Absorption Capacity Research Articles

Production of Biopolymer & Preparation of Soap Using Chitin and Chitosan from Brachyura Shell

Collagen, an extracellular protein, was extracted from eggshells using a combination of 5% EDTA, 0.45 M NaCl, 0.2% NaOH, 0.2% H₂SO₄, 0.7% citric acid, and 10% HCl, while chitosan, a naturally occurring polysaccharide, was extracted from crab shells (Brachyura) through demineralization with 1N Hydrochloric acid, deproteinization using 6% sodium hydroxide solution, and deacetylation with 40% NaOH, followed by decolorization using potassium permanganate and oxalic acid. The proximate analysis of chitosan revealed an ash content of 32% and a moisture content of 4.13%, while the protein content of the extracted collagen was found to be 70 µg/dL, with an alternative method indicating 75 µg, equivalent to BSA. The molecular weights of collagen and chitosan were determined to be 300 kilodaltons and 190-310 kilodaltons, respectively, and their purity was confirmed using FTIR analysis. Hydrogels were prepared using a combination of collagen and chitosan and were tested for water absorption capacity and antimicrobial activity, demonstrating that both biomaterials possess significant antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Additionally, chitosan’s biocompatibility supports its use in creating edible films that can interact with other biopolymers and additives, indicating its potential for various industrial and biomedical applications.

Mechanical energy absorption capacity of the porous Ti-6Al-4V alloy under quasi-static and dynamic compression

Porous materials are very efficient in absorbing mechanical energy in different applications. In the present study, porous materials based on the Ti-6(wt.%)Al-4V alloy were manufactured with the use of two different powder metallurgy methods: i) blended elemental powder approach using titanium hydride (TiH2) as well as V-Al master alloy powders and ii) using hydrogenated Ti-6-4 pre-alloyed powder. The powder compacts were sintered with additions of ammonium bicarbonate as a pore-holding removable agent. The emission of hydrogen from hydrogenated powders on vacuum sintering and the resulting shrinkage of powder particles permitted the control of the sintering process and creation of anticipated porous structures. Mechanical characteristics were evaluated under quasi-static and dynamic compressive loading conditions. Dynamic compression tests were performed using the direct impact Hopkinson pressure bar technique. All investigations aimed at characterizing the mechanical energy-absorbing ability of the obtained porous structures. The anticipated strength, plasticity, and energy-absorbing characteristics of porous Ti-6-4 material were evaluated, and the possibilities of their application were also discussed. Based on the obtained results, it was found that porous Ti-6-4 material produced with a blended elemental powder approach showed more promising energy absorption properties in comparison with pre-alloyed powder.

The effect of knowledge acquisition from social media on competitive intelligence process: the mediating role of absorptive capacity

PurposeWhile existing literature offers valuable insights into social media knowledge, absorptive capacity, and competitive intelligence, it does not fully address the integrated activities involved in generating valuable knowledge. This study aims to address this gap by investigating how high-tech companies leverage knowledge acquired from social media, mediated through absorptive capacity, to generate valuable competitive intelligence.Design/methodology/approachA total of 270 valid responses were collected from high-tech company managers through an online survey. PROCESS Model 4, employing 5,000 bootstrap samples and 95% confidence intervals, was used to assess the constructs of interest. Using the Knowledge-Based View, this approach tested the mediating role of companies' absorptive capacity in the association between knowledge acquisition from social media and competitive intelligence processes.FindingsThe results indicate that knowledge acquisition from social media, both directly and indirectly (through absorptive capacity), positively influences competitive intelligence processes, including collection and analysis.Practical implicationsAcquiring knowledge from social media does not necessarily lead to superior intelligence in companies. This study helps managers focus on enhancing companies' absorptive capacity for more effective competitive intelligence processes.Originality/valueThis study investigates the role of absorptive capacity in terms of the connection between acquiring knowledge from social media and competitive intelligence. The findings have significant theoretical and managerial implications, providing valuable insights that could help high-tech company managers improve intelligence generation in their companies.

Study on the Relationship Between Dual Network Embeddedness and Subsidiary Innovative Performance

This article explores the relationships between the dual network embeddedness of subsidiaries (group internal network embeddedness and group external network embeddedness) and subsidiary innovative performance in emerging economies within the context of the digital economy. Using the Structural Equation Model (SEM) to analyze survey data from 182 subsidiaries of Chinese manufacturing enterprises. The findings of the study reveal the effect of the two dimensions (structural embeddedness and relational embeddedness) of intra- and extra-group network embeddedness on the two dimensions of absorptive capacity, and innovative performance at the subsidiary level. It clarifies the chain mediating effects of the two dimensions of subsidiary absorptive capacity on subsidiary innovative performance, as well as the direct impact of subsidiary potential absorptive capacity on subsidiary innovative performance.

Effect of germination on the physico-functional and nutritional profile of barnyard millet ()(VL-172)

: Barnyard millet is well-known for its abundant nutrients and adaptability, making it a promising candidate for product innovation, especially by exploring new processing methods like germination to boost its nutritional value and effectiveness. It is vital to examine both the physico-functional and nutrient characteristics of barnyard millet in order to fully harness their nutritional advantages in product development. Understanding factors such as grain size and properties like water and oil absorption capacity is crucial for creating inventive, nutritionally enriched foods that can meet a variety of dietary requirements and gain wider market acceptance.: This scientific approach fosters the effects of germination on the physico-functional and nutritional properties of Barnyard millet. : Barnyard millet was collected and soaked for 12 hours and germinated in different time intervals, then dehydrated at 110°C for 4 hours. Physical properties such as kernel size and volume were analysed. Functional properties, including oil and water absorption capacity, water solubility and nutritional analysis were conducted. The study revealed that as the germination time increased, the length-width ratio increased, accompanied by a slight increase in 1000 kernel weight, volume and decrease in bulk density of germinated millet. Furthermore, functional properties such as oil absorption capacity, water absorption capacity and water solubility index increased with germination time, contributing to improved texture. There was increase in protein and fiber, slight decrease in fat content. The mineral content was increased upon germination. The obtained results indicated slight variations in the physical and functional and nutritional characteristics of barnyard millet and its flour upon germination.

Has digital transformation enhanced the resilience of manufacturing enterprises?

As environmental uncertainty and market competition intensify, the impact of digital transformation on the survival and development of enterprises has garnered increasing attention. This paper empirically examines the influence of digital transformation on the resilience of manufacturing firms, based on data from Chinese-listed manufacturing companies from 2013 to 2022. Additionally, the study also analyzes the role of dynamic capabilities in this process. It is found that digital transformation significantly enhances the resilience of manufacturing enterprises, primarily through improving their stability and growth. Extended regression results indicate that the breadth of digitalization significantly boosts firm resilience, while the impact of the depth of digitalization on resilience varies with the type of technology implemented. Mechanism tests from the perspective of dynamic capabilities reveal that digital transformation enhances organizational resilience by improving adaptive and absorptive capacities. Further analysis shows that in the face of significant unexpected shocks, enterprises that have implemented digital transformation exhibit significantly greater resilience compared to those that have not. These findings provide theoretical insights and practical references for leveraging digital potential, enhancing organizational resilience, and achieving high-quality economic and social development.

Improving broadband absorption of carbon dot conjugated melanin via pre-doping strategy as interfacial photothermal evaporator

Photothermal seawater desalination harnesses solar energy to induce heat and expediates seawater evaporation and purification. The desalination efficacy heavily relies on the light absorption capability and microstructure of the solar evaporator. Polydopamine (PDA) represents a typical synthetic melanin with broad spectral absorption characteristics. However, its absorption capacity within the near-infrared (NIR) region is limited, leading to inadequate photothermal conversion efficiency. To overcome this challenge, we adopt a straightforward approach involving the pre-doping of N,S-doped carbon quantum dots (N,S-CQDs) with dopamine through covalent interaction to fabricate CQDs-loaded mesoporous polydopamine (MPDA-8). This strategy effectively reduces the band gap of PDA by fostering additional donor–acceptor pairs and π-stacking structures, thereby broadening the absorption capacity across the UV–Vis-NIR spectrum through nonradiative transitions. The MPDA-8 coated Balsa wood and cellulose evaporator achieved high evaporation rates of 1.82 kg m−2 h−1 and 2.10 kg m−2 h−1, respectively, overcoming the limit of 2D interfacial evaporator. The small pores and fiber channels within the wood, coupled with the hydrophilicity of MPDA-8, facilitates efficient water transportation and reduces evaporation enthalpy. Outdoor evaporation experiments conducted under sunlight corroborated the practical viability of this material. This study introduces a new perspective for advancing synthetic melanins in photothermal applications through the nanoparticle pre-doping strategy.

Behavior of recycled aggregates treated with cement paste with respect to capillary absorption and flexion

Recycling waste from destroyed structure as a new resource of aggregates has several technical, economic and environmental advantages although it should be noted that these aggregates have disadvantages which can reduce the mechanical concrete properties, one of the most important is the water absorption problem. The waste valorisation industry stands as an alternative solution, effectively managing waste while also preserving natural resources. In this context, the present study consists to recover waste resulting from demolition of old Sonalgaz (Electrical poles) columns built in 1947 in the wilaya of Mostaganem. The obtained aggregates are enveloped by the old cement paste, which is known for its porous nature, resulting in a significant water absorption capacity. For that purpose, it was advisable to determine the required absorbed water quantity to saturate a specific recycled aggregates (RA) volume. In this work, we have opted for the method of cement paste treatment of the aggregates 3/8 mm and 8/16 mm. This method involves covering them by a film of cement paste and letting them dry for 28 days. Additionally, this study includes an analysis of the physical properties of natural and recycled aggregates, both before and after treatment, along with their impact on the mechanical properties of concrete mixes containing fully pre-saturated aggregates (100% RA) and a blend of half recycled and half natural aggregates (50% RA + 50% NA). These results are compared to reference concrete made solely with 100% natural aggregates (NA).

Estimating the Impact of Sectoral Output on Employment for Nigeria Economy (1981-2021)

The purpose of this research is to determine the employment effects of contributions to GDP by the main sectors in the context of Nigeria and to understand the relative importance of each sector. This study investigates the contributions of the three broad sectors of the economy to total employment over the period 1981 to 2021 using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) technique. Sectoral output was proxied by agricultural GDP, industry GDP and services GDP respectively while employment was measured by total number of employed persons. The Bounds test signaled the existence of cointegrating relationships between the series at both aggregated and disaggregated levels, necessitating both short and long run analysis for the study. The best performing sector in terms of employment intensity is the agricultural sector suggesting its labour-intensive nature. The impact of growth in industrial sector on employment appears to be a case of jobless growth while the impact of increases in service sector GDP on employment appears to be more like the case of job-loss growth. The agricultural sector supports growth-led employment for Nigeria while the service sector negates it. The service and industry sectors have low labour absorption capacity as the former is technology-driven while the latter is capital-intensive. The government should as a matter of urgency improve on its provision of finance and other support services to the agricultural sector. It is also necessary to devise verifiable methods to attract the teeming young population to actively participate in the agricultural sector with a view to developing its value chain. A growing service sector and a shrinking agricultural sector can only at best perpetuate the already challenging unemployment situation in Nigeria. The government should conduct an audit of the country’s agricultural sector for an in-depth understanding of the needs and then prioritise these needs in public expenditure allocations while ensuring that targeted funds get to those who are active farmers.

Insights into potential of banana leaf powder as a mud soil stabilizer

This study proposes a novel method for managing surplus soil in urban construction projects by investigating the use of banana leaf powder (BLP) as an eco-friendly and efficient mud-soil stabilizer. This study is pioneering in its focus on the use of an agricultural waste product, BLP, as an alternative to conventional methods that frequently rely on cement or lime, which pose environmental concerns owing to their high alkalinity and carbon emissions. BLP, derived from dried and pulverized banana leaves, traditionally used in various industries, was evaluated for its suitability as a stabilizer against orange peel biopolymer (OBP) and fly ash (FA). The findings of this study are groundbreaking. BLP's water absorption capacity, Wab, although lower than that of OBP, was significantly higher than that of FA, demonstrating its potential as a mud soil stabilizer. BLP increased the compaction and strength of the treated clay, whereas OBP made it more challenging to compact the clay owing to gelatinization. The ease of compaction with BLP is attributed to the absorption of free water into the pores of the particles. These results suggest that differences in the stabilizer's water absorption mechanism affect the effectiveness of the post-treatment compaction process on the treated soil. An analysis of the impact of water absorption capacity on the cone index, qc, revealed a material-independent relationship between the parameter β (=Wab × A, where A denotes stabilizer addition content) and qc for BLP and FA. This is because, in contrast to OBP, BLP and FA did not gelatinize the free water that was not absorbed by the stabilizer and remained in the same form within the treated clay. This indicates that understanding the water absorption capacity and mechanism of organic- or inorganic-based stabilizers is important for predicting the strength of treated soil. The same relationship between β and qc holds true for the hybrid-treated clay using both BLP and FA, with β considered to be the sum of β for both BLP and FA. Furthermore, this study innovatively addresses the concern of BLP decay in treated soil by creating a hybrid stabilizer with FA and conducting experiments to accelerate BLP decay using fungal mycelia. These experiments revealed that the hybrid-treated clay exhibited a more gradual decrease in carbon content and stabilized pH levels, implying that FA could inhibit decay by fungal mycelia, improving the BLP-treated soil's long-term durability. These findings suggest that agricultural wastes with high organic content can be effectively used for soil stabilization and ground improvement in civil engineering construction and maintenance projects by combining inorganic materials and taking advantage of their properties, such as high water absorbency. This can address the issues (such as high alkalinity and high carbon dioxide emissions) associated with cement- and lime-based stabilizers, which were previously widely used.

Extraction Method Effects on Structural Properties and Functional Characteristics of Dietary Fiber Extracted from Ginseng Residue.

In this research, the dietary fibers (DFs) from ginseng residue were extracted by employing three different extraction methods (alkaline: AL, acidic: AC, enzymatic: EN). The extracted DFs were characterized in terms of their structural and functional properties. The results clearly showed that, regardless of the extraction methods, all DF samples exhibited representative infrared spectral features. The DF extracted by AC (citric acid) had more porous structures with a looser configuration, in conjunction with high apparent viscosity, whereas the DF extracted by EN (α-amylase and protease) exhibited higher thermal stability. Moreover, the monosaccharide composition of the DF samples was significantly influenced by the extraction method type. The DF from ginseng residue extracted by AC had the highest functional properties, such as water holding capacity (8.16 g/g), oil holding capacity (3.99 g/g), water swelling capacity (8.13 g/g), cholesterol-absorption capacity (12.85 mg/g), bile acid absorption capacity (91.51 mg/g), nitrite ion absorption capacity (124.38 ug/g at pH 2.0), glucose absorption capacity (52.67 mg/g at 150 mmol/L), as compared to those of DF extracted by the EN and AL (sodium hydroxide) methods. Hence, ginseng residue-derived DF extracted by the AC method may be potentially employed in the preparation of functional food ingredients.

Proximate, structural, textural, sensory and microbiological properties of non-gluten extrudate using Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) and a sprouted legume (Phaseolus lunatus L.).

The inclusion of legumes as functional ingredients in a gluten-free extrusion process has been gaining attention in recent times. In this study, sorghum and germinated lima bean flour (100, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40 and 50:50) was extruded (feed moisture - 18%, screw speed - 250 rpm, barrel temperatures 50 °C-120 °C-120 °C, die hole diameter - 3 mm) and analysed for functional, proximate, textural, structural, pasting, microbiological and sensory properties. With 100% sorghum used as control, lima beans addition significantly (p < 0.05) improved the loose (0.37-0.44 g/ml) and packed (0.63-0.72 g/ml) bulk density, while water (5.00-3.15 g/g) and oil (2.45-1.60 g/g) absorption capacity and expansion ratio (3.11-2.30) decreased, respectively. An increase in protein (12.77-18.00%), crude fibre (2.58-5.17%) and ash content (2.11-3.12%) were observed in the extrudate, while the (L*) colour parameter (54.49-43.62), hardness (180.04-78.36 N) and pasting viscosities reduced with addition of lima beans. The structural micrograph depicted air-trapped bubbles with thick walls after adding lima beans, while a notable decline in microbial count below approved limits was observed after 8 weeks of storage. Sensory scores showed that values obtained were above average with the 90:10 sorghum-lima bean ratio having the highest score. The economic and industrial value of underutilised legumes such as lima bean can be promoted as functional ingredients via extrusion in addressing coeliac disease and alternative sources of protein, especially in developing countries.

Mechanical Characteristics of Hardened Concrete with Different Types of Cement and Aggregate Available in Bangladesh

This paper presents the results of an investigation on the influence of aggregate and binding material type on the mechanical properties of hardened concrete. To perform this investigation, four different types of coarse aggregate (Brick Aggregate, Recycled Brick Aggregate, Black Stone and Shingles) and eight types of binding material [Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), CEM Type II B-M, CEM Type II B-M-SL, 40% OPC – 60% Slag CEM IIIA, 80% OPC – 20% Slag(CEM II/A-S), 70% OPC – 30% Slag(CEM II/B-S), 30% OPC –70% Slag(CEM-IIIB), 15% OPC –85% Slag(CEM-IIIC)] have been used. Aggregates were collected and prepared according to grading requirements of ASTM C33-03. Several tests as specific gravity, absorption capacity, unit weight and abrasion resistance were performed for coarse aggregate. Cylindrical concrete specimens of diameter 100 mm and length 200 mm were made with different W/C ratio (0.45 and 0.5) and cement content (340 kg/m3 and 400 kg/m3). A total of 42 different cases were considered for testing. The specimens were tested for compressive strength, stress-strain curve and Young’s modulus at the age of 28 days. Non-destructive test as Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) were also performed. To conduct UPV test Portable Ultrasonic Non-destructive Digital Indicating Tester (PUNDIT) were used. The major objective of this study was to investigate the mechanical characteristics of concrete for different types of aggregate and binding materials. The significance of those results is discussed here.

Programmable heterogeneous lamellar lattice architecture for dual mechanical protection

Shear bands frequently appear in lattice architectures subjected to compression, leading to an unstable stress-strain curve and global deformation. This deformation mechanism reduces their energy absorption and loading-bearing capacity and causes the architectures to prioritize mechanical protection of external components at the expense of the entire structure. Here, we leverage the design freedom offered by additive manufacturing and the geometrical relation of dual-phase nanolamellar crystals to fabricate heterogeneous lamellar lattice architectures consisting of body-centered cubic (BCC) and face-centered cubic (FCC) unit cells in alternating lamella. The lamellar lattice demonstrates more than 10 and 9 times higher specific energy absorption and energy absorption efficiency, respectively, compared to the BCC lattice. The drastic improvement arises as the nucleation of shear bands is inhibited by the discrete energy threshold for plastic buckling of adjacent heterogeneous lattice lamella during loading. Despite its lower density than the FCC lattice, the lamellar lattice exhibits significant enhancement in plateau stress and crushing force efficiency, attributed to the strengthening effect induced by simultaneous deformation of unit cells in the BCC lattice lamella and the resulting cushion shielding effect. The design improves the global mechanical properties, making lamellar lattices compare favorably against numerous materials proposed for mechanical protection. Additionally, it provides opportunities to program the local mechanical response, achieving programmable internal protection alongside overall external protection. This work provides a different route to design lattice architecture by combining internal and external dual mechanical protection, enabling a generation of multiple mechanical protectors in aerospace, automotive, and transportation fields.

Impact of green inclusive leadership on employee green creativity: mediating roles of green passion and green absorptive capacity

PurposeOrganizations encourage green creativity among their employees to reduce environmental pollution and attain sustainable development. Green, inclusive leadership can produce positive outcomes and influence employees' green innovation. However, green inclusive leadership and green creativity are empirically less examined in the sustainability literature. Therefore, this study theorized a conceptual model based on the organizational creativity theory to explore the influence of green inclusive leadership on employees’ green creativity. It also aimed to explore the intermediating effect of green passion and green absorptive capacity on the relationship between green inclusive leadership and green creativity.Design/methodology/approachData were gathered through a self-administered questionnaire-based survey from 540 employees of a manufacturing enterprise in China. The hypotheses were analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique.FindingsThe findings reveal that green inclusive leadership positively and significantly influences employees' green creativity. Moreover, the results show that green passion and green absorptive capacity play positive mediating roles in the relationship between green inclusive leadership and green creativity.Practical implicationsThis study offers practical implications for Chinese manufacturing enterprises, where green inclusive leadership is essential to enhance green passion, green absorptive capacity and green creativity among employees.Originality/valueDrawing upon the organizational creativity theory, this research study is novel because it is one of the few empirical research studies to explore green inclusive leadership and green creativity in Chinese manufacturing enterprises. It further establishes the positive mediating role of green passion and green absorptive capacity in the relationship between green inclusive leadership and green creativity.

Investigating the effect of Cu underlayer and FTO etching towards photoelectrochemical performance enhancement of Cu2O photoelectrode

Cuprous oxide (Cu2O) exhibits potential as a photoactive material for photoelectrochemical water splitting, owing to its appropriate bandgap, efficient charge carrier separation, and ability to enhance solar-driven hydrogen production. This study investigates the influence of substrate etching, Cu underlayer and Cu2O electrodeposition time, and annealing time on enhancing the photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance. Electrodeposition and thermal oxidation techniques were used to fabricate the Cu2O/Cu/FTOe-A photocathode. It has been observed that FTO etching improves adhesion, light transmission, and efficiency. A Cu underlayer also impacts the PEC performance, wherein an ideal thickness of Cu leads to enhanced PEC performance. This study also focuses on the annealing time that leads to CuO layers and nanowires forming on the Cu2O surface. The structural and chemical changes before and after annealing are confirmed via XRD, XPS, AFM and FESEM analyses. UV–Vis analysis also reveals that the presence of Cu underlayer, FTO etching, and the annealing process affect the electrical properties and light absorption capacities of the Cu2O photoelectrode. Electrochemical impedance analysis (EIS) and Mott-Schottky analysis have provided insights into the enhanced charge transfer properties and band bending in the Cu2O/Cu/FTOe-A, resulting in enhanced PEC performance. Overall, this study provides significant insights into the understanding and enhancement of Cu2O/Cu/FTOe-A photocathodes for potential use in PEC water splitting applications.

New Eco-Cements Made with Marabou Weed Biomass Ash

Biomass ash is currently attracting the attention of science and industry as an inexhaustible eco-friendly alternative to pozzolans traditionally used in commercial cement manufacture (fly ash, silica fume, natural/calcined pozzolan). This paper explores a new line of research into Marabou weed ash (MA), an alternative to better-known conventional agro-industry waste materials (rice husk, bagasse cane, bamboo, forest waste, etc.) produced in Cuba from an invasive plant harvested as biomass for bioenergy production. The study entailed full characterization of MA using a variety of instrumental techniques, analysis of pozzolanic reactivity in the pozzolan/lime system, and, finally its influence on the physical and mechanical properties of binary pastes and mortars containing 10% and 20% MA replacement content. The results indicate that MA has a very low acid oxide content and a high loss on ignition (30%) and K2O content (6.9%), which produces medium–low pozzolanic activity. Despite an observed increase in the blended mortars’ total and capillary water absorption capacity and electrical resistivity and a loss in mechanical strength approximately equivalent to the replacement percentage, the 10% and 20% MA blended cements meet the regulatory chemical, physical, and mechanical requirements specified. Marabou weed ash is therefore a viable future supplementary cementitious material.

Low-carbon cementitious composite incorporated with biochar and recycled fines suitable for 3D printing applications: hydration, shrinkage and early-age performance

In recent years, the construction industry has witnessed significant advancements in concrete technology, particularly with the integration of 3D printing in cement-based materials. While this innovation offers promising opportunities for the sector, the high binder and fine particle content of 3D printing mixes presents a substantial environmental challenge due to their considerable carbon footprint. To mitigate this impact, strategies often involve substituting portions of the binder or aggregate with waste materials. This article presents a comparative analysis of two promising approaches to reducing the carbon footprint of 3D printing concrete mixes by partially replacing cement with biochar and recycled fines. The study examines the effects of these materials on the rheological properties and early-age hydration processes of the 3D printing mix. A reference mix (REF) was established, followed by the development of eight additional mixes, with four incorporating biochar and four incorporating recycled fines, each replacing 1.25%, 2.5%, 5%, and 10% of the cement volume. The findings indicate that recycled fines have a neutral effect on the spread flow diameter of the mixture but increase initial deformations in printed elements. Conversely, biochar, due to its water absorption capacity, reduces fluidity, enhancing buildability by enabling faster printing with minimal initial deformation. Additionally, replacing up to 2.5 vol.% of cement with either material accelerates the normalized heat flow, contributing to a quicker gain in mechanical properties. However, biochar increases shrinkage deformations within the first 12 hours, while recycled fines mitigate them. Importantly, replacing up to 10 vol.% of cement with these materials does not significantly compromise early compressive strength.

Augmentation strategy toward superior water absorption performance: An attempt utilizing [EMIm]Ac ionic liquid/water pair

Ionic liquids (ILs) offer significant advantages as alternative absorbents in absorption refrigeration cycles due to their superior physicochemical properties. Assessing the performance of new IL-based working pairs in absorption systems is essential for their rapid application in industrial applications. This study evaluates the water absorption performance of an aqueous solution of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([EMIM]Ac) under both saturated atmospheric and vacuum conditions. Additionally, the performance of an absorption chiller utilizing the [EMIM]Ac/H2O working pair was analysed using the Aspen Plus process simulator. A discrepancy was observed between the water vapor pressure in the air and the saturated vapor pressure of the aqueous solution at equilibrium. A theoretical criterion for the minimum relative humidity required for effective water vapor absorption by this absorbent at a given mass fraction is proposed. Under vacuum conditions, lower absolute pressure or higher mass fraction enhances absorption. Surfactants significantly improve absorption performance, with 2-octanol and 1-octanol demonstrating approximately double the absorption capacity compared to [EMIM]Ac. Higher mass fractions of the aqueous solution enhance the absorption rate but reduce the desorption rate. The coefficient of performance (COP) of the system decreases with increasing pressure and mass fraction, reaching a peak of 0.9 at a mass fraction of 20 % and a pressure of 3 kPa. Lower pressure and mass fraction enhance exergy efficiency.

Enhancing ERP Usage Through Absorptive Capacity: A Case Study from Indonesia Enterprise

This research investigates the effect of individual users' absorptive capacity to the usage of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) at PT ABC, a transportation company in Indonesia. Utilizing Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). This study tests the relationships between three facets of absorptive capacity and ERP usage. This study revealed that among aspects of absorptive capacity, only the capacity associated with applying ERP knowledge directly affects ERP usage. Meanwhile, prior understanding and proficiency in integrating ERP systems have a significant indirect impact on ERP usage performance. Based on these findings, it is suggested that PT ABC strengthens individual employees' absorptive capacities and encourages them to acquire ERP expertise before implementation. Moreover, cultivating a culture that supports collaboration and knowledge sharing is crucial for maximizing the benefits of ERP systems within the organization. Implementing these strategies is expected to improve ERP adoption outcomes at PT ABC