bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thermal extremes in regulated river systems under climate change: an application to the southeastern U.S. rivers
Authors: Cheng Yifan , Voisin Nathalie , Yearsley John R , Nijssen Bart 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
High river temperatures, or ‘thermal extremes’, can cause fish mortality and thermoelectric powerplant derating. Under climate change, projected higher air temperature and stronger surface energy fluxes will lead to increased water temperatures, exacerbating thermal extremes. However, cold hypolimnetic releases from thermally stratified reservoirs can depress tailwater temperatures and therefore alleviate thermal extremes. Thermal extremes are more harmful when they coincide with low flows, which we refer to as ‘hydrologic hot-dry events’. To assess multi-sectoral impacts of climate change over large regions, we evaluate thermal events according to three impact attributes: duration (D), intensity (I), and severity (S). We apply an established model framework to simulate streamflow and stream temperature over the southeastern US regulated river system. We quantify climate change impacts (by the 2080s under RCP8.5) by comparing historical and future periods and quantify regulation impacts by comparing unregulated and regulated model setups. We find that climate change will exacerbate thermal extremes (all three metrics) in both unregulated and regulated model setups, albeit less in the regulated setup. Thermal mitigation from reservoir regulation will be stronger under climate change, decreasing the three metrics compared to the unregulated case. Even so, thermal extremes in the regulated setup will still be more severe under climate change, and only 12.2%, 19.7%, and 26.0% of D, I, and S can be mitigated by reservoirs. Despite stronger reservoir stratification, the number of regulated river segments that experience simultaneous high temperature and low flow events (hydrologic hot-dry events) will increase by 21.4% by the 2080s under RCP8.5. These events will have a median annual duration of 10.3 day/year, over 10 times the historical value.
Geopolymer production for conservation-restoration using Sicilian raw materials: feasibility studies
Authors: Barone G , Caggiani M C , Coccato A , Finocchiaro C , Fugazzotto M , Lanzafame G , Occhipinti R , Stroscio A , Mazzoleni P 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
In the last decades, particular attention has been aimed to innovative materials class with high-tech features to apply in conservation-restoration of Cultural Heritage, ensuring both aesthetic compatibility and adequate properties with regards to the original rock substrate. AGM for CuHe project aims to valorise Sicilian raw materials, natural and industrial by-products, for the development of alkali-activated materials, as geopolymers. These materials are produced by the activation of an aluminosilicate precursors in alkaline environment. Volcanic raw materials (volcanic ash, volcanic paleo-soils and pumice) and ceramic industrial waste were mixed with an alkaline solution and cured at room temperature. In some cases, small quantities of metakaolin were added to the mixture to increase the reactivity of the precursors. In order to obtain the geopolymeric reaction, the precursors need to be fully characterized. A similar approach is also applied to the synthesized geopolymers in order to understand its behaviour in relation to the original building materials. Therefore, a multi-analytical approach is proposed: chemical and mineralogical studies (XRF and XRD), combined with spectroscopic (FT-IR) and morphological (SEM and μCT) analyses. These preliminary results confirm the feasibility of this eco-friendly class of materials using the proposed local raw materials.
Silver fir characterized by micro-imaging NMR and FTIR spectroscopy
Authors: Longo S , Capuani S , Corsaro C , Fazio E 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance micro-imaging (μMRI) approach with multiparametric measurement and FTIR spectroscopy was adopted to investigate silver fir. In particular, we investigated weakly interacting and bound water, detected by NMR and FTIR techniques, hypothesizing a water interaction with the main structures of the wood. For instance, by means of NMR analyses, we obtain information about the principal wood morphological/structural modifications, which are associated with humification processes, reflected in the changes of aromatic C-H and C-O vibration modes shown by FTIR. Thus, the combined use of NMR and FTIR allows characterizing the mobility of water with respect to lignin and cellulose features, which can serve as a benchmark for wood degradation conditions.
New perspectives for the green economy in Sicily
Authors: Parisi F , Sabatino G , Marciano G , Mottese A , Nania G , Leonetti F , Sfameni S , Bella M Di , Mazzoleni P , Barone G , Tripodo A , Drommi D , Magazu S 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Geopolymers are synthetic materials, which attract increasing interest because they represent a supplementary cementitious material as an alternative to Portland cement. Geopolymers are considered as environmentally friendly materials, due to the low processing temperature and the absence of CO2 gas emissions. These ecological features, linked to their technical properties, such as high strength, high acid resistance, and/or high-temperature resistance, make them very innovative technological materials. In addition, geopolymers show good performance if realized by the utilization of secondary raw materials (industrial wastes like fly ash or slag), thus improving strong interest in such technology from countries with growing industrialization. Here, in order to reduce global impacts and to stimulate the Sicilian green economy, we provide the evaluation of the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) through the employ of local raw materials to produce geopolymers in Sicily. To reach this aim, geopolymers have been produced in collaboration with a Sicilian cement industry, through the use of local raw materials (furnace blast slag from Sicilian steelworks and Calabrian kaolinite) and the construction of a pilot plant. The obtained results show, for different scenarios, a considerable reduction of both CO2 emissions and energy consumption, but also a general improvement of the environmental indicators.
Synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles as a potential sensor for volatile organosulfides for visual detection of postharvest storage in garlic
Authors: Motol R K C , Espineli C A , Tapit C M V , Tiangco C E 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Garlic, one of the most popular spices used in manufacturing many food products, is subjected to fungal and bacterial diseases resulting to substantial losses in quantity and quality. Specific detection tools for garlic spoilage will be an asset in relieving these losses during postharvest storage. In this study, stable yellow-colored silver nanoparticle colloidal solution was studied as a potential sensor for volatile organosulfides in garlic. The silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized by chemical reduction method where silver nitrate was taken as metal precursor, sodium borohydride as reducing agent, and polyethylene glycol as stabilizing agent. The silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis Spectroscopy and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). The spectral analysis revealed the formation of silver nanoparticles by exhibiting the typical surface plasmon absorption peak at around 395 nm. The DLS results show two populations of AgNPs with particle sizes of 3 nm and 50 nm. The volume ratio of sodium sulfite to be added in the silver nanoparticle and the reaction time was also determined. Synthesized AgNPs could detect sodium sulfite at 0.52 to 50 µM concentration range. This simple method indicated the potential of silver nanoparticles as a powerful detection tool for volatile organosulfides in garlic.
Photocatalytic degradation of Atrazine herbicide using nano-Hydroxyapatite from Cow Bone synthesized via Simulated Body Fluid
Authors: Vicente Rubi Rugi , Roque Erison , Dela Rosa Francis , Martin Estoque Rey , Olvido Gerald , Jane Perey Patricia , Teresa Jabin Sta. , Anne Tesalona May 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe excessive usage of herbicide in agricultural industry has known to cause unexpected side effects both on human and environment. This present study investigates the viability of using nano-Hydroxyapatite as a catalyst in the photodegradation of the herbicide Atrazine. Nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) was synthesized using cow bone as the calcium source via simulated body fluid (SBF). Physical and morphological characterization was done using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The SEM analysis results indicates the formation of globular precipitated nHAp with 22 to 114 nm particle diameter size. The FTIR and XRD results confirmed the presence of functional groups and crystal structure associated to presence of hydroxyapatite. The photodegradation of the Atrazine herbicide results showed a steady increase in efficiency with the increasing amount of catalyst and UV exposure time. The highest degradation efficiency of 52% was achieved with 0.7 g nHAp for 2.5 hrs exposure. This study showed that Atrazine herbicide can be effectively treated with the proposed method to reduce the environmental impact of the herbicide by converting it into potentially less dangerous by-products that can be less harmful.
Mesoporous silica nanoparticles as vehicles for drug delivery
Authors: Adristya I M , Suryaningtyas A D , Wijaya J , Pangestu F C , Hartono S B , Soewignyo L H , Irawaty W 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Silica-based materials such as mesoporous silica nanoparticle MCM-41 and hollow mesoporous silica have been synthesized at room temperature. Several characterization techniques such as N2 adsorption-desorption analysis, SEM and FTIR have been employed to assess the formation of the nanoparticles. Rifampicin, commonly used in tuberculosis treatment, was selected as the target drug to assess the ability of the two nanoparticles to host this antibiotic. Following the loading of rifampicin on the particle surface, the dissolution behaviour of rifampicin in a media was investigated. Surface characterizations show HMS exhibits higher surface area as well as pore size and volume compared to MCM-41. However, rifampicin was not attached on the latter particles until it was modified with APTES. HMS particles store more rifampicin molecules on the particle surface than the modified MCM-41. The in-vitro drug release was investigated with buffer phosphate (pH=7.4) and the results shown that the rifampicin-loaded HMS particles were capable of releasing 18% rifampicin content after 77 h. Further investigation was necessary to support the promising application of mesoporous silica nanoparticles for pulmonary drug delivery.
The effect of uric acid in the detection of calcium stones in urine through turbidimetry method
Authors: Bacani P A , Maglaqui J A , Tadeo A A , Quinto E 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
An increase of 10-12 percent in the number of Filipinos afflicted with kidney or renal disease is recorded per year according to the National Kidney Transplant Institute. Thus, the diagnosis of calcium stone formation, or urinalysis, in urine is a significant contribution to the medical industry. This study presents a diagnostic LED photoresistor sensor that can selectively determine calcium stones in the presence of uric acid. The LED photoresistor sensor, with Hantek data logger, was used to determine the concentration of Ca (II) in the urine sample. The features of the sensor system have a signal stability of 0.0596 % relative standard deviation (RSD) and repeatability of 10.35% RSD when 80 ppm of standard Ca (II) is compared to a blank in the presence of 60 ppm of uric acid. The calcium sensor photoresistor shows a calibration curve of y=0.0001x-0.0023 with a limit of detection of 46.84 ppm. The linear coefficient of the calibration curve, R2 is 0.9902.
The Optimal Condition on the Growth of Green Haematococcus Pluvialis as one of the Future Natural Resources
Authors: Retti Witono Judy , Gunadi Alvin , Santoso Herry , Miryanti Arry , Kumalaputri Angela J. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
In the developing world nowadays, the need of antioxidants as counteracting free radicals becomes more and more. Astaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment with high antioxidant content. It can be obtained from natural sources or chemical synthesis. Haematococcus pluvialis is one of natural sources of astaxanthin which accumulates large amounts of astaxanthin under stressful condition. The growth of H. pluvialis in the green phase determines the amount of astaxanthin that can produced. It is influenced by various conditions such as amount and type of growing medium, light intensity, pH of medium, temperature, and initial inoculum concentration. The goal of this research is to obtain the optimum condition on the growth of H. pluvialis at the green stage using the experimental design i.e. Central Composite Design (CCD). The variables observed were the effect of the initial inoculum concentration (25-35% -v/v), the concentration of nutrients (1-2 mL/L liquid water), and the types of growth medium (Walne’s and BG-11). Before the experiment, H. pluvialis was cultured until its optical density (OD = 1 – 1.2). The responses observed were the cell density based on optical density (OD) using a spectrophotometer and cell number counted by using haemacytometer every day during 5 days. The results were examined using the Design Expert 7.0. It showed that the optimal growth conditions of H. pluvialis cells was in BG-11 medium with initial inoculum concentration and the number of nutrients were 37, 07% and 1.5 mL/L respectively. The highest cell number was found 23, 75 x 106 cells / mL in the 3rd day. Whereas by using Walne media, the optimum condition was obtained at the initial inoculum concentration and the amount of nutrients were 35% and 2 mL respectively. And the highest cell density number obtained was 17, 5 x 106 cells / mL on the 3rd day.
Performance of Stored Electrolyzed Seawater for Disinfection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Ferrer Michelle Joan C. , Lim Ryan Kenneth L. , Cue Russell Dillon A. , Beltran Arnel B. , Damalerio Regina G. , Uba Marigold O. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Electrolysis of seawater has the ability to produce free chlorine (FC), sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and other oxidants which enable it to kill pathogens making it a viable disinfectant. However, the stability of this disinfectant is somewhat unpredictable during storage. This study determined the effects of storage time on the stability of electrolyzed seawater (ESW) in terms of its physicochemical properties, specifically pH, oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), and free chlorine concentration (FCC) for 83 days and evaluated its disinfection performance on Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The effect of dilution in the disinfection was also investigated at ESW to water ratio of 1:0, 1:1, and 3:6. Pre-filtered seawater was electrolyzed at 1.5 A for 20 minutes using platinum-coated titanium mesh electrodes. The ESW was transferred to opaque high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles stored at ambient temperature without direct exposure to sunlight. The physicochemical properties of ESW at different storage times were determined, and its disinfection capability against P. aeruginosa was evaluated. This study has made use of two trials for the physicochemical test due to two different batches of seawater were taken. pH was found to increase over time, having a range of 6.32 to 7.705. The ORP and FCC, on the other hand, decreased over time. In accordance with the literature found, the pH ranges show that hypochlorous acid is the main driver of disinfection. Complete disinfection of ESW at 3:6 dilution was observed until 48 days of storage, while the 1:0 dilution was until 83 days and 1:1 dilution was until 51 days. FC decay (k=-0.1449 day−1 and k=-0.0544 day−1) was determined using Chick’s Law. Even at different dilution levels, ESW still proved its bactericidal efficacy in this research.
Mechanism and kinetic model for glycerolysis of shellac
Authors: Hartanto D T , Rochmadi  , Budhijanto  
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Shellac is a resin which is secreted from Kerria lacca, that can be utilized for coating and polyester. This material is brittle and stiff, hence modification of shellac is needed. One alternative to change its properties is by modification with glycerol. The purpose of this study is to investigate reaction between shellac and glycerol in the absence of catalyst. Moreover, in this research, the effect of hydroxyl position of glycerol is studied. In this present work, reaction was carried out for 2 hours and samples were taken every 15-30 minutes for analyzing the residual glycerol. Residual glycerol was analyzed using the periodic acid method. The reaction was carried out at various temperatures (160°C, 170°C, 180°C and 200°C). The results showed that glycerolysis reaction could be undertaken between 160°C - 180°C. In addition, the effect of ratio between glycerol and shellac was also investigated. In this study glycerol:shellac ratios were = 1:1; 1.5:1; and 2:1. The average relative error between experimental data and model in various temperature is 8.79%, while in the various ratio of glycerol and shellac is 8.26%. It showed that the kinetics model can describe well the reaction between glycerol and shellac.
Preliminary Modified Biodiesel Production by Coupling Reactive distillation with a Steam Reformer via Aspen Plus®
Authors: Treeyawetchakul C 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The conventional two-step biodiesel production process (esterification step followed by a transesterification step) from crude palm oil (CPO) has been carried out for years. However, the production cost from this process still cannot compete with fossil diesel. To reduce the capital and operating cost, the process should be modified by replacing both the reactor and the distillation column of the transesterification step with reactive distillation. In addition, glycerol, a by-product of the process, could convert to H2, a high value-added product, via a steam reformer to help reduce the biodiesel production cost. The energetic and economic possibility of the modified biodiesel production process was studied and simulated via Aspen Plus software in this work. The biodiesel production capacity from CPO (15 wt.% FFA) of ca.1, 000 kghr−1 employed from previous researches was considerably basis. The conventional and modified processes in terms of process utility and biodiesel production cost were compared. The simulation results show that the biodiesel cost from the modified process decreased by 40.85% compared to the conventional ones, because of the reduction of capital cost and selling H2. The result preliminarily confirmed that the modified biodiesel process was promising due to energy saving and economic concern.
Optimization of the production of a complete fertilizer formulation by batch impregnation using clinoptilolite zeolite as carrier
Authors: Catli N B J , Migo V P , Alfafara C G , Maguyon-Detras M C , Brutas C C P 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Fertilizer inefficiencies caused by uncontrolled and rapid nutrient release pose serious environmental threats and economic losses. Adsorption of nutrients in carriers such as clinoptilolite zeolite (CZ) has been proven to be effective in minimizing environmental pollution and improving the duration of nutrient availability in soil. In this study, a complete fertilizer was formulated via the batch impregnation of the combination of nutrient sources, such as urea, calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHAp), and muriate of potash (MoP), in CZ carrier in a 1:1 ratio. Carrier pre-treatment was done by washing CZ with deionized water and ethanol, followed by calcination at 600 °C for 4 hours. The process has 86.92% recovery and increased the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of the carrier from 41.30 cmol(+)/kg soil to 47.7630 cmol(+)/kg soil. The effect of mixture factors (% Urea : % CaHAp : % MoP ratio) and process factors (mixing time and sonication time) on the total nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) content was investigated using an Optimal (Combined Mixture) Experimental Design. Statistical analysis showed the direct effect of the mixture factors and the insignificant effect of the process factors on the said responses. The optimum conditions obtained via numerical optimization is as follows: (1) 50 : 23.99 : 14.61 : 11.39 (% PCZ : % Urea : % CaHAp : % MoP) ratio, (2) mixing time of 158.57 minutes, and (3) sonication time of 30 minutes. This resulted to a fertilizer with a total N, P, and K content of 4.65 % 2.76 %, and 5.42 %, respectively. Moreover, it has about 1.96 % bound N, 0.28 % bound P, and 2.93 % bound K due to a successful adsorption process. The adsorption process has a high fertilizer yield of 96.49 %. DLS analysis revealed that the optimized product has an average particle size of 4105.8 nm; thus, it cannot be characterized as a nanofertilizer. Cost analysis showed that the formulated complete fertilizer is priced at Php 465.82 per kilogram, which is more expensive than the 14-14-14 conventional fertilizer due to higher cost of production. However, the possible slow/controlled release property of the NPK-PCZ fertilizer could offset the high price due to longer availability of nutrients in soil. As such, this could mean lower rate of fertilizer application thus allowing to save up in resources and manpower.
Parameters study on the production of isoamyl acetate via milli-reactor in a solvent-free system
Authors: Mansor Nuraini , Singaravelan Rajaviknesswaran , Rizal Abd Shukor Syamsul 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIsoamyl acetate is an aromatic ester that has a similar smell to banana. This ester is high in demand for various industries application, especially in the flavour and fragrance sectors. This research aims to investigate the effects of synthesis parameters on the production of isoamyl acetate in a milli-reactor. Non-catalyzed reaction was performed by reacting isoamyl alcohol with acetic anhydride without further dilution. The flow rate of 40 to 80µL/min, reaction temperature of 20 to 50°C, and acid-alcohol molar ratio of 0.5 to 2.0 were chosen as the reaction parameters. All samples were analyzed through gas chromatography with flame-ionization detection (GC-FID). The results revealed that the highest production of isoamyl acetate was obtained at the flow rate of 60µL/min and temperature of 50°C with the acid-molar ratio of 0.5. In conclusion, these synthesis parameters significantly influences the non-catalyzed esterification reaction of isoamyl acetate production in a milli-reactor.
Rate-based simulation study of boric acid promoted potassium carbonate capture system
Authors: Ayittey Foster K , Saptoro Agus , Kumar Perumal , Wong Mee K 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
This study presents parametric analysis and process modification on a post-combustion carbon dioxide (CO2) capture system using boric acid promoted potassium carbonate (K2CO3) solution. The model was simulated in Aspen Plus® V10 and ELECNRTL property package was employed. Un-promoted K2CO3 system was adopted as a base case study and its simulation was validated using literature data. The K2CO3 concentration in the lean solvent makeup was then varied from 25 wt% to 40 wt% to examine the effects of lean solvent concentration on key operating variables such as stripper reboiler duty, stripper condenser duty and CO2 capture rate. A 2 wt%, 4 wt% and 6 wt% aqueous boric acid solutions were then added as promoter to the hot K2CO3 solvent and the simulation results indicated that capture rate efficiency can be enhanced by 0.7%, 0.9% and 1.2% respectively. Energy saving process modification was also carried out to the stripper column. Compared to the conventional unmodified H3BO3/K2CO3 system, the modified promoted system is able to achieve 21.09% savings in reboiler duty.