methods. The difference is probably due to the influence of different environmental factors and specific characteristics of each extraction method. The results of this study will provide information on the content and chemical composition of Lemon peels. C. latifolia and serve as a stepping stone for further research into the applications of the compound to cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical products.
Mesh refinement for cortical and trabecular bone finite element modeling: A review
Authors: Zain N A M , Daud R , Kamarrudin N S , Ahmad K R , Aziz N H A 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
For centuries, the finite element (FE) method has been extensively used to predict the fracture performance and various method has been implemented to yield accurate results especially in healthcare industries. Bone fracture has been a critical problem since it interrupts the strength and structure of human bone. Thus, this problem will lead to bone malfunction and cause excess bleeding of surround tissues. Human bone consists of cortical and trabecular bone which serve a different amount of load sustainability before the fracture occurred. One of the most vital problems arise is the inaccuracy of the stress intensity factor related to the bone fracture. Recent studies have proven that with the implementation of appropriate meshing element produce higher accuracy results especially with the implementation of mesh refinement in the finite element model. The singularity elements suggested by Barsoum (1976) has proven that the quarter-point triangular elements give highly accurate results. Several methods for stress intensity factor calculation has been implemented by various past researchers. Among all the methods used, J-integral has proven to be the most accurate method compared to the others. The first section in your paper.
Development of risk assessment model for biomass plant boiler using bayesian network
Authors: Alaw F A , Sulaiman N S 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Malaysia as the second-largest producer of crude palm oil has abundance of biomass residues from palm oil industries which can be converted to bio-chemicals to generate electricity. However, despite institutional arrangements of the biomass industry, there are several risks which may prone to reduce efficiency of biopower boiler especially empty fruit bunch as the fuel. Boiler is one of the primary equipment of power generation plants, in a significant role in converting biofuel to electricity. The main risk areas in biopower boiler are dearator, economizer, fuel preparation, and water cooling system. Available risk methodologies are not able to provide accurate results for a combination of risks. In this work, Bayesian network approach is introduced to determine and predict risk associated with biopower boiler. The predictive and diagnosis analyses of the Bayesian Network were performed to find the casual links which cause the failure and make a prediction of the control measures to reduce the rate of mistakes. Results revealed that dearator showed a significant effect when the system operates beyond the limits of its design. In conclusion, Bayesian Networks appear to be an assist for decision makers to decide when and where to take preventive or mitigate measures.
Prediction of treated water turbidity and its parametric behavior for the coagulation process of a water treatment plant using a joint extreme learning machine-genetic algorithm
Authors: Jayaweera C D , Aziz N 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
A new genetic algorithm was developed to improve the performance of the extreme learning machine radial basis function (ELM-RBF) neural network model to predict treated water (TW) turbidity for the coagulation process of water treatment. The genetic algorithm was constructed such that a notable improvement in the model could be achieved, within a short period of time. Two sets of models were developed based on high and low turbidity values. The genetic algorithm improved the correlation coefficient (R) and the mean squared error (MSE) of the low turbidity model from 0.76 and 2.16 × 10-4 to 0.81 and 4.85 × 10-5 respectively, in 15 minutes; whilst improving R and MSE of the high turbidity model from 0.62 and 0.0011 to 0.93 to 2.89 × 10-4 respectively, in 2 minutes. The ability of the model to capture the reported variation of TW turbidity with gradually increasing coagulant dosage was also tested. It was noted that ELM-RBF was more capable of capturing such physical and chemical phenomena better than multilayer perceptron and ELM-single layer feed-forward models. The genetic algorithm improved the ability of the model to capture the parametric behavior of TW turbidity too.
Design and Fabrication the Smart Irrigation Technology Using Soil Moisture Sensor System for Vine in Ninh Thuan, Vietnam
Authors: Ho V T T , Hoang A N T , Thu T D , Thi N D 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Vietnam’s agricultural production depends heavily on natural conditions such as land, weather and irrigation water. Due to the impacts of climate change, the Central Highlands and the South-Central Coast region, Vietnam often suffer from prolonged drought conditions, wilting many crops such as coffee, apple grapes, pepper causing damage big socio-economy, affecting people’s lives. According to the survey results of the Central Highlands Agriculture and Forestry Science Institute (WASI), over 73% of farmers irrigate water for crops, wasting water resources and increasing production costs. Therefore, the research for advanced irrigation technology, can determine the appropriate amount of irrigation water, at the right time for each type of crop, thereby saving the maximum amount of irrigation water but still ensuring productivity and capacity increase. In this study, we will develop methods, models and designs smart, economical irrigation systems using humidity sensors to regulate the amount of irrigation water sufficiently and at the right time by solar energy. We have designed a soil moisture sensor system using wireless sensor networks technology for remote control for watering enough and at the right time to supply crops. The Soil Moisture Sensor (Soil Moisture Sensor with accuracy: 0 ∼ 50% (m3/m3) within ± 4% of working voltage: DC 3 - 5V. Average current <10 mA) with forecast time is about 1 ∼ 60 minutes/time and operation time without solar power > 16 hours. Moreover, we have built a process of smart watering technology based on the Soil Moisture Sensor system and remote control for vine in Ninh Thuan province, Vietnam for the Vine farm 1000 m2. The system has been tested in reality in vine research area in Ninh Thuan province, Vietnam for the Vine farm with 1000 m2. The system includes automatic sensors connected to the central controller and the pump is simplified by buttons on the electrical cabinet or on the phone application, making it convenient for the farmer to operate and apply.
A comprehensive review for gut microbes: technologies, interventions, metabolites and diseases
Authors: Qi Changlu , Wang Ping , Fu Tongze , Lu Minke , Cai Yiting , Chen Xu , Cheng Liang 
Published: December 2020

AbstractGut microbes have attracted much more attentions in the recent decade since their essential roles in the development of metabolic diseases, cancer and neurological diseases. Considerable evidence indicates that the metabolism of gut microbes exert influences on intestinal homeostasis and human diseases. Here, we first reviewed two mainstream sequencing technologies involving 16s rRNA sequencing and metagenomic sequencing for gut microbes, and data analysis methods assessing alpha and beta diversity. Next, we introduced some observational studies reflecting that many factors, such as lifestyle and intake of diets, drugs, contribute to gut microbes’ quantity and diversity. Then, metabolites produced by gut microbes were presented to understand that gut microbes exert on host homeostasis in the intestinal epithelium and immune system. Finally, we focused on the molecular mechanism of gut microbes on the occurrence and development of several common diseases. In-depth knowledge of the relationship among interventions, gut microbes and diseases might provide new insights in to disease prevention and treatment.
Integration of solid-oxide fuel cells and absorption refrigeration for efficient combined cooling, heat and power production
Authors: Matuszny Krzysztof , Borhani Tohid N , Nabavi Seyed A , Hanak Dawid P 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Combined cooling, heating and power (CCHP) systems are characterized by a substantially higher energy-utilization efficiency compared to standalone systems. In this study, an integrated system comprising a solid-oxide fuel cell (SOFC), hot-water storage tank (HWST) and absorption refrigeration (AR) cycle is considered. The SOFC model was developed in Aspen Plus®. It was used to determine the thermodynamic properties of the exhaust gas that was then used to provide heat for the HWST and to drive the AR cycle. Thermodynamic models for the AR cycles were developed in Engineering Equation Solver, considering LiBr–H2O and NH3–H2O as working fluids. The sensitivity analysis of a number of SOFC output parameters has been carried out. The most optimal case was characterized with the coefficient of performance (COP) and CCHP efficiency of 0.806 and 85.2% for the LiBr–H2O system, and 0.649 and 83.6% for the NH3–H2O system, respectively. Under such optimal operating conditions, the SOFC was characterized by the net electrical efficiency of 57.5% and the net power output of 123.66 kW. Data from the optimal solution were used to perform the thermodynamic study and sensitivity analysis to assess the influence of different absorption cycle operating conditions and to identify possible applications for the considered integrated systems.
The histopathological spectrum of kidney biopsies in patients with thymoma and myasthenia gravis: a report of 24 biopsies from a single institution
Authors: Takahashi Akira , Miyauchi Takamasa , Tatsumoto Narihito , Lin Mercury Y , Hou Jean , Doi Toshiki , Masaki Takao , Yamashita Michifumi 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundNephropathy in patients with thymic diseases such as thymoma and myasthenia gravis (MG) is rare and has been described mostly as isolated case reports. Here we evaluate a series of kidney biopsies from patients with thymoma and/or MG from a single institution in order to better define the spectrum and relative frequencies of thymic disease–associated nephropathies.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective case series study of 32 462 native kidney biopsies from January 2005 through December 2019 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.ResultsTwenty-four biopsy specimens (0.07%) from patients with a history of thymoma and/or MG were identified. Two patients had repeat biopsies. The most common pathologic diagnosis that could be immunologically attributed to thymic disease was minimal change disease (MCD; 45%), followed by tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN; 14%), immune complex (IC)-mediated glomerulonephritis (9%), membranous nephropathy (5%) and immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy (5%). Interestingly, 50% of the MCD and 67% of TIN cases concomitantly showed mild IgG-dominant IC deposition in mesangial areas and/or in tubular basement membranes. In the two patients with repeat biopsies, mild mesangial IC deposition developed in the MCD patient but disappeared in the TIN patient with the second biopsy. Pathologic diagnoses unlikely related to the underlying thymic disease were diabetic glomerulosclerosis (9%), acute tubular necrosis (9%) and monoclonal Ig deposition disease (5%).ConclusionsThymic disease is associated with a wide spectrum of kidney diseases affecting the glomerular and tubulointerstitial compartments, often with low-grade IC deposition. These findings suggest a role of immunologic dysregulation in the pathogenesis of thymic disease–associated nephropathy.
Rationalising inefficiency in dairy production: evidence from an over-time approach
Authors: Adamie Birhanu Addisu , Hansson Helena 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWe argue that inefficiency can be part of a strategic self-repositioning adjustment process beyond the general interpretation of poor performance. Based on the rational inefficiency hypothesis, we examine the simultaneous dynamics of efficiency and animal welfare improving investments over time in dairy farms. Using rotating panel data from Swedish dairy farms and implementing multidirectional efficiency analysis and Markov transitional dynamic analysis, the paper provides evidence that for some farms inefficiency is temporary and part of rational decision along their trajectory towards multi-efficiency (high efficiency-high animal welfare). The findings show the importance of time dynamics in efficiency achievements with implications to cross-sectional view.
Depression and Elevated Inflammation Among Chinese Older Adults: Eight Years After the 2003 SARS Epidemic
Authors: Wang Haowei , Stokes Jeffrey E , Burr Jeffrey A 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Background and Objectives
This study examined associations between exposure to the 2003 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) epidemic and Chinese older adults’ depression and inflammation 8 years after the crisis. Further, this study investigated the buffering effects of perceived social support and social participation.

Research Design and Methods
Data were drawn from the 2011 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey, including N = 4,341 Chinese adults aged 60 years and older. For the survey, local officials identified whether the 2003 SARS outbreak was one of the major disasters in the history of their communities. Depression was assessed by the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression scale and inflammation was measured by C-reactive protein (CRP) collected from participants via venous blood draws.

Results
Results from multilevel logistic regression models revealed that Chinese older adults living in communities exposed to SARS were more likely to have elevated CRP compared to those not living in such communities. Moreover, community SARS exposure was associated with greater risks of depression for Chinese older adults who had no perceived social support. Among Chinese older adults who had low levels of social participation, community SARS exposure was more strongly related to elevated CRP.

Discussion and Implications
Findings suggest community-level exposure to the SARS epidemic had enduring consequences for Chinese older adults’ health. However, active social participation and supportive social ties provided important resources that may buffer against negative effects of exposure to the SARS epidemic.