Processes Research Papers - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

The rising global warming concerns and explosive degradation of the environment requires the mainstream utilization of alternative fuels, such as hydroxy gas (HHO) which presents itself as a viable substitute for extracting the benefits of hydrogen. Therefore, an experimental study of the performance and emission characteristics of alternative fuels in contrast to conventional gasoline was undertaken. For experimentation, a spark ignition engine was run on a multitude of fuels comprising of gasoline, Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and hybrid blend of HHO with LPG. The engine was operated at 60% open throttle with engine speed ranging from 1600 rpm to 3400 rpm. Simultaneously, the corresponding performance parameters including brake specific fuel consumption, brake power and brake thermal efficiency were investigated. Emission levels of CO, CO2, HC and NOx were quantified in the specified speed range. To check the suitability of the acquired experimental data, it was subjected to a We...

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This study investigates the interrelated parameters affecting heat transfer from a hot gas flowing on a flat plate while cool air is injected adjacent to the flat plate. The cool air forms an air blanket that shield the flat plate from the hot gas flow. The cool air is blown from a confined jet and is simulated using a two-dimensional numerical model under three variable parameters; namely, blowing ratio, jet angle and density ratio. The interrelations between these parameters are evaluated to properly understand their effects on heat transfer. The analyses are conducted using ANSYS-Fluent, and the performance of the air blanket is reported using local and average adiabatic film cooling effectiveness (AFCE). The interrelation between these parameters and the AFCE is established through a statistical method known as response surface methodology (RSM). The RSM model shows that the AFCE has a second order relation with the blowing ratio and a first order relation with both jet angle an...

- by Mehmet F Orhan
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- Materials Science, Processes

This paper is dedicated to the experimental validation of a cascade control strategy for simultaneously regulating the glucose and biomass levels in continuously perfused HEK-293 cell cultures. The inner loop consists of a partial feedback linearization, which requires the estimation of the biomass specific growth rate and glucose uptake rate. This latter task is achieved by sliding mode observers, which do not require a priori process knowledge in the form of a process model. The linearized process is then regulated by the outer loop, including two classical PI controllers with autotuning. The four manipulated variables are a feed flow rate with low glucose concentration, another feed flow with a higher glucose content, a bleed flow, and a perfusion stream. The experimental results demonstrate the ability of the control strategy to reach and regulate the prescribed setpoints. The main advantage of the strategy is that it can be applied in a plug and play manner and shows satisfacto...

- by Laurent Dewasme
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- Computer Science, Processes

Fossil fuel combustion is a serious environmental problem. Significant quantities of flue gasses and wastewater, requiring further treatment, are produced. This article compares three wet flue gas desulfurization (FGD) wastewater treatment methods: coagulation with precipitation using iron(III) ions—recommended by the European Union as the best available technique (BAT)—and two alternative advanced oxidation processes (Fe2+/H2O2 and Fe0/H2O2). Both oxidation processes that were used met the technical FGD wastewater treatment requirements of the BAT. The best treatment effects, expressed as pollutants’ removal, were obtained for the Fe2+/H2O2 process for 150/300 mg/L reagent doses. It allows effective removal of boron up to 212 mg/L and heavy metals up to below the detection limit <0.010 mg/L for Pb and <0.005 mg/L for Cu. Therefore, the Fe2+/H2O2 process could be an option for FGD wastewater treatment as an alternative to the BAT recommended iron(III)-based coagulation with pr...

- by Jan Bogacki and +1
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- Processes
- by Patricia Macedo
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- Computer Science, Processes, Information System

The aim of this paper is to perform optimization of photopolymerization process of dental composites in order to obtain maximum hardness. Samples (5 mm diameter; 2, 3 and 4 mm thickness) were made of Universal Composite (UC), Bulk fill Composite (BC) and Flowable Composite (FC). Light curing of specimens was performed with 600, 1000 and 1500 mW/cm2 light intensity and an irradiation time of 20, 40 and 60 s. Vickers microhardness on the top and bottom surfaces of samples was measured. Optimization was carried out via regression analysis using QStatLab software. Photopolymerization process parameters were calculated using a specially designed MatLab software-based algorithm. For all composites, regression models for hardness on top and bottom surfaces of composite layer were established. Layer thickness as well as hardness on top and bottom surfaces of each composite was calculated for 21 curing modes varying with light intensity and irradiation time. It was established that photopoly...

- by Vladimir Panov and +1
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- Processes

Nigeria, being the world’s largest importer of diesel-powered gen-sets, is expected to invest in bio-fuels in the future. Hence, it is important to examine the thermal properties and synergy of wastes for potential downstream resource utilization. In this study, thermal conversion as a route to reduce the exploding volume of wastes from sachet-water plastic (SWP) and oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) biomass was studied. Thermogravimetric (TGA) and subsequent differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) was used for the analysis. The effect of heating rate at 20 °C min−1 causes the increase of activation energy of the decomposition in the first-stage across all the blends (0.96 and 16.29 kJ mol−1). A similar phenomenon was seen when the heating rate was increased from 10 to 20 °C min−1 in the second-stage of decomposition. Overall, based on this study on the synergistic effects during the process, it can be deduced that co-pyrolysis can be an effective waste for energy platform.

- by Saifuddin Nomanbhay
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- Processes

Curcumin (CUR) has been used since ancient times to treat several ailments as it possesses many pharmacological activities. This study intended to explore the mechanism underlying the protective effects of CUR in remodeling oxidative stress and apoptotic signals in cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced pulmonary injury in albino rats. CUR was administered at a dose of 300 mg/kg/day for 7 days and on the seventh day a single dose of CP (200 mg/kg) was given. Histopathological and ultrastructural examinations of CP-intoxicated rats showed complete alveolar obstruction, thickened inter-alveolar septa, enlarged blood vessels, severe inflammatory edema with pyknotic nuclei, and disappearance of cytoplasmic organelles. Significant increases in caspase-3, malondialdehyde (MDA), and protein carbonyl (PCO) and significant decreases in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were observed. In contrast, rats that received CUR showed clear and empty lumina with single row of pneumoc...

- by May N Bin-Jumah
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- Chemistry, Processes

The aim of this work was to compare the variations of alcohols compounds in white wine Muscat Ottonel variety aged in the presence of untoasted oak chips, toasted oak chips and untoasted barrel, considering three ageing periods—30, 60, and 90 days. The liquid-liquid extraction and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry were used to compare the concentrations of the volatile constituents of Muscat Ottonel wines. A total of 51 volatile compounds were quantified. Alcohols, terpenic and carboxylic acids decreased with ageing time, whereas esters, lactones, and phenolic compounds increased due esterification processes. The chips toast level, method, and duration of ageing, significantly influenced the content of aromatic compounds. Partial least squares regression (PLS-R) clearly discriminated the initial wine and also the wines aged with toasted and untoasted medium. The compounds (alcohols and terpenes) that impart distinctive aroma of Muscat Ottonel were enhanced by untoasted...

- by Anca C Babes and +1
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- Processes

Although supported bimetallic nanoparticles (Au-Pd NPs) demonstrate outstanding efficiency, challenges appear for carbon supported small and stable bimetallic nanoparticles used in liquid-phase reactions. In this work, Au-Pd NPs were supported on two types of carbon nanotubes: CNTs decorated covalently with carboxylic acid groups (O-CNTs) and non-covalently with the conductive poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) polymer (P-CNTs). The Au-Pd NPs were prepared using the sol immobilization approach on the functionalized CNTs, and the effect of the utilized functionalization method on the properties of the immobilized metallic nanoparticles and the performance of the nanocomposite catalysts was investigated. The fabricated nanocomposites were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The catalytic performance of Au-P...

- by Abdullah S. Alshammari
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- Materials Science, Processes

This study investigated the effect of gum Arabic and starch-based coating and two polyliners (Liner 1-micro-perforated Xtend® and Liner 2-macro-perforated high-density polyethylene) on whole ‘Wonderful’ pomegranate fruit during cold storage (5 ± 1 °C and 95 ± 2% RH). Uncoated (UC) and coated (GAMS) fruit were packaged into standard open top ventilated cartons (dimensions: 0.40 m long, 0.30 m wide and 0.12 m high) with (GAMS + Liner 1, GAMS + Liner 2, UC + Liner 1 and UC + Liner 2) or without (UC and GAMS) polyliners. After 42 d, treatment GAMS + Liner 1 recorded the least weight loss (4.82%), whilst GAMS recorded lower (8.77%) weight loss than UC + Liner 2 (10.07%). The highest (24.74 mLCO2 kg−1h−1) and lowest (13.14 mLCO2 kg−1h−1) respiration rates were detected in UC and GAMS + Liner 1, respectively. The highest and lowest total soluble solids were recorded for GAMS (16.87 °Brix), and GAMS + Liner 1 (15.60 °Brix) and UC + Liner 1 (15.60 °Brix), respectively. Overall, no decay was ...

- by Tatenda Kawhena Ph.D.
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- Processes

Heterogeneous catalysts are widely used in the chemical industry. Compared with homogeneous catalysts, they can be easily separated from the reaction mixture. To design and optimize an efficient and safe chemical process one needs to calculate the energy balance, implying the need for knowledge of the catalyst’s specific heat capacity. Such values are typically not reported in the literature, especially not the temperature dependence. To fill this gap in knowledge, the specific heat capacities of commonly utilized heterogeneous catalytic supports were measured at different temperatures in a Tian–Calvet calorimeter. The following materials were tested: activated carbon, aluminum oxide, amberlite IR120 (H-form), H-Beta-25, H-Beta-38, H-Y-60, H-ZSM-5-23, H-ZSM-5-280, silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, and zeolite 13X. Polynomial expressions were successfully fitted to the experimental data.

- by Lionel Estel
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- Materials Science, Processes

Rare earth elements (REEs) are becoming more and more significant as they play crucial roles in many advanced technologies. Therefore, the development of optimized processes for their recovery, whether from primary resources or from secondary sources, has become necessary, including recovery from mine tailings, recycling of end-of-life products and urban and industrial waste. Ionic solvents, including ionic liquids (ILs) and deep-eutectic solvents (DESs), have attracted much attention since they represent an alternative to conventional processes for metal recovery. These systems are used as reactive agents in leaching and extraction processes. The most significant studies reported in the last decade regarding the recovery of REEs are presented in this review.

- by Stéphane Pellet-rostaing
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- Processes

Jet engines are commonly used in aeronautical applications, and are one of the types of gas turbine engines. The circulation of air releases heat energy to expand the volume of hot fluids and impact the turbine wheel to generate power of hot gases. The present study investigates the potential of using ultrasonic atomization technology to assist in the combustion process. An experimental rig was set up to determine the performance of jet engines using ultrasonic droplets. A gas analyzer was used to measure various greenhouse emissions of exhaust gas. The performance of the engine was tested under three load levels (high, medium, low), starting from 10 psi at a steady state, to the minimum value. A significant result was tested for a low value of nitrogen monoxide at the three levels of load, and a specific result was tested for an efficiency value of 2% at the three levels of load. Carbon dioxide was found to decrease at the low load level. The use of an ultrasonic atomization device...

- by AMER ALAJMI
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- Processes

The aim of this study was to find out what kind of “Bianca” wine could be produced when using organic yeast, what are the dynamics of the resulting alcoholic fermentation, and whether this method is suitable for industrial production as well. Due to the stricter rules and regulations, as well as the limited amount and selection of the permitted chemicals, resistant, also known as interspecific or innovative grape varieties, can be the ideal basic materials of alternative cultivation technologies. Well-designed analytical and organoleptic results have to provide the scientific background of resistant varieties, as these cultivars and their environmentally friendly cultivation techniques could be the raw materials of the future. The role of the yeast in wine production is crucial. We fermented wines from the “Bianca” juice samples three times where model chemical solutions were applied. In our research, we aimed to find out how organic yeast influenced the biogenic amine formation of ...

- by Réka Matolcsi
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- Processes

Maqui (Aristotelia chilensis (Mol.) Stuntz) is a Chilean berry rich in antioxidants, which are mostly found in the pulp and skin of the fruit. The objective was to evaluate the cryoconcentration process by centrifugation–filtration as a simultaneous, efficient, and innovative method to increase the content of thermosensitive bioactive compounds of aqueous maqui extract. Cryoconcentration separated the concentrated solute from the aqueous maqui extract with an efficiency of more than 95%; it increased the content of total polyphenols and total anthocyanins and antioxidant capacity by 280%, 573%, and 226%, respectively. Although the concentrates obtained by evaporation at 50, 70, and 80 °C increased the content of bioactive compounds, they did so in a lower percentage than the cryoconcentrate. Furthermore, cyanidin 3,5-diglucoside was degraded at 70 and 80 °C. In conclusion, cryoconcentration by centrifugation–filtration as a simultaneous process efficiently separates the solutes from...

- by Yanara Tamarit Pino
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- Processes

The production of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) from bilberry waste (BW) and red currant waste (RCW) extracts was studied. Red fruit extracts were obtained by treating BW and RCW with aqueous ethanol (50% v/v) at 40 °C. The formation of nanoparticles was monitored spectrophotometrically by measuring the intensity of the surface plasmon resonance band (SPR) of silver. The effects of temperature (20–60 °C) and pH (8–12) on the reaction kinetics and on the properties of Ag-NPs were investigated. Characterization by XRD and dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques showed that Ag-NPs were highly crystalline, with a face-centered cubic structure and a hydrodynamic diameter of 25–65 nm. The zeta potential was in the range of −35.6 to −20.5 mV. Nanoparticles obtained from BW were slightly smaller and more stable than those from RCW. A kinetic analysis by the initial-rate method showed that there was an optimum pH, around 11, for the production of Ag-NPs. Overall, the results obtained sugge...

- by Stefano Natali
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- Processes

In order to achieve its goals, the higher education system in each country uses various elements, and university curricula is one of the most important elements and reflection of the success and failure, and even in most cases, guide to the higher education system. However, the inadequacy of the skills of university graduates from industrial universities and technical and engineering faculties in meeting the specialized needs of employers in industry due to incomplete training of students in these fields in Iran, the need to validate the curricula of technical and engineering fields in the country. It became more apparent. In this regard, this study aimed at reviewing and analyzing institutional mapping, criteria and processes for validating curricula in technical and engineering disciplines in countries around the world and using the comparative method of George Brady. The results determined that in the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, Italy, and Japan alone, 38.4 percent of all selected institutions and private institutions are responsible for accrediting technical and engineering curricula, and in Germany, Switzerland, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. The United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Pakistan, Egypt, and South Africa are institutions and semi-governmental institutions that are accredited to validate this curricula (61/6%). Also, the analysis of the validation criteria of the curricula of technical and engineering fields of the studied countries indicated that; the highest number of accreditation criteria is related to the United Arab Emirates and Malaysia with ten criteria and the lowest number is related to Canada and Egypt with four accreditation criteria.

- by Higher Education Letter
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- Institutions, Processes, Criteria, Credit systems
- by Riccardo Bacci di Capaci
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- Engineering, Hysteresis, Backlash, Processes

Hotel organizations are made up of systems, processes and procedures, structure, and people. The organizational effectiveness depends on the appropriateness of those variables as well as the Human Resources Management (HRM) functions and practices. The HRM practices specifically relate to how people should be treated and managed, and current thinking strongly believes that human resources are uniquely important in sustaining the hotels' long-term growth and success. The objectives of the research were to examine the relationships among organizational systems, HRM practices, and organizational structure orientations of the hotel organizations in Malaysia. The variables were examined in 21 hotels that were rated as either 4 or 5- star. The organizational system's orientation indicated a slight inclination towards flexibility as supported by the slightly open information flow, a balance between defined and flexible job assignments, and also some the lack of employees' understanding of their job functions which exerted a pull against flexibility. The HRM practices orientation showed a preference for a mix between individual and group approaches and the organizational structure appeared to be slightly open with some conservative practices while some seemed to be leaning towards proactiveness. Overall, there was an average or above-average fit between the three variables in a majority of the hotels examined.

- by IAEME Publication
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- Organizational structure, Formalization, Alignment, Organizational Systems

This study has been performed as a project management process improvement project in the R&D Department of a leading white goods manufacturer in Turkey. Data related to 93 projects executed and finished during 1994-2001 in the R&D Department is compiled. These projects are analyzed to determine the factors that affect the project performance and to identify the risks encountered in the past and to compile a Risk Checklist as an input to the proposed risk management process. Then, a risk management process and a post project analysis process are designed for introducing risk management and organizational learning practice to the R&D Center. The risk management and project analysis processes are tested on a project close to its initiation and on two recently completed projects, respectively. It is observed that learning points are identified upon analyzing risk issues and the risk management process outcomes may provide insights into the weaknesses in the project management process. T...

- by Gunduz Ulusoy
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- Risk Management, Processes, Post Project Analysis

Industry 4.0 integrates a series of emerging technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), cyber-physical systems (CPS), cloud computing, and big data, and aims to improve operational efficiency and accelerate productivity inside the industrial environment. This article provides a series of information about the required structure to adopt Industry 4.0 approaches and a brief review of related concepts to finally identify challenges and research opportunities to envision the adoption of so-called digital twins. We want to pay attention to upgrading older systems aiming to provide the well-known advantages of Industry 4.0 to such legacy systems as reducing production costs, increasing efficiency, acquiring better robustness of equipment, and reaching advanced process connectivity.

- by Sidney de Oliveira Lins
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- Computer Science, Internet of Things, Cloud Computing, Industry

We consider a scheme of aging with two possible mechanisms of senescence processes: aging with apoptosis and necrosis for differentiated cells and a multistage process of malignant transformation. Our model describes the multistage phenomena of aging and carcinogenesis by a set of stochastic equations using multivariate and diffu-sion processes. This model fits experimental data on the acceleration of aging processes from postnatal exposure to 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), and the induction of genome instability. The methods of stochastic modeling and computer simulation of the processes of aging and carcinogenesis have been used for the verification of the biological suggestions. Introduction. The importance of experiments with 5-bromodeoxyuridine This work is devoted to investigation of accelerated aging and perspectives of theoretical and experimental

- by Anatoliy Yashin
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- Aging, Simulation, Mutagenesis, Key words

When a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) uses anaerobic digestion (AD) on its sludge treatment line, the opportunity to install a sidestream deammonification process for the cost-effective removal of the N-rich reject water load generated by the sludge digester should be considered. In this context, the ANITA™ Mox process based on the moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) technology has been implemented at more than 30 full-scale facilities over the last 10 years to treat reject water from conventional AD or after thermal hydrolysis process (THP) to reduce the N-load and associated treatment costs on the WWTP. This paper reviews the lessons learned in the implementation of the ANITA™ Mox process at several WWTP in the US, Europe, and Australia.

- by Magnus Christensson
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- Processes

Centrifugal pumps are widely used in the industry, especially in the oil and gas sector for fluids transport. Classically, these are designed to transfer single phase fluids (e.g., water) at high flow rates and relatively low pressures when compared with other pump types. As part of their constructive feature, centrifugal pumps rely on seals to prevent air entrapment into the rotor during its normal operation. Although this is a constructive feature, water should pass through the pump inlet even when the inlet manifold is damaged. Modern pumps are integrated in pumping units which consist of a drive (normally electric motor), a transmission (when needed), an electronic package (for monitoring and control), and the pump itself. The unit also has intake and outlet manifolds equipped with valves. Modern systems also include electronic components to measure and monitor pump working parameters such as pressure, temperature, etc. Equipment monitoring devices (vibration sensors, microphone...

- by Marius Stan
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- Processes

Sodium alginate (Na-Alg) is water-soluble, neutral, and linear polysaccharide. It is the derivative of alginic acid which comprises 1,4-β-d-mannuronic (M) and α-l-guluronic (G) acids and has the chemical formula (NaC6H7O6). It shows water-soluble, non-toxic, biocompatible, biodegradable, and non-immunogenic properties. It had been used for various biomedical applications, among which the most promising are drug delivery, gene delivery, wound dressing, and wound healing. For different biomedical applications, it is used in different forms with the help of new techniques. That is the reason it had been blended with different polymers. In this review article, we present a comprehensive overview of the combinations of sodium alginate with natural and synthetic polymers and their biomedical applications involving delivery systems. All the scientific/technical issues have been addressed, and we have highlighted the recent advancements.

- by May N Bin-Jumah
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- Materials Science, Processes
- by Carlos Alcedo
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- Functional Traits, Procesos, Processes, Functional diversity

Flavonoids have a broad spectrum of established positive effects on human and animal health. They find an application in medicine for disease therapy and chemoprevention, whence the interest in flavonoids increases. In addition, they are used in food and cosmetic industries as pigments and biopreservatives. Plants are an inexhaustible source of flavonoids. The most important step of plant raw material processing is extraction and isolation of target compounds. The quality of an extract and efficiency of a procedure are influenced by several factors: Plant material and pre-extracting sample preparation, type of solvent, extraction technique, physicochemical conditions, etc. The present overview discusses the common problems and key challenges of the extraction procedures and the different mechanisms for selective extraction of flavonoids from different plant sources. In summary, there is no universal extraction method and each optimized procedure is individual for the respective plan...

- by Donika Ivanova
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- Processes

Today’s global business trends are causing a significant and complex data revolution in the healthcare industry, culminating in the use of artificial intelligence and predictive modeling to improve health outcomes and performance. The dataset, which was referred to is based on consumption data from 2015 to 2019, included approximately 500 goods. Based on a series of data pre-processing activities, the top ten (10) essential medicines most used were chosen, namely cotrimoxazole 480 mg, amoxicillin 250 mg, paracetamol 500 mg, oral rehydration salts (O.R.S) sachet 20.5 g, chlorpheniramine 4 mg, nevirapine 200 mg, aminophylline 100 mg, artemether 20 mg + lumefantrine (AL) 120 mg, Cromoglycate ophthalmic. Our study concentrated on the application of machine learning (ML) to forecast future trends in the demand for essential drugs in Rwanda. The following models were created and applied: linear regression, artificial neural network, and random forest. The random forest was able to predict...

- by Francois MBONYINSHUTI and +1
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- Processes
- by Humberto Zamora
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- Processes, Functions, And

Consumers’ demand for functional fermented food that can fulfill nutritional needs and help maintain a balanced diet while also having a positive impact on one’s health status is increasing all over the world. Thus, healthy choices could include beverages with nutrients and bioactive compounds which can be used as an effective disease-prevention strategy. Regular beer has certain health benefits which inspire further research with the prospect of obtaining special functional beers with little or no alcohol content. As observed, the special beer market remains highly dynamic and is predicted to expand even further. Therefore, brewers need to keep up with the consumers’ interests and needs while designing special beers, namely nonalcoholic beers (NABs), low-alcohol beers (LABs), and craft beers (CBs). Thus, understanding the potential uses of bioactive compounds in special beer, the wide range of therapeutic effects, and the possible mechanisms of action is essential for developing he...

- by Antonella Pasqualone
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- Processes

Aloe vera plant offers a sustainable solution for the removal of various pollutants from water. Due to its chemical composition, Aloe vera has been explored as coagulant/flocculant and biosorbent for water treatment. Most of the used materials displayed significant pollutants removals depending on the used preparation methods. AV-based materials have been investigated and successfully used as coagulant/flocculant for water treatment at laboratory scale. Selected AV-based materials could reduce the solids (total suspended solids (TSS), suspended solids (SS), total dissolved solids (TDS), and dissolved solids (DS)), turbidity, chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), heavy metals, and color, with removal percentages varied depending on the coagulant/flocculant materials and on the wastewater characteristics. In the same context, AV materials can be used as biological flocculant for wastewater sludge treatment, allowing good solid–liquid separation and promoting s...

- by Hamed Harharah
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- Processes

Varied cereal plants including, mushrooms, yeast, bacteria and algae are important sources of β-glucans, and many extraction procedures have been used in order to recover these valuable naturally occurring polysaccharides. The rheological and molecular properties of β-glucans can be utilized to be incorporated into various foods and to offer properties extremely beneficial to human health. Their functional effects are mainly determined by their molecular and structural characteristics. Consumption of foods fortified and enriched with β-glucans can contribute to the treatment of certain chronic diseases. Reduced cholesterol, cardiovascular and diabetic risk and moderate glycemic response of foods have been recorded with the consumption of these biologically active compounds. In addition, β-glucans are characterized by anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities. As β-glucans interact with the foods in which they are incorporated, this review aims to discuss r...

- by Dimitrios Arapoglou
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- Polysaccharides, Bakery Products, Mushrooms, Bread

Polyurethanes are most often called “green” when they contain natural, renewable additives in their network or chemical structure, such as mono- and polysaccharides, oils (mainly vegetable oils), polyphenols (e.g., lignins, tannins), or various compounds derived from agro-waste white biotechnology (Principle 7). This usually results in these polyurethanes obtained from less hazardous substrates (Principle 4). Appropriate modification of polyurethanes makes them susceptible to degradation, and the use of appropriate processes allows for their recycling (Principle 10). However, this fulfilment of other principles also predisposes them to be green. As in the production of other polymer materials, the synthesis of polyurethanes is carried out with the use of catalysts (such as biocatalysts) (Principle 9) with full control of the course of the reaction (Principle 11), which allows maximization of the atomic economy (Principle 2) and an increase in energy efficiency (Principle 6) while mi...

- by Joanna Brzeska
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- Processes

As an easily adapted culture, with overloaded production in some parts of the globe, apples and their by-products are being redirected to pharmaceutical, canning and beverages industries, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Fermentation is generally considered to increase the bioavailability of bioactive compounds found in apple, by impacting, through a high degree of changes, the product’s properties, including composition and health-promoting attributes, as well as their sensory profile. Probiotic apple beverages and apple vinegar are generally considered as safe and healthy products by the consumers. Recently, contributions to human health, both in vivo and in vitro studies, of non-alcoholic fermented apple-based products have been described. This review highlighted the advances in the process optimization of apple-based products considering vinegar, cider, pomace, probiotic beverages and spirits’ technologies. The different processing impacts on physical-chemical, nutritional and ...

- by Teodora Coldea
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- Processes

The mixing process in a mechanically agitated vessel is a widespread phenomenon which plays an important role among industrial processes. In that process, one of the crucial parameters, the mixing efficiency, depends on a large number of geometrical factors, as well as process parameters and complex interactions between the phases which are still not well understood. In the last decade, large progress has been made in optimisation, construction and numerical and experimental analysis of mechanically agitated vessels. In this review, the current state in this field has been presented. It shows that advanced computational fluid dynamic techniques for multiphase flow analysis with reactions and modern experimental techniques can be used with success to analyse in detail mixing features in liquid-liquid, gas-liquid, solid-liquid and in more than two-phase flows. The objective is to show the most important research recently carried out.

- by Anna Młynarczykowska
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- Processes

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) play a vital role in generating, transmitting, disseminating, and applying knowledge. HEIs should always play its role and function based on the knowledge generated, stored, shared, and applied. This... more

Varied cereal plants including, mushrooms, yeast, bacteria and algae are important sources of β-glucans, and many extraction procedures have been used in order to recover these valuable naturally occurring polysaccharides. The rheological and molecular properties of βglucans can be utilized to be incorporated into various foods and to offer properties extremely beneficial to human health. Their functional effects are mainly determined by their molecular and structural characteristics. Consumption of foods fortified and enriched with β-glucans can contribute to the treatment of certain chronic diseases. Reduced cholesterol, cardiovascular and diabetic risk and moderate glycemic response of foods have been recorded with the consumption of these biologically active compounds. In addition, β-glucans are characterized by anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities. As β-glucans interact with the foods in which they are incorporated, this review aims to discuss re...

- by THEODOROS VARZAKAS
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- Polysaccharides, Bakery Products, Mushrooms, Bread

Dividing the discipline’s metaphors between technical and conceptual is a reality not fully explored, nor I believe never noticed. In addition to the multidisciplinary relevance and general use of metaphors, metaphoric axioms, arguments in favor of the stasis of why interior design is an art the two realities of the metaphor work separately and together in six creative ways. Many of my monographs included analyzing and explaining the syllogism:
• Art[I] is the making of metaphors
• Interior design is an art[I]
• Therefore interior design is the making of metaphors.
Art [I] is only when skill is applied with intent and advanced development of some skill.
Till now we did nothing to reason why art [I] is the making of metaphors, nor why interior is an art [I]. Since 1967 I proceeded to analyze the presumptions and find its many applications. This new information in Metaphor and Thought by Andrew Ortony first published in 1979, provides information to support inductive reasoning and to this end each axiom is its own warrant to the inferences of the above syllogism and the answer to questions of why metaphor is the stasis to any of the syllogism’s claims and implications.
The six priciples explain the stasis in terms of metaphor’s two technical and conceptual dimensions. Both are valid separately and even more acceptable in combination. But how do they two operate and how does knowing this benefit design, use and evaluation of built works?
The technical is that all art [I], including interior design, expresses one thing in terms of another by its inherent and distinct craft. On the one hand there is the designer who acts as the owsnere’s surrogate and on the other the fountain of conceptual metaphors which expresses ideas as built conceptual metaphors other wise known as interior desings. Techne is actually a system of practical knowledge as a craft or art informed by knowledge of forms.
For example, the craft of managing a firm ofinterior designers where even virtue is a kind of technê of management and design practice, one that is based on an understanding of the profession, business and market. In this case the technai are such activities as drafting, specifying, managing, negotiating, programming, planning, supervising, and inspection. By association with these technai, we can include decorationg, funiture selection, color coordianation, writing, and painting. So much so that the study and practice of design is devoid from the humanities and downplays theories of design; developing rather the crafts, skill and understandings needed to plan, sketch, draw, delineate, specify, write, and design.
Contemporary interior design is replete with axioms, principles and theorems guiding the geometry, applications of science, use of engineering, and formal logic to produce technical metaphors and justly excluding a whole conversation about the conceptual part of the built metaphor.

- by Barie Fez-Barringten
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- Communication, Design, Instructional Design, Art

In another time when kingdoms created their dynasty’s iconic buildings, the architect and artisans took their ques from the reigning monarch. In our modern pluralistic society the free reign of ideas and opinions as to contexts and their meanings are diverse. As the doctor takes the Hippocratic oath, the lawyer vows to defend all so there is one whose call is to capture the ethos (4.0 The Oxford English Dictionary, is defined as "the characteristic spirit, prevalent tone of sentiment, of a people or community” ) of his time into built metaphors, he is called architect. Not only is my childhood quest relevant but the essence of the responsibility of today’s architect who not only reasons the technical but individually reasons the conceptual. It is to the architect that society turns to be informed about the shape and form of the context in which life will be played. With this charge the need to know that we know and do by reasoning what science verifies by the scientific method to know that we know about the buildings, parks, and places we set into the environment. It is a public and private charge included in the contract for professional services but unspoken as professional life’s experience; to prove the relevant, meaningful and beneficial metaphors that edify encourage and equip society as well as provide for its’ health, safety and welfare. So it is critical to realize, control and accept as commonplace that the role of the architect is to do much more than build but build masterfully.

- by Barie Fez-Barringten
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- Critical Theory, Ethics, Communication, Web 2.0
- by Kostas Matis
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- Processes

Vitamin K is a group of lipophilic molecules. Forms of vitamin K play an essential role in the activation of specific proteins involved in blood clotting cascade or bone metabolism. Another molecule belonging to the fat-soluble vitamins group that also plays an important role in calcium metabolism is vitamin D3. The dietary supplements containing vitamins K and D3 are one of the most frequently consumed by patients. The objective of this work was to develop a simple, fast and sensitive thin-layer chromatography (TLC)-densitometric procedure for the simultaneous quantitative analysis of vitamins K and D3 in pharmaceutical products and dietary supplements. The analysis of vitamins was performed on the silica gel RP-18 F₂₅₄s plates with methanol-ethanol-isopropanol in a volume ratio of 15:1:4 as a mobile phase. The densitometric measurements were made at 254 nm. The method was validated by checking the specificity, linearity, precision, recovery, limit of detection, limit of quantifica...

- by Urszula Hubicka
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- Processes

Plastic production has been increasing at enormous rates. Particularly, the socioenvironmental problems resulting from the linear economy model have been widely discussed, especially regarding plastic pieces intended for single use and disposed improperly in the environment. Nonetheless, greenhouse gas emissions caused by inappropriate disposal or recycling and by the many production stages have not been discussed thoroughly. Regarding the manufacturing processes, carbon dioxide is produced mainly through heating of process streams and intrinsic chemical transformations, explaining why first-generation petrochemical industries are among the top five most greenhouse gas (GHG)-polluting businesses. Consequently, the plastics market must pursue full integration with the circular economy approach, promoting the simultaneous recycling of plastic wastes and sequestration and reuse of CO2 through carbon capture and utilization (CCU) strategies, which can be employed for the manufacture of ...

- by Marina Stella Pimenta
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- Processes

Hydrophobicity and superhydrophobicity with self-cleaning properties are well-known characteristics of several natural surfaces, such as the leaves of the sacred lotus plant (Nelumbo nucifera). To achieve a superhydrophobic state, micro- and nanometer scale topography should be realized on a low surface energy material, or a low surface energy coating should be deposited on top of the micro-nano topography if the material is inherently hydrophilic. Tailoring the surface chemistry and topography to control the wetting properties between extreme wetting states enables a palette of functionalities, such as self-cleaning, antifogging, anti-biofouling etc. A variety of surface topographies have been realized in polymers, ceramics, and metals. Metallic surfaces are particularly important in several engineering applications (e.g., naval, aircrafts, buildings, automobile) and their transformation to superhydrophobic can provide additional functionalities, such as corrosion protection, drag ...

- by Kosmas Ellinas
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- Processes

Nanotechnology, particularly nanoemulsions (NEs), have gained increasing interest from researchers throughout the years. The small-sized droplet with a high surface area makes NEs important in many industries. In this review article, the components, properties, formation, and applications are summarized. The advantages and disadvantages are also described in this article. The formation of the nanosized emulsion can be divided into two types: high and low energy methods. In high energy methods, high-pressure homogenization, microfluidization, and ultrasonic emulsification are described thoroughly. Spontaneous emulsification, phase inversion temperature (PIT), phase inversion composition (PIC), and the less known D-phase emulsification (DPE) methods are emphasized in low energy methods. The applications of NEs are described in three main areas which are food, cosmetics, and drug delivery.

- by azrini azmi
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- Processes

In recent years, there has been a surge of interest in char production from lignocellulosic biomass due to the fact of char’s interesting technological properties. Global char production in 2019 reached 53.6 million tons. Barks are among the most important and understudied lignocellulosic feedstocks that have a large potential for exploitation, given bark global production which is estimated to be as high as 400 million cubic meters per year. Chars can be produced from barks; however, in order to obtain the desired char yields and for simulation of the pyrolysis process, it is important to understand the differences between barks and woods and other lignocellulosic materials in addition to selecting a proper thermochemical method for bark-based char production. In this state-of-the-art review, after analyzing the main char production methods, barks were characterized for their chemical composition and compared with other important lignocellulosic materials. Following these steps, pr...

- by H. Pereira
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- Processes
- by IJERA Journal
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- Fuzzy Logic, Routing, Scheduling, Matlab

A critical review on the synthesis, characterization, and modeling of polymer grafting is presented. Although the motivation stemmed from grafting synthetic polymers onto lignocellulosic biopolymers, a comprehensive overview is also provided on the chemical grafting, characterization, and processing of grafted materials of different types, including synthetic backbones. Although polymer grafting has been studied for many decades—and so has the modeling of polymer branching and crosslinking for that matter, thereby reaching a good level of understanding in order to describe existing branching/crosslinking systems—polymer grafting has remained behind in modeling efforts. Areas of opportunity for further study are suggested within this review.

- by Alberto Rosas-Aburto
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- Processes

Lab-on-a-Disc (LoaD) biosensors are increasingly a promising solution for many biosensing applications. In the search for a perfect match between point-of-care (PoC) microfluidic devices and biosensors, the LoaD platform has the potential to be reliable, sensitive, low-cost, and easy-to-use. The present global pandemic draws attention to the importance of rapid sample-to-answer PoC devices for minimising manual intervention and sample manipulation, thus increasing the safety of the health professional while minimising the chances of sample contamination. A biosensor is defined by its ability to measure an analyte by converting a biological binding event to tangible analytical data. With evolving manufacturing processes for both LoaDs and biosensors, it is becoming more feasible to embed biosensors within the platform and/or to pair the microfluidic cartridges with low-cost detection systems. This review considers the basics of the centrifugal microfluidics and describes recent devel...

- by Celina Miyazaki
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- Processes

In the biogas plants, organic material is converted to biogas under anaerobic conditions through physical and biochemical processes. From supply of the raw material to the arrival of the products to customers, there are serial processes which should be sufficiently monitored for optimizing the efficiency of the whole process. In particular, the anaerobic digestion process, which consists of sequential complex biological reactions, requires improved monitoring to prevent inhibition. Conventional implemented methods at the biogas plants are not adequate for monitoring the operational parameters and finding the correlation between them. As Artificial Intelligence has been integrated in different areas of life, the integration of it into the biogas production process will be inevitable for the future of the biogas plant operation. This review paper first examines the need for monitoring at the biogas plants with giving details about the process and process monitoring as well. In the fol...

- by Ihsanullah Sohoo
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- Processes